Washboard has style and folklore. Boldly going down a sharp ridge between Bear Creek and the Minam River, it offers dramatic visuals and precarious footing. Many stock have perished along the trail, especially on the Devil's Staircase where a pile of bones still remains below the rubble. You'll definitely know when you reach the staircase. The trail isn't that dangerous for hikers, but those with animals probably should avoid it or at least don't leave them tethered together on the rough stuff.
Just south of Standley Guard Station, there is an intersection that is clearly marked Washboard Trail. It quickly disappears in the bunchgrass but is well marked by cairns with big poles. I am not sure what is going on here because the old trail stayed higher on the ridge and still somewhat exists. In any case, if you follow the poles you'll be back on a more visible trail. It pretty quickly starts getting on the rugged slopes above the Minam. You get good visuals of the Backbone Ridge and Reds Horse ranch far below. It clings to the sidehill where you can see into the high peaks of the Eagle Cap. You follow along the west side of the ridge much of the trail, until reaching the Devils Staircase which delivers you (hopefully) through a saddle and onto the east side of the ridge for a short bit. After wrapping around the west side of Gar you come back onto the east side to drop down a bit to the intersection with Miners Basin Trail.
Currently this trails is only shown to Miners Basin. More information will be provided later when the trail is tracked to the finish.
