Fifteen Mile Creek Loop - 6-20-17
- dmthomas49
- Posts: 267
- Joined: May 16th, 2013, 6:51 am
Fifteen Mile Creek Loop - 6-20-17
I really enjoyed this hike! The terrain is varied and a change from the types of trees that we see in the Western Gorge. The trail is a loop of a little over 10 miles. We hiked it counter clock-wise. In this direction, the last 5 miles are mostly uphill. In the other direction you would get some relief with flat parklands. But in the end, the elevation gain and loss are the same in both directions. There were a lot of trees down, but the trail was clear. We saw only 5 other people, all mountain bikers. Apparently this is a popular destination for them. The hike down provided some nice views of open parklands and flowered meadows. We encountered this interesting scene that looks like the tree eating the rock. I am sure the rock was there first but the tree is doing its best to eliminate the rock. The view from the ridges allows you to see how the landscape is changing from forested to drier areas. The mid-point is at the Fifteen mile Creek-Cedar Creek-Underhill Trail Junction. There is new signage on the trail that looks to have just been placed this year. This was a good place for us to stop for a snack and water break. We could tell that it was drier here as we were needing to take water more often. Glad that we brought our camelbacks!
The 5 mile hike back to the trailhead is mostly up, with gradual slopes, but a few steeper areas. We saw a lot more flowers and some succulents on the way up. Also some neat gnarled trees. Also saw this interesting set of flowers being overlooked by moss covered branches that remind me of Dr. Seuss characters. Arrived back at the trailhead in almost exactly 5 hours.
I will definitely want to do this hike again, maybe in the fall next time!
"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."
— John Muir
— John Muir
Re: Fifteen Mile Creek Loop - 6-20-17
Nice trip report. I've been meaning to check this trail out. Those pink flowers are Bitter-root btw.
- dmthomas49
- Posts: 267
- Joined: May 16th, 2013, 6:51 am
Re: Fifteen Mile Creek Loop - 6-20-17
Thanks. My flower identification skills are severely lacking!
"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."
— John Muir
— John Muir