Another trip up Fern Creek (I discovered that what I've been referring to as Black Bear Creek has a name already assigned to it in the field guide), was one of the best bush-whacks I've done in a while. While the hike in rated among the most challenging miles I've done in the Gorge, on the way out, I followed the same game path the entire way from the falls all the way to the Eagle Creek trail (though in all honesty it is not as easy as it sounds). While I am typically a good route-finder, I ended up picking perhaps the most draining way imaginable to get to the falls. It involved deep timber, steep slopes, loose scree, high cliffs, and slick rock.
After my first trip in, I had thought that a route up high would make the trip easier, navigating around most of the heavy fallen timber down below. This did not at all prove so. Instead, I went up and down steep gullies, found myself boxed in by cliffs, etc... So, if you are fortunate enough to discover the magic trail, this trip might feel easy, but if you don't, you should be prepared for a very draining bush-whack (physically more demanding than Swaawa or Wahe falls trips).
Eventually I made it to the base of lower Black Bear Falls, and as exhausted as I was from my circutus route in, I almost decided to call it a day and head back. Still that elusive upper falls was pulling at me. So with a camera and tripod in tote, I decided I had to get there. Doing so proved easier than expected, involving climbing a steep 100 foot slope above lower Black Bear, and then following the stream up a couple hundred feet to one of the most majestic back-country falls in the Gorge. Upper Black Bear is a beautiful 100ft giant, pouring into a grand amphitheater. I was awestruck standing at the base.
Andy, Bryan, Jamey, Tom and Don, you guys owe it to yourselves to check these waterfalls out. It is a very rewarding hike. Sorenson and Tish falls pale in comparison to these two falls (Lower Black Bear and Upper Black Bear) The upper falls is about 300 feet back, and the amphitheater is truly majestic, and beautifully secluded. To make it better yet, both falls are beautifully formed, with lots of photogenic potential.
However, do take this hike seriously. While it does not look difficult on the map, and if you do luck out and find the animal path, the hike might not seem difficult, it has the potential to be a serious endeavor, recommended only to those with back-country experience. It requires good route-finding skills, good endurance, and good ankles.
I was dismayed to find an old helium ballon, with Happy Birthday on it on a ledge in the cliff band above (which I packed out). However, I also found a lot of neat things, including several different types of flowers, unusual clump formation deer scat, a leaf with perfectly round marble-like balls attached, and several dramatic overhangs. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip (unlike a very cold and brief Easter trip the day before, in which I forded a very high, fast and cold Eagle creek in drizzling rain, only to decide it was too wet for my plans and headed back).
For those who make the journey, be prepared for one of the most beautiful payoffs the Gorge offers. |
