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Herman Creek

Posted by drm (2008-05-20)

I camped at Swamp Creek Camp, a little over seven miles up Herman Creek, on Sunday night. It's well named. Most of the trail contours along a steep forested hill, but there is a broad flat area at this campsite. Dozens could easily find space to camp, and have some privacy still. It's not just a little cleared flat spot next to the trail, like many of these creek camps.

The snow just recently melted so there are ponds all over, the ground is soggy in places, and the mosquitoes are just starting to appear. I'd say there was about 60% snow coverage there, with only a few patches to walk on to get there. If the forest wasn't so thick, the snow would have melted off, but little sunlight penetrates the huge trees. Any open area is melted out and probably dry.

I considered continuing to Noble Camp, but the increasing snow and some down trees made the trail impossible to follow. I could just contour along Herman Creek, since the trail crosses it in another half mile or so, but water was high and crossing Herman Creek would have been a big wade. I even had to wade across one of the tributaries (low calf depth), I think it was Slide Creek, along the way.

Pictures are here.

Re: Herman Creek

Posted by joerunner (2008-05-20)

Herman Creek trail is one of my favorite places. Thanks for the report.

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