Douglas Creek Canyon - South — Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

Armed with Gaia, downloaded maps, a photo from another user's trip report that included a map supposedly at the trailhead... we left Vantage camping area bright and early; ready to for a fun trail recon and new hike to hit. Unfortunately, at least a mile or two from the trailhead we were stopped short by an overflowing creek through the road. I'm not afraid of a water crossing, and we were in my friend's '16 Subaru Outback (which btw-- IS a high clearance vehicle! Along with the forester -- these cars are just as raised from ground to their lowest point as many trucks and more 'rugged' 4x4 vehicles). SO I got out to take a peak as one always should when water is concerned. 

Could we have made it ? Possibly. The creek at it's deepest point was about 2ft, and the distance from one side to the other was not long. However there were many large rocks scattered throughout, and we were too far from cell service to risk anything stupid. So we turned around and decided to come back another day-- either from HWY 2 and try to hike from the North, or in my 4Runner which is lifted and modified to include differential breather tubes that are extended above the axle. A lot of people think about not submerging their engines, but your diffs will suck water in from the breather unless you extend them!!