Park Butte, Railroad Grade — Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021

Posting this report just to update on the stream crossing. We found the crossing significantly more difficult than previous reports had led me to believe, and I would not have chosen this trail if I had known how high and fast the water was running (I was hiking with someone with very little outdoors experience). Personally, I would not choose this trail if hiking with children or anyone with unsure footing.

We started on the trail at 1pm. I believe this later start time affected our experience at the stream crossing. When we arrived at the stream, there was a large group of people on both sides, struggling to cross. It was clear from the expressions of the people on the far side (coming down the trail) that they were facing a much different crossing than they had experienced in the morning. The water was rushing, muddy (so you couldn't see the depth), and covered many of the stepping stones and even part of the bridge. Some people chose to wade across, ignoring the stones and the bridge, while others were frozen halfway across, too scared to go further.

Eventually, everyone made it without incident as far as we saw, but I don't think anyone made it with dry feet. Many people were only able to cross with assistance. I don't think the situation was life-threatening for adults, but I could easily see someone slipping and hurting themselves or getting soaked at the start of their hike in icy water.

I personally found it easiest to cross with my shoes off, wading directly through most of the stream except for the bridge. I used a stick as a probe for the water depth and to help with balance. There were many nice sticks around the stream left by others.

I would strongly recommend bringing water shoes and hiking poles to make the crossing easier.

Hope this helps! It's a gorgeous trail that is otherwise pretty easy.