My brother and I went up to Vesper today but had to turn around after about 45 minutes of hiking. The trail was a bit rugged, but enjoyable. Unfortunately, on about the 3rd or 4th stream crossing the water was pretty high and the only crossing point available was a fairly narrow, wet log. Both of us are decently experienced/confident but it was too risky looking and the water underneath was moving fast and deep. Coming back down the trail some of the earlier crossings were also pretty tricky going the other direction.
Would have liked to see the summit, but the crossings did us in today. Obviously comfort levels vary widely in this area, but at the moment I would say this one is a little too precarious for most hikers. There was another car at the trailhead so presumably someone out there made it just fine!
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Comments
Refrain
Please refrain yourself from composing a trip report when you have hiked less than a half-mile of 9mile rt trail. My wife and I did this hike today without any issues. The crossing may have been somewhat challenging, but I would not consider it impossible. There were also many snow patches once you pass the lake.
Posted by:
Nonnie on Oct 12, 2014 11:12 PM
@refrain
It was a totally valid report. There are many people, especially with children or dogs, that would appreciate a reminder that the water crossings can be intimidating. I've been up there too but would think twice about who I invited along on the hike and look at the weather for stream impact before taking my dog.
Posted by:
Meandthedog on Oct 13, 2014 01:26 PM
crossing
Just sit on the log and shimmy to the other side or crawl on hands and knees....that's what "most" hikers do. Great hike...don't let a little log crossing stop you.
Posted by:
aloneinthewoods on Oct 13, 2014 07:44 AM
Creek crossing
The creek crossing is definitely sketchy but do-able. In an attempt at chivalry I manage to fall into the creek while helping my wife across (she didn't need the help). I lost one of my poles (and dignity) in the process. If you find an extra pole there please drop me a note (oldredbike2@yahoo.com) Thanks.
Posted by:
wobblegs on Oct 14, 2014 08:38 AM
Thanks!
Thanks for those of you who chimed in with tips about successfully completing this hike. I will try some shimmying when I take another crack at it next season!
And sorry if I made it sound as if this hike is totally impassable. I am pretty conservative about tricky stream crossings that I've never attempted before, and I was probably looking for a quicker, smoother hike that morning than the one I ended up on. The only reason I posted the trail report was to give a heads up for extra cautious or inexperienced hikers (I probably fall into both categories).
I hope to successfully complete this hike next year!
Posted by:
jv44 on Nov 09, 2014 12:21 PM