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DSCF0454.JPG5 viewsMy route over the raging N Fork Barron Creek seen from the S side (lower frame) after crossing, utilizing the 3 logs forming a triangle near the center of frame. The log leading from the N side became wet, and extremely slippery, but I was able to use the smaller log to reach the long log (lying in the direction of the stream flow), which led to a large boulder hidden by brush in the photo, and reach the bank safely.
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DSCF0455.JPG5 viewsThis shows a possible ford on frame right, which the long log on the right points to. It also shows the deadly consequences of being swept 20 feet below, should one lose his footing in the deep, swift water. Based on my kayaking experience, this was a risk I was not willing to take. This is a few hundred feet upstream from where I crossed.
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DSCF0456.JPG5 viewsAll photos were taken from the S side of creek. I crossed here (between the other alternatives) last year. The water is a foot higher this year. Starting on the log that completely crosses the creek, angling down to the lower left of the frame, one can cross over the big log on top, continue moving out and reach down with the other foot to the lower log (over which the current is flowing). Continue moving across using both logs. This year the water is too high to go this route safely.
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DSCF0459.JPG5 viewsThe 3rd crossing; N Fork Barron Creek, is a few hundred feet after joining the main Barron Creek Trail. Find your center, drop your shoulders, chin up! I crossed this at 9:30 pm in fading light. 3.5 miles to the trailhead! At 3 mph, I estimated an 11:00 pm finish. Two thirds of a moon shining from the south along the Payette provided sufficient light. I used the headlamp low beam the last 20 minutes to avoid injury. Excellent first hike of 2022, ending, as anticipated, at exactly 11:00 pm!
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DSCF0567.JPG5 viewsJust upstream from the crossing, I saw a couple gals to the left of the log, who had managed to completely lose the trail. This happens fairly often at stream crossings. They were delighted that I suggested a route to get them back on track.
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DSCF0593.JPG5 viewsMt. Regen in class IV; a rope is required. On a previous trip, a less experienced companion and I were descending from the saddle west of Regen, trying to reach the trial at the south end of the lake. He did not feel safe crossing the steep snow above the lake. We were losing the light. I presented two options; traverse around the west side of the lake, not all of which was visible, or retreat back over the saddle. He chose to retreat. Experience now tells me we should have traversed the west side.
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DSCF0617.JPG5 viewsDescending switchbacks on the west facing slope to the junction with the main Baron Creek Trail, and the second crossing of the North Fork Baron Creek. I never reached direct sunlight the remainder of the hike, so the temperature was comfortable!
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DSCF0619.JPG5 viewsThis pine reminds me of a giant Bonsai tree. If only the botanist were here!
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DSCF0634.JPG5 viewsThe west face of D. O. Lee Peak is bisected by an east-west ridge with D. O. Lee Peak (11342) on the east (frame right) and WCP-8 (10557') .9 mile west (left) on the ridge (center of frame). The high saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and W. C. P. 9 which leads to Big Boulder Lakes is hidden from view. This same feature is visible from the west side of Toxaway Lake.
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DSCF0636.JPG5 viewsLooking down into Strawberry Basin. It is easier to leave the rocky trail, and walk in the meadow as soon as possible. My first navigational error today was to continue too far down the rocky pack trail.
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DSCF0642.JPG5 viewsForty-five minutes later, I'm reaching the flatter, heavily forested section, strewn with down timber. Take the path of least resistance. Take heart; Warm Springs Creek is not far.
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DSCF0644.JPG5 viewsPleasant hiking offers glimpses of Warm Springs Creek.
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