Trail Hazards-River crossings
Avalanche Valley and the infamous Big Muddy River in September, we rock hopped this one
Most side creeks are easy enough to cross in any season, however some creeks and most rivers are difficult in the shoulder season of spring. There are things that one can do to help them stay in their comfort zone and safe overall. One thing that I do when I am setting foot on a trail that I am not super familiar with is to check out my map thoroughly to see where the said creek is coming from. Are it’s origins a glacier, or a high elevation mountain or slope that could keep that creek rumbling until and, maybe through summer. Another thing to look for is the steepness of the terrain up stream from the trail crossing, is it super angled? This could cause even a minor flowing creek to pose a bit of a problem. Also, what does the topography look like by the crossing itself, a lot of times you need to go up or down stream to find a decent pool to ford or a log/rocks you can safely cross on. Look for rocks that are level with the water surface and pitted for grip, same goes for branches or downed trees, never trust wood that is submerged or is missing it’s bark. If you are fording a glacial stream and have a hard time seeing the depth due to silt, use your trekking poles (another fantastic tool) to probe ahead so you don’t step in a pit or to check the speed of the current. If its a river, chances are that it will be to dangerous to cross in any season but summer, even then it may be dicey for inexperienced hikers. In a ford situation, I strap on my socks to my pack and cross in my shoes that way, when they dry out a bit down the trail I put them back on. Keep in mind that early mornings are the best time to ford a stream, if it looks to deep or fast, find camp and check it out in the A.M. The most important thing I like to keep in mind is the need to trust my feelings and instincts, if I start crossing and feel imminent danger, I look for a new crossing or bag on my game plan altogether. Knowing your limits while pushing your comfort card is one of the balances that I feel is crucially important to life in general.
The Coe Creek crossing on the Timberline Trail, the topography in this drainage keeps this one a tough ford until late summer
Having some fun on the Lost Coast