Home Piles and piles of new snow greeted Cache Hikers on the morning scheduled for the Bridger Look-Off trip. Nine people gathered at Smith’s Marketplace and decided to avoid the unplowed bridge at Spring Hollow and instead hike the Canyon Gateway Trail. Jane (the leader), Dave W, Kathy, Dave P, Jim, Anne, Frank, Gordon, and Nikolai parked at First Dam and enjoyed this relatively recent city-canyon connection. After walking through the tunnel and the Ray Hugie Hydro Park the group continued up the canyon through untracked snow, crossing under Highway 89 then across the bridge to reach the River Trail. With fresh snow lining every branch and ice framing the river edges, the walk along the river was stunning. The beaver dam and gnawed trees were easily visible. A couple of dippers displayed their amazing ability to swim in rushing, frigid water between short flights and rock-hopping. After snacks and a rest at Red Bridge (a bridge, but no longer red), everyone hiked back to First Dam at their own pace. In a few places the branches were bent low with snow and one had to crouch down to pass through. We passed a few other skiers and hikers who took advantage of the canyon trail that started in town, and shared our exhilaration with the beautiful winter day. Trip Summary:
Thanks to Jane for the narrative, and Dave W. for photos and the GPS work |
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