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Spawn Creek, 24 September, 2023
At the beginning frost lined every grass and twig and hikers wore all their layers while they hurried forward to the next patch of sunshine. By the early afternoon return hike the layers were shed and frost long gone.
This Sunday hike along Spawn Creek to Temple Aspen Spring provided a lovely fall experience for thirteen Cache Hikers; leaf colors were starting to change, skies were blue with a bit of chill in the air.
Beavers had been busy on Spawn Creek. Hikers passed many ponds; some flooding the trail and requiring a tromp around to avoid the deep spots. Active beaver logging was apparent in several places.
Trail improvements by Cache Hikers and others have survived the past several seasons quite well. Previous water diversions, the removal of huge deadfalls and extensive brushing, have kept the trail generally intact, though further maintenance opportunities are obvious.
Along the trail hikers passed landmarks: the remains of an old sawmill, a side trail to the north, castle-like rock formations at the narrowing of the canyon, an old cast iron stove, an elk carcass, the distinctive “tuning fork” tree. Finally, we arrived at Temple Aspen Spring, our destination and lunch stop. This spot may not be obvious as the spring flow is not always visible from the trail but can often be seen by hiking downhill a few yards.
The return trip provided great views of the Spawn Creek drainage and the Bear River Range. Except for a few other hikers and dogs, we had that view to ourselves.
Trip Summary:
- Thirteen hikers and one dog: Teresa, Paul, Dave P., Kathy, Brent, Deanna, Joan, Jane P., Alex, Kamren, Laurel & Zinnia Dog, and Jane and Dave W. (substitute leaders)
- Drove 19 miles to the Spawn Creek trailhead, through 2 huge mud holes
- Started hiking about 8:50 a.m., returned to cars about 2:45 p.m.
- A frosty 32º F at start and mid-60’s later on
- Clear and sunny
- Hiked about 6 miles with 1730 feet elevation gain
Thanks
to Jane for the
narrative and photos, Dave P and Brent for photos,
and Dave W for photos and GPS
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| A sunny group
photo, 3/4 mile from the trailhead |
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| Recent beaver
activity - note the green leaves, still on the tree |
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| A favorite tree |
Remnants of a cast-iron stove |
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| Bypassing a beaver-flooded trail
section |
Lunch at Temple Aspen Spring |
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| Looking west
toward Mt. Elmer as we descended |
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| One of many beaver ponds along the
way |
Back at the trailhead after our hike |
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| Showy goldeneye |
Goldenrod |
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| Aster |
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Our GPS track shows about 6 miles
and 1730
feet
of ascent.
You can look at our route using Google
Earth or download our GPS file.
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