Hike Coordinator – Lane Harris
On this glorious spring day, 9 courageous human hikers and one hiker of the canine variety arrived to conquer this lengthy stretch of trail, measuring at least 9.5 miles. Coincidently, that would be one human for each mile, with the dog representing the additional half mile. How cool is that?! Beginning near Toketee Lake, Lane Harris led the group through a forested landscape and immediately started an up-hill climb. After several small stream crossings, the trail leveled out and became much easier.
Staying high above the river, the path meandered gently up and down along moss-covered ancient boulders, with occasional glimpses of Toketee Lake far below. Continuing on, the mostly wooded trail allowed several views of the river far below. There were also several miniature waterfalls that presented excuses to pause along the way.
About half way through the hike, most of the hikers stopped at an open grassy and rock-covered meadow, as they soaked up the early spring sunshine whilst dining on whatever fine food a hiker would bring to such an event. After lounging in the midday sun, the trail soon led everyone to a rocky bluff which offered a dramatic view of the scenery below. After that, the trail took a dramatic descent, plunging nearly 1000 ft toward the Slide creek power plant.
After crossing picturesque bridges at both Slide Creek and Medicine Creek, the trail finally gave clues that the end of the hike was near, as it hugged the river now. The hikers were awarded with an impressive view of Soda Springs dam near the end of the hike, with the last task being to walk underneath the massive metal water flume and into the parking lot.
This was a long hike, but all agreed it was well worth it, and that it was just what we needed to shake off those winter blues and blahs.
Pictures by Lane Harris
