Hike Coordinator: Lane Harris
Narration by Lane Harris
On this grand spring day, no fewer than 10 happy hikers hit one of the few open sections of the North Umpqua Trail. But even the Mott segment, from Mott bridge near Steamboat down to Wright Creek bridge, didn’t go unscathed from Snowmageddon back in late February. Recently downed trees were evident on the trail from the unusual heavy snowfall, but the trail crews did a great job at clearing this part of the trail.
This one-way 6 mile stroll was ripe with floral flaunter, with the dogwood trees all abloom, stealing the show with their pure white petals gleaming in the sunlight.
Other highlights on the Mott section included charming babbling creeks, scenic river access points, and the site of Zane Grey’s fishing camp. Us more “mature” hikers like to ask younger hikers who Zane Grey was, with the question usually conjuring up blank stares. (If you are a younger person, and you DO know who Zane Grey is, give yourself a pat on the back!)
As far as hikes go on the N.U.T., this is the most level section of the entire trail. Without much elevation gain, this makes it a popular segment for joggers, which our group saw several of. While we were heading down river, other hikers were encountered heading up river in the opposite direction. Although “up” is just a relative term in this case, as the trail is basically level here, as stated earlier. But knowing we were heading “down” just made us feel better, a psychological maneuver that usually works on us hiker types.
The entire group made it to Wright Creek, vehicles were retrieved back at Mott bridge, and we all wore smiles on the way home.
More on this hike on Richard O’Neill’s Blog
More pictures on Lane Harris’ Flickr page and Richard O’Neill’s Flickr page
Pictures below by Lane Harris
