Lower Rock Creek - winter version

 My what a difference a few months can make. 

We first visited Lower Rock Creek in September 2020. At that time, it was hot as blazes, the trail was really rugged, and we struggled to find a reasonable path running parallel to the river. Pretty much all my pictures from that visit are of fungi and other small-scale features. You can compare them here! In September, we took part of the trail up the creek bed because the trail was so rough. Ryan's boots got unbearably waterlogged, and we stopped about 2/3 of the way in to hide in the shade, stick our feet in the water, and dry his socks on a rock in the sun. 

Coming back in January, the creek presented a completely different experience! 

Turnaround lounge spot in September

Looking up river at the same spot - not so shady anymore

The January version of Lower Rock Creek was a sight to behold, from a completely different perspective! Every step along the way presented a gasp-inducting view of the river: rushes over rocky shallows, turquoise blue pools, cascades over shut-ins, and blankets of moss thriving where the bushy brush once was.

It wasn't just the clear view of the river that made navigation easier. We ran into a fellow - the only other person we encountered all day - who seemed pleased as punch to find other hikers enjoying his beloved spot. He told us he'd been hiking Lower Rock Creek since 1974 or so, and it has changed considerably over the years. It floods often and can fill the whole valley a few days after a major rain. 

When I commented that, while we might be the only people out there today, it was clearly cared for, because someone had been trimming back saplings along the path, he pulled a pair of trimmers out of his back pocket. Thanks to this ward of the trail - who also cleared out a bunch of trash left behind at a campsite and left orange flags for us to follow - we finally were able to find our way to the end of the trail this time! 

Speaking of campsites, though, we didn't know this trail had any, and they do and they are beautiful. 

Add that to the 2021 goals list. 

There were quite a few hairy section of rock scramble and shimmying around ledges. Sometimes it wasn't clear if the higher or lower ground offered an easier way. We got only slightly lost again on our return back to the trailhead, but that was totally our fault for thinking we knew what we were doing and leaving the creek too early. 

Not too much ice formation, and pretty much no fungi specimens to admire, but I did find a few things here are there that are fun to examine up close. 

But you know, this seemed a great time to consider the benefits of a change in perspective, looking at the big picture instead of focusing on all the minutiae. With the trees all bare, there was nothing blocking our view and we were able to appreciate most every bend in the water's path. 

I have been looking forward to revisiting some of our favorite trails as they change with the seasons, and this was a great place to start. 

More pretty trail pictures can be found here!