Here's a little follow up...
August 1, 2011.
Approximate flow 180 cfs.
Shortly after the swinging bridge:
...the bushwhacking got intense. Steep slide slope with loose dirt and heavy growth. Or cliffy.
Here's some images:
Generally the travel along the south bank was difficult.
Some would probably describe it as unpleasant, ridiculous, or idiotic.
I made about 5 river miles in 7.5 hours, and was working hard the whole time.
The north bank looked worse, with a lot more, and taller, cliffs.
I cannot recommend this route unless the water level allows walking in the bed.
At which time I can image this to be a very enjoyable trip.
Then, at the base at the cliffs visible in the photo provided above by Mr. Chick-on, immediately west of Iron Creek, the canyon constricted impassably:
After some 4th class recon around the slabs, I found no way through this area at river level.
(Probably goes ok at low water)
There appeared to be several options for climbing 800 feet over the top and south of this obstacle.
I choose to escape the river entirely, cross over and climb the north wall to Crescent Lake.
As this gave me the best chance to rejoin my intended route on schedule.
My bridge, near river mile 30:
The ascent of upper Crescent Creek was steep and loose hiking, but straightforward. Definitely best on the west side.
This was a great little diversion to a rarely visited place. It is interesting to me that a trail was never built in this valley.
I only saw one sign of humans. Around river mile 27 or 28, about 100 feet above the water. Amidst thick forest with no trail in sight:
Enjoy.
(fixed links 3/24/12)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2012 07:28PM by Klas.