Almost a year to the day (missed it by one day!) we attempted to hike to
Cottonwood Creek, but ultimately turned back when we came across elk hunters who had a once-in-a-lifetime permit and were hunting the basin. Ever since that day Kent has been dreaming of going back and completing this hike.
The day started off pretty stormy and when we reached the Mt. Holly saddle, where we turned around last year, we could see lightning and hear thunder off to the north - the way we were headed. Then it started to sprinkle and we considered heading back. Fortunately, we were able to pull up radar on Allison's phone and could see the storm was moving away from us. Twenty minutes later we made the decision to "go for it" and headed into the basin. Boy, are we glad we did! What a beautiful area, complete with a spring coming out of a rock moraine and ripe currants!
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| Cottonwood Creek flows in the far meadow at the base of the mountains |
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We contemplated whether we should continue down the trail or not,
as the storm clouds were brewing all around us |
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| After waiting it out for 20 minutes and watching the clouds we decided to go for it! |
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| Did you know that fir tree cones grow upwards . . . pine tree cones droop? Neither did we! |
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Chipper enjoyed drinking the fresh, crystal clear spring water
that came flowing out from the bottom of a glacial moraine |
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| We enjoyed the nice 'Flintstone' style chairs that were next to the spring |
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| Someone was very creative, making four nice recliners from the moraine boulders |
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| Chipper really likes his backpack! |
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| Yabba Dabba Doo! |
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| The wild currants were ripe & plentiful |
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| Kent had fun picking lots of currants and popping them in his mouth |
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| Just a little further down the trail from the spring was Cottonwood Creek |
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| The storm broke up and it turned out to be a beautiful day |
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| Heading back up the steep section to the Mt. Holly saddle |
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| Looking back at the trail we traveled to Cottonwood Creek |
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| The final push to the top |
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| Once again, the clouds started to build as we reached the top of the ridge |
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The sky looked threatening . . .
We had about a mile to get back to the trailhead and our vehicle . . .
Fortunately, we made it without getting wet! |
