|
|
楼主 |
发表于 2010-9-15 19:44:46
|
显示全部楼层
Re: [报到]
Info from CT:
High Falls Creek
A steep, low elevation hike alongside a deep canyon and a beautiful waterfall.
Loop via Logging Road
Total Distance: 10.5 km (return)
Estimated Time: 5.5 hours
Average Grade: 11.3%
Structure: Loop - Complete
Elevation Gain: 595 m
Start Elevation: 55 m
Max Elevation: 650 m
Directions
Follow Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky) a short distance north of Squamish to Squamish Valley Road, directly across from Alice Lake Provincial Park. Turn left on Squamish Valley Road and reset your odometer, following it for 26.5 km. It should be noted that kilometer markers along the route vary wildly and for the most part cannot be trusted - use your car's odometer instead.
Eventually the road will turn to gravel and become Squamish River Forest Service Road. Follow it for approximately 2-3 km, ignoring all side roads and passing a hydroelectric power station on the right. Park alongside the road immediately after crossing the first bridge after the power station, signed as High Falls Creek. The trailhead is located on the right-hand side of the road, about 20 meters after the bridge.
Details
This popular trail leads up the steep edge of the High Falls Creek canyon and past a very large waterfall. Although the trail starts out fairly easy, it's not long before it begins climbing steeply uphill - this is generally not a good hike for kids or dogs. The climbing is steady and steep and the trail follows alongside an extremely deep canyon that at times you will be very close to. There are 7 ropes and chains on the trail to assist up the steep parts. Although all of this sounds relatively difficult, the trail itself is not all that bad and is definitely worth the effort - the views of the waterfall and Squamish River Valley will take your breath away.
From the parking area, walk alongside the road across the High Falls Creek Bridge and watch for the trailhead on the right a short distance later. The initial portion of the trail leads through the flat bottom of the forested, glacial carved valley. A few minutes later, the trail abruptly reaches the edge of a steep mountainside. From here you will need to climb up along the trail, pulling yourself up using the metal chains fixed to the side of the mountain.
It's a steep and short (15 minute) initial climb of 110 meters with a 25% grade before reaching a viewpoint at the edge of the fantastic High Falls Creek canyon. At the 1 km point the lower waterfall viewpoint is reached; this is a good spot to stop for a quick water break. A second, "upper" viewpoint is located about 100 meters later. Ascend past the second viewpoint and onto a large rock bluff with incredible views of the Squamish River Valley. At the 2 km mark a "Viewpoint - No Exit" sign marks a short 100 meter long trail leading to the source of the falls. Aside from the small waterfall at the source, it's difficult to get a good look of the main falls. Use caution in this area - one slip could be fatal. This area is the coolest spot of the trail if it is a hot day.
Climb up another gully for about 10 more minutes, eventually emerging onto a large bluff with even better view of the valley below. This is a great place for lunch and a well deserved rest. From this point on, the trail levels off to a much more forgiving steepness and leads away from the canyon and through a forest of mature Douglas fir. Although there is some recent logging near the trail in this area, the trail was designated as a protected area and a buffer was left between the trail and the logging slash. Continue on, crossing a small creek and scrambling across a boulder field before emerging onto a logging road (BR 200). Turn left and follow the road 250 meters to a fantastic lookout bench on the side of a bluff.
Alternatively, the trail continues through the forest and eventually joins up with the logging road higher up. There are no views or other interesting features, so this section of the trail is not recommended unless you're just doing it for a workout.
Aside from the great views of the valley below, the remainder of the road is a long 6.6 km trudge back to the parking area from the bench viewpoint. Unless you are uncomfortable climbing back down the steep trail, it is recommended to return the way you hiked up and avoid the monotony and occasional diesel fumes of the active logging road. It should be noted that the kilometer markers along the road are incorrect and should not be trusted. |
|
IP卡
狗仔卡
发表于 2010-9-14 19:06:32
提升卡
置顶卡
沉默卡
喧嚣卡
变色卡
显身卡
发表于 2010-9-14 19:37:07