Late June Fish Creek trip advice
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 4:58 pm
I'm planning to spend 2 nights on the Fish Creek trail, starting at Red's Meadow, in late June (hitting the trail on the 22nd). I will probably go as far as Iva Bell, and stay in that vicinity for a couple of nights.
I've been there before a couple of years ago, but at the end of August. Given the high snow year, and how much earlier in the season than my previous experience, I'm expecting higher stream levels and possibly some snow(?) on parts of the trail. If anyone has been in the area at a similar time or could help me know what to expect so I'm prepared, I'd appreciate it. I'm planning to camp overnight at Reds Meadow campground the night before so I can get a very early start on the way out.
Level 2 backpacker (some cross-country experience but I'll be sticking to the trail on this one)
Very limited experience in snow
Will have trekking poles, but no crampons/microspikes
No dog
Main interests are scenery, nature (flora and fauna observation) and chilling out...
This will also be my first solo overnight in the backcountry, but I'm going to post a separate thread asking about that.
Open to any advice, but a few specific questions I have:
- Will any of the stream crossings be hazardous or difficult? last time there were a few small streams crossing the rocky section after Crater Creek, I expect they'll be a lot bigger this year. I expect the water will still be below the log bridge over crate creek, and below the first crossing over Fish Creek - do I assume wrong?
- Am I likely to encounter snow on the trail, and if so will I need spikes? Never used them before and wouldn't want to to use them for the first time on this trip.
- I'm planning to park at Red's Meadow while I'm out on the trail. Will the campground allow this (happy to pay if I need to) and would I be able to store my excess food in their bear lockers? Or should I just ask them when I get there?
- Will the mosquitoes be as bad as I think (I'm guessing pretty awful that time of year)? Planning to wear long sleeves and pants, and Deet on exposed areas. Should I get a head net?
I'm excited to explore an area that I've seen before, but in a different season and conditions: just a little uncertain about conditions and want to be properly prepared.
Many thanks!
I've been there before a couple of years ago, but at the end of August. Given the high snow year, and how much earlier in the season than my previous experience, I'm expecting higher stream levels and possibly some snow(?) on parts of the trail. If anyone has been in the area at a similar time or could help me know what to expect so I'm prepared, I'd appreciate it. I'm planning to camp overnight at Reds Meadow campground the night before so I can get a very early start on the way out.
Level 2 backpacker (some cross-country experience but I'll be sticking to the trail on this one)
Very limited experience in snow
Will have trekking poles, but no crampons/microspikes
No dog
Main interests are scenery, nature (flora and fauna observation) and chilling out...
This will also be my first solo overnight in the backcountry, but I'm going to post a separate thread asking about that.
Open to any advice, but a few specific questions I have:
- Will any of the stream crossings be hazardous or difficult? last time there were a few small streams crossing the rocky section after Crater Creek, I expect they'll be a lot bigger this year. I expect the water will still be below the log bridge over crate creek, and below the first crossing over Fish Creek - do I assume wrong?
- Am I likely to encounter snow on the trail, and if so will I need spikes? Never used them before and wouldn't want to to use them for the first time on this trip.
- I'm planning to park at Red's Meadow while I'm out on the trail. Will the campground allow this (happy to pay if I need to) and would I be able to store my excess food in their bear lockers? Or should I just ask them when I get there?
- Will the mosquitoes be as bad as I think (I'm guessing pretty awful that time of year)? Planning to wear long sleeves and pants, and Deet on exposed areas. Should I get a head net?
I'm excited to explore an area that I've seen before, but in a different season and conditions: just a little uncertain about conditions and want to be properly prepared.
Many thanks!