Up Fall Creek: Fish Ladder to Headwaters

UPDATE: For any new signups, go ahead and RSVP. But there’s a chance we’ll need to find another shuttle driver, or you can always do an out and back if you are fine navigating the return.

One way ascent up Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell, for a luscious creekside workout.

6.7 miles one way, 2,160’ TEG
(Ask us about an out and back for a less strenuous hike.)

FreeTheKnee Series #2: We will begin with a short walk through a quiet Felton neighborhood. Next we’ll tromp creekside, up beyond the headwaters, for knee and cardio nirvana, and car shuttle back down. The mighty creek starts with a gurgle in the hills, beneath some rather large trees, some which burned and some which were only singed in the CZU fire. It is fascinating how the composition of the forest changes as we ascend to the top. The oaks survived in some parts, while only redwoods made it elsewhere. And, everywhere, there is the fragrance of fresh ceanothus, wafting up the ravine, until we emerge onto Empire Grade in Bonnie Doon.

Knee Power: I’d like to say that the miraculous vapors of this gurgling creek will cure what ails you. It won’t. On the other hand, long but moderate climbs and some backward walking practice just might.

Shuttlers: We kneed several volunteers to help sneakily shuttle our getaway vehicles to the top of the trail, on Empire Grade. It is a bit less than 15m each way, so we meet 1/2 hour before the hikers. Can you help shuttle?

SCHEDULE
11:50am — Shuttlers meets @ Museum
12:30pm — Hikers meet @ Museum
12:40pm — Hike departs
2pm — outNback hikers turn around, ~5mi
4:30pm Optional: Feast at Empire Grill (or other). Address: 6155 CA-9, Felton

Things to know:
- Route is 6.7mi, one way, 2,160’ TEG.
- Footbridges were still in place recently, but there may be stream crossings requiring judgement and balance — hiking poles can be very helpful.
- Bring a snack and water.
- Dogs are not allowed in the Fall Creek Unit.

Photo:
If you have been with us for some time now, you will know, we do brake for slime molds. 🥳 👋 😃 Yet, somehow, we rarely feature a slime mold as the event Cover Model. So, here she is, Miss Scrambled Egg Slime Mold (common name), AKA Fuliga septica.

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any social activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.