One of Brad's colleagues told us about this cool hike down to Wychus Creek (once called Squaw Creek, but that isn't allowed anymore) and Alder Springs.
It is a spring at the bottom of a very dry canyon, so it is like a little oasis in the desert.
There were some cool formations on our way down
Star was going nuts digging her nose in a bush and when we pulled her away this is what we found- 
Ethan and Abby at the head of Alder Springs. 
Since Star is not a swimmer Brad carried her across the creek
Ethan loved fording the creek, back and forth holding on to the rope, until one time he slipped...
Ethan loved fording the creek, back and forth holding on to the rope, until one time he slipped...It was pretty scary because he was caught by his neck on the rope while his body was being pulled down stream and he couldn't get his legs underneath him to stand up.
Luckily Brad was close by and with some quick thinking was able to rescue Ethan.
After the scary experience.... he only suffered a mild rope burn on his neck
His sisters were so relieved when it was all over
Beautiful day though and a very nice hike.Alder Springs
Alder Springs is close to being an all-season hike, and it is one of the Sisters Country’s most rewarding. At about six miles round trip it’s rated “most difficult” due to a steep return trip out of the canyon and some rough, rock-strewn spots in the trail.
Wildflowers abound in the early- to midsummer months. Be prepared to cross Whychus Creek. Water shoes and a small towel are a good idea and many hikers use a walking stick or a pair of ski poles to retain balance in the swift-moving water.
To get there, take Highway 126 east from Sisters about 6 miles to Holmes Road. Turn left and stay on Holmes Road for about 7 miles, and turn left again onto Road 6360. Watch for cattle in the road after the cattle guard at the top of the hill. Stay on the gravel road for a little more than 3 miles to a right onto Road 6370. The road ends at the trailhead after another half mile.
Alder Springs is close to being an all-season hike, and it is one of the Sisters Country’s most rewarding. At about six miles round trip it’s rated “most difficult” due to a steep return trip out of the canyon and some rough, rock-strewn spots in the trail.
Wildflowers abound in the early- to midsummer months. Be prepared to cross Whychus Creek. Water shoes and a small towel are a good idea and many hikers use a walking stick or a pair of ski poles to retain balance in the swift-moving water.
To get there, take Highway 126 east from Sisters about 6 miles to Holmes Road. Turn left and stay on Holmes Road for about 7 miles, and turn left again onto Road 6360. Watch for cattle in the road after the cattle guard at the top of the hill. Stay on the gravel road for a little more than 3 miles to a right onto Road 6370. The road ends at the trailhead after another half mile.
2 comments:
Quite a few side notes to this trip--Brad carrying Star across the river, Brad rescuing Ethan. But that was scary and so thankful nothing happened. Cute picture of his sisters hugging him and Ethan trying to act a little macho.
Wow, the scenery in Bend is so diverse. Amazing.. it seems like you've got mountains, streams, rivers, deserts, canyons... all of it. What a perfect place for your family.
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