Hiking a Wilderness Trail at Moosehorn

Today, May 8, Joyous Vagaries took a walk on the Wilderness Trail in Moosehorn NWR, Edmunds Division.  Rapha was parked at open end of the trail, and a second vehicle at the beginning of the trail which is at the end of North Trail, at Hobart Stream.  

At .57 miles, what should have been an easy crossing of Crane Meadow Brook was something far less than that, as the brook was dammed by beavers some time ago (it seems), and now there is what one might call a small pond.  It took a bit of navigating through the outflow, but was managed it with caution.

After 2.7 miles, what is supposed to be Crane Meadow Brook was much more than that – a rather body of water.  It was at this point, the path was obscured enough to prevent one from continuing as there was water everywhere. Unable to continue, a begrudging return trip was required. As such, today ended up being a 5.47 miles hike.

The hike, in and of itself was quite pleasant. The day was sunny, temps were in the 40’s when we started, and ended up in the 50’s when finished.  Black Flies are increasing in numbers!

Overlook of Hobart Stream
A velvety view of the trail
Crane Meadow Brook crossing, with beaver dam on left.
The beavers were busy damming the brook
Trail view
Trail point left, but another one continues on to the right.
Nice wilderness woods view.
Intersection with South Trail, which leads left. Two signs in the shot – where’s Waldo?
Art in the woods. Looks like a mushroom! What do you see?
Interesting fungi on a fallen tree.
Crane Meadow Brook that has swelled into a large body of water.
This is where the hike ended. Again, do you see a navigable trail?
Seriously, this is much more than a brook!!
Moss covered face. Do you see it?
The out and back hike….this was not the original plan!

UPDATE: On June 20, Joyous Vagaries walked the Wilderness Trail from South Trail. The distance was approximately 1.1 miles in before reaching the same body of water that halted the hike from the other side – only 100 yards of water preventing completion of the entire Wilderness Trail! No black flies, but there were plenty of mosquitoes this time!

South Trail – a lovely woods walk
Another view of South Trail
It’s June, and TOO early for this color!
South Trail bordered by Canadian Bunchberry
The trail is there, but covered in water.
Crane Meadow Brook…..it is much more than that now!
A look back at the trail coming out of the woods
Iris at the water’s edge.
South Trail (foot traffic only!)

2 comments

Previous post Opening Day on the Down East Sunrise Trail
Next post Another Bike Ride at Moosehorn NWR & then some…
image/svg+xml

Menu

Follow Me

Recent Posts

Archives