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Ephraims Cutoff, 15 September, 2024
Ten Cache Hikers carpooled up to Right Hand Fork trailhead: Dave W, Dave P, Jane, Teresa, Ophelia, Brent J, Brent L, Deb, Ralph and Dan (the leader). Hikers were interested in a less strenuous outing than the Ephraims Grave hike as originally planned, so we did an up-and-back route to the sinkhole on Ephraims Cutoff trail. Cool temperatures accompanied us for the first part of the hike as we followed Right Hand Fork and took a left turn up the Willow creek Trail. Hops were growing along the trail, trout were swimming in the beaver dams, and hawks circled overhead. A lone hiker and his dog came down past us stopping for a short talk near a rock pinnacle.
We turned right at the junction with Ephraims Cutoff trail. Logan Peak, Mount Elmer, Beirdneau Peak and Temple Peak became visible as we climbed. The ridge was sparsely vegetated with mountain mahogany and bigtooth maple trees, and Right Fork Logan Canyon was visible to the south. Fall colors were just starting. Two mountain bikers passed us on the trail.The group stopped for photos at the sinkhole and had lunch at a shady spot just up the trail.
The return section was uneventful and we arrived back at the trailhead about 3pm. Deb rewarded us with cookies (mmmmmmm) and some of us cooled our feet in the river. We had traveled just over 8 miles and climbed 1600 feet, much easier than the 12 miles and 2600 feet of a loop hike to Ephraims Grave.
Trip Summary:
- Ten participants: Ophelia, Jane, Teresa, Deb, Ralph, Brent J, Brent L, Dave P, Dave W, and Dan (leader)
- Drove 14 miles to the Right Hand Fork trailhead (on the Right Fork of the Logan River)
- Started hiking at 8:50, lunch 12:00 - 12:30, back at the trailhead at 2:50
- Pleasant temperatures, clear skies and calm winds
- Hiked about 8.1 miles with 1600 feet of ascent
Thanks to Dan for the narrative and photos, Dave P, Dave W, and Jane for photos and Ralph for photos and GPS data.
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| The Right Hand
Fork trailhead |
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| American hops, Humulus lupulus |
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| The Willow Creek trail junction is
near an old beaver dam, 1/2 mile from the Right
Hand Fork trailhead |
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| On a lower part of the Willow Creek
trail |
Ponderosa pines above Willow Creek on
the east side |
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| Some Cache
Hikers thought this rock looks like a dinosaur -
but only if you look at it from below |
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| The Willow Creek - Ephraims Cutoff junction, about 2.4 miles from the trailhead (according to our data) | |||
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| Only the post remains of the Ephraims Cutoff trail sign, but someone has provided a substitute | |||
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| The Ephraims
Cutoff trail provides great views and open
terrain as it climbs from Willow Creek |
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| Peaks of the Bear River Range to the northwest | |||
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| Hikers passed
several trailside cairns as they walked up the
ridge |
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| Our destination for this trip was this massive sinkhole next to the trail | |||
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| The sinkhole sides appear to
be vertical |
It's easier to look into the abyss if someone holds your legs | ||
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| A shady spot
for lunch, not far from the sinkhole |
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| Fall colors
were beginning to show |
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| There were interesting
sights along the way |
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Our GPS track shows about 8.1 miles
and 1600 feet of ascent.
You can look at our route using Google
Earth or download our GPS file.
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