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Spawn Creek Trail Maintenance, 13 October, 2018

Pushing the edge of the trail work season, five dedicated Cache Hikers worked through snow and mud to improve the Spawn Creek Trail. Two drivers delivered workers to the upper trailhead (marked by a “Temple Peak” sign) after a snowy drive on the Sinks Road at the top of Logan Canyon. A third vehicle was staged at the lower trailhead for the return trip.

The trail was mostly clear for 1.5 miles to Temple Aspen Spring where the work began in earnest. There was plenty of lopping and sawing to do to remove brush and small trees from the trail corridor, though 4-6” of snow prevented work on the tread. The water diversions created previously had done a good job of keeping the stream out of the trail and were reinforced during this session. The log walk crossing the boggy area near the big beaver dams was still in good condition. With another 0.2 mile of trail brushed only 0.3 in the middle section needs intensive care and the entire 4.5 miles is cleared or flagged.

As we worked we saw many, many moose tracks and scat piles, and then … a moose! Sun, wind, clouds, and short bursts of graupel snow kept things interesting but not miserable. Adding to the day were limestone cliffs, bright orange mountain ash berries, yellow and green aspens, red carpets of maple leaves, and fresh beaver activity.

Trip Summary:

• Participants: Kathy & Jerry, drivers; Teresa, Brent, Dave P, Dave W. & Jane, workers.
• Drove 19 miles to the lower Spawn Creek Trailhead and left a vehicle there, then drove in two other vehicles another 23 miles to within 1/4 mile of the upper Spawn Creek Trailhead.
• Started hiking about 9:50 a.m. from the upper trailhead.
• Skies were clear and temperatures chilly, changing to some wind, clouds, and snow showers later in the afternoon.
• Hiked and inspected entire trail, 4.5 miles from upper to lower trailheads.
• Cut back brush and trees for 0.2 miles, reinforced water diversions.
• Saw one hunter and one moose, cow pies but no cows.
• Drivers were back in Logan by 11:30 and everyone else before 4:00 p.m.
• Hiked 4.7 miles with 2600 feet of descent from the Sinks Road to Spawn Creek Trailhead.

Thanks to Jane for the narrative and photos, Dave P for photos and Dave W. for photos and the GPS data.