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Smithfield Canyon Ski/Snowshoe, 29 February, 2020

Thirteen hikers turned out for the Smithfield Canyon outing on Saturday. Twelve of us met at 10 a.m. and drove north to Smithfield.  Jack met us at the trailhead. Two of the hikers were on skis and the rest on snowshoes or simply boots, with or without trail crampons ("spikes"). 
The weather was quite warm and the snow was fairly crusty at first but softened as the day progressed.

The trail followed an old road beside Summit Creek and
was mostly snow covered, although there were a few bare spots. On the way up we stopped to observe trout in a pool and we heard canyon wrens, too. A bald eagle flew overhead on our way back.   

The group spread out along the way but eventually we all reached the gate at the summer trailhead about 12:20, 2.4 miles from our start.  After a group photo we enjoyed lunch in a sunny area nearby. 

The snow had softened during the day, which caused the "booters" to sink a bit and encouraged some who had carried snowshoes to don them for the trip down. 


Trip Summary:
  • Thirteen participants:  Tawnya, Lynne, Brent, Dave P., Susan, Chris, Laurel, Kathy, Michelle, and Dan (leader), Jane, Dave Wallace, and Jack
  • Organized carpools and drove 12 miles to the Forest Boundary in Smithfield Canyon
  • Started on the trail about 10:45, at the gate at 12:20, lunch 12:30 - 1:00, back at the trailhead at 2:15 and Logan by 3:00
  • Overcast skies and warm temperatures
  • About 4.75 miles and 650 feet of ascent & descent

Thanks to Dan for the narrative and photos, Tawnya for photos and Dave Wallace for photos and GPS data.

Hikers
Cache Hikers on the trail
Creek
The trail followed along Summit Creek
Creerk
Creek
Summit Creek views
Hikers
Gate
On the trail
We turned around at the gate
Map
Our GPS track shows about 4.75 miles and 650 feet of ascent and descent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file..