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Smithfield Canyon, 18 September 2016
Six Cache Hikers enjoyed this pleasant fall hike in Smithfield Canyon: Laurel, Jane, Dave P., Denis, Nikolai and Dave W, the substitute trip leader.
After meeting at Smith's Marketplace in Logan, we carpooled up to the trailhead in Smithfield Canyon and started hiking about 8:50. Within a few minutes we encountered the remains of a turkey on the trail after an unknown predator had eaten all but the feathers and feet. Farther up the trail we came upon the remains of a grouse, another meal for some predator.
The fall colors were out in splendor, especially along the first couple of miles before the higher elevations of the Mt. Naomi Wilderness. We encountered a section of newly renovated trail, with extensive tread work and brushing. Later we learned that the Utah Conservation Corp had done the work. Unfortunately, there is a lot more of this trail that needs major work. Maybe next year? Higher up the trail, we found evidence of a Wilderness violation - logs that had been cut with a chainsaw.
After a leisurely lunch overlooking Cottonwood Canyon, we headed back down the trail, enjoying great fall colors, pleasant weather and a section of newly renovated trail.
Trip Summary:
- Drove 14 miles to the Smithfield Canyon Trailhead and started hiking about 8:50
- Lunch on the saddle overlooking Cottonwood Canyon, 12:00 - 12:45
- Back at the trailhead at 3:45 and Logan at 4:25
- Blue skies and comfortable temperatures
- About 8.5 miles with 3000 feet of ascent
Thanks to Dave W. for the narrative, photos and GPS work.
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| The Smithfield Canyon trailhead | |||
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Brilliant colors of fall |
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| There wasn't much left after predators ate this turkey (left) and forest grouse (right) | |||
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| The many water crossings along this route are easier now that it is Fall and the water levels are lower | |||
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| Someone used a chainsaw to cut these logs, a Wilderness violation - and they carved a number into the end of one log | |||
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| Our lunch spot overlooking Cottonwood Canyon | Only a broken post remains of the sign that marked the trail down Smithfield Canyon | ||
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| We were pleased to find a section of recently renovated trail (left) reportedly by the Utah Conservation Corps. Unfortunately, there is much more of this trail that needs help (right). | |||
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| Caterpillars and butterflies | |||
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| Turkeys along the road as we drove down Smithfield Canyon | |||
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| Our GPS track shows about 8.5 miles with 3000 feet of ascent | |||
You can look at our route using: Google Earth, the various map and aerial views of Google Maps or download our GPS file. |
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