Christopher Creek Gorge is a popular summer weekend playground. The photos included were taken the day after a rain. Therefore the water is muddy and doesn't appear to be so inviting. Clearer pools can be enjoyed if it hasn't rained in a week.

From the trailhead a sign forewarns. "Warning this trail stops at top of Box Canyon. If you choose to enter the canyon exercise extreme caution when wet the rocks are slippery." Just into the hike the trail appears to fork. You want to take the right side trail that heads more south and away from the road. Soon you pass under electrical wires. Ponderosa pines surround you and the trail zig zags through the forest. The trail at times is hard to find. This area has been trampled by heavy use and large groups. You will enjoy the thick classic forest along this section, though it might be a bit spooky at night. Manzanita brush which I love is thick in places. A rocky section of trail is encounter. The going is fairly easy and the grade is a gentle descent. Several camp fire rings are passed along the way. A clearing is reached and trails appear to scatter in every direction. Keep heading South-Southwest. Across the clearing the trail picks up again in the trees. Last I had visited the area there was a sign marking this as the end of trail #298 with the same warning note. The sign was leaning against a tree so it's very likely it could move. You will start to go up a slight slope, the trail is rocky and narrow. The edge of the canyon is reached quickly from the clearing area.

Yelling and screaming can be heard as you approach the canyon. Once you have reached the canyon it's best to keep following the trail hugging the edge down to the creek. Adventurous individuals head right down, an occasional few rappel the sheer walls. Upon reaching the creek you will need to cross the waters. Follow the other side a short distance (west with the water flow) for easiest access into the canyon. From here it's up to you. Most make it past about two cascades with good size pools. Be careful on the rocks as the creek bottom is slippery. Enjoy your adventure!
- Sep 25 2001 joe bartels