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| Hiking | 16.50 Miles |
2,547 AEG |
| | Hiking | 16.50 Miles | 5 Hrs 53 Mns | | 2.80 mph |
| 2,547 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Up in the Apache-Sitgreaves NF again working on my hikes. This time I set out to do Bear Wallow and was really unsure what to expect. It is the point of origin of the infamous Wallow Fire of 2011. I was actually pleasantly surprised. The burn affected only about a third of the area where hike takes place.
On the way down as you follow the stream the area is torched bad! Once at North Fork which is a mile and a half in you make a turn and head West. It is here that it was much less burned than I had expected. The water was flowing strong as the snow continues to melt. Black suit could be seen on the side of the creek but the water was mostly clear. As I progressed I came across 5 wild turkeys, a couple elk and a small group of cattle. No fish were spotted in the stream.
Continuing on I made several creek/river crossings and I gave up on trying to cross by boulder hopping. It was just too deep and it made more sense to wade across. The water wasn't really that cold which was also a surprise. Basically I hiked about 14 miles of the trip in wet shoes and socks. Normally this wouldn't be so great but I figured it was good training for the upcoming Paria River Canyon Hike.
The turn around point is at the Apache National Forest Boundary. Per the book there was supposed to be a fence at the line. I walked right on by and didn't see it. Once I looked at the GPS watch and realized I had gone a quarter mile into the Apache side I turned back. On my return I saw the posted sign and was able to find the fence. It is mostly gone or down due to fallen trees. If you should hike this one it is easy to miss the finish line. No worries because the trail quickly fades to nothing beyond the boundary.
Per the register I was the second person of 2012 to hike this one but I am sure I won't be the last. Really great hike if you enjoy hiking next to a stream and/or a river. Don't let the fire damage keep you away. There is still much beauty to behold and a great trail to enjoy! |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
