March 3, 2014 - Lewis Creek

Title: March 3, 2014 - Lewis Creek

Trail head: Highway 41, about 7 miles north of Oakhurst

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: Lewis Creek Trail

Destination: Red Rock Falls

Distance:  5.11 miles

Start Time: 9:38

End Time: 12:44

Travel Time: 3:05 (1.66 mph)

Moving Time: 2:29 (2.06 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,075'

Maximum Elevation: 4,414'

Description:
 
This is the second Jerry J hike we have been on, but Lewis Creek, today's trail, is an old friend of ours. There are nine of us, of assorted experiences and personalities. We get to the meetup point in Fresno around 8am and leave. But leave by 20 after. The sky has some high overcast and is blue in some places. Our trail-head is about 7 miles north of Oakhurst, along Highway 41. We will be doing the abbreviated version of this trail, 4 to 5 miles.

After stopping at Starbucks in Oakhurst, a place which seems to recognize hiking groups, we get to the parking lot at 9:30. The first order of business is to visit Corkeu Falls. With the temperatures in the 40's, it is brisk, but nice weather for hiking. Also with the recent rains, the trees still have drops on them, with a certain clean feel to the air. At the top of Corlieu, you can tell the rain has had a positive effect of making the Falls into it's refreshing self. We go to the bottom of the falls and stop at the platform. There are the appropriate oohs and aahs. 

At Corileau Falls

But now the hike up it starts. Sherri and I lag behind, talking with a couple from Bass Lake. Here we can see the different levels of experience in our group. Some charge up the 100' rise; to others, it is a challenge. All make it to the top, but in varying thoughts on the viability of doing the trail. But this a good thing of hiking with a group. We all need encouragement and in the right group, that happens. Sort of like the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs saying that if a person goes it alone and they fall, there is no one to pick him up. But if you have a companion,they will help you. This is what happened today. Those who can, encouraged; those who struggled, overcame.

Lewis Creek

Now heading north toward Sugar Pine, the trail settles into a rhythm of rolling strides. Some down, mostly up, but pretty gradual. Sherri and I tag along at the rear and have conversations with Jody and Kathy, a couple of people whom we just met today. Fun talking and walking. We stop several times to admire the creek and the emerging colors. Lewis Creek each time we have walked it, brings something new to us. Maybe that is why we do not tire of walking this trail. Today, it is the pre-Spring colors, still with a deadness of winter, but some tinges of red and brown, with the greens from our evergreens. The creek is there to have us gaze upon it.

Red Rock Falls

Right before we get to Red Rock Falls, the trail starts to climb a ways. But not too bad and not too long. There are a couple holes where tree root systems have been.  The depth is impressive. Red Rock Falls is about  50 yards off the trail. I debate about going the rest of the way to SugarPine and when I hear that Kate and Dana have already gone down that trail, I take off after them. I am going at a pretty good pace, but I do not catchup to them; only meet them as they return. I turn around after meeting them, about a hundred yards from the Sugar Pine road, where I walk  and talk with them back to Red Rock Falls. What do we talk about? Food, of course! What else do hikers talk about, except for hiking gear.

Red Rock Falls is going pretty good and puts on a good display. But all things come to an end, so we head on back to the cars. When we get to Oakhurst, we go to El Cid for lunch. Then Sherri and I indulge ourselves. This is a long wanted indulgence. We walk over to Reimers for ice cream. Well worth the waiting and lusting for it. Still licking my lips, enjoying the mint chocolate chip. Great way to end the day.

Break on Top of Red Rock

Little Creek off of Lewis