Gary-Summer: Lewis Creek

Showing posts with label Lewis Creek. Show all posts

Sunday, October 11, 2026

October 11, 2026 - Nelder Grove

Title: October 11, 2026 - Nelder Grove

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Nelder Grove Interpretive Center

Trail: Chimney Tree Trail and the Bull Buck Trail

Destination: Loop

Distance: 2.38 miles

Start Time: 1:34

End Time: 3:26

Travel Time: 1:51 (1.28 mph)

Moving Time: 1:28 (1.61 mph)

Elevation Rise: 512' ¹

Descent: 513‘

Maximum Elevation: 5,559'

Minimum Elevation: 5,250'

GPS Tracks

¹The elevation data from the GPS seems a bit off. I am using Google Earth’s information for the elevation. The GPS was:

Elevation Rise: 389'
Descent: 462‘
Maximum Elevation: 5,715'
Minimum Elevation: 5,327'

Would you use this outhouse?

Description:

Today is Sherri’s birthday and she would like to hike the Lewis Creek trail. But first, we need to go to church and hear Jon talk about Revelation 20. We get back home about 10:45 and get ready to go up towards Oakhurst. Leaving Fresno at 11:30.

I drive, after all it is Sherrri’s birthday. When we get to the trailhead off of highway 41 for Lewis Creek, we find that the parking lot has a lot of cars, which is not surprising. Still it is not what we want when we hike to be in crowds. I had thought of going up to Goat Meadow and going into Mariposa Grove. Steven had suggested that we could do Nelder Grove. We have not been to Nelder Grove in awhile, 2020 to be exact, so we decided to go there.

California Tree

The question now is which one of the trails do we want to go on? I suggested the Shadow of the Giants, which is a ways down road 6S90, which is a dirt road. We met a couple of ladies walking along the road and offered a ride, which they refused. We continued on. We came to a place which I suspect we could have made it across where water drains migrates to the downside of the road. There were some boards to take us out of the mud, but there was also a pretty good dip and I was concerned we would hit bottom. So we go back to the main road. Looking at the Forest Service site, the trail was closed anyway.

We drive back to the main part of Nelder-where the Interpretive Center is. It is about 1:25 when we park. We get ready to walk the Chimney Tree Trail and probably the Bull Buck Tree. These two will make a loop. There is an outhouse right across the road from us. Its unusual feature is that a branch or something fell on it. While the outhouse could definitely use some servicing, there is no smell as its condition made for a rather airy room.

Gary and the Chimney Tree

By 1:35 we are off walking up the Chimney Tree Trail. After walking about 15 minutes, we came across a log to sit on, which was conducive for having lunch. Lunch is the usual-peanut butter and Nuitella. We sat around for about 15 minutes before taking off.

We travel a short way up the trail and come to a stately tree called the California Tree. While it is an impressive tree, it is not the most notable in the forest. It is a good start. Just ten minutes up the trail, we come to its name sake, the Chimney Tree. Why is it the Chimney Tree? Most of the lower part of the tree is burnt out, with much of the interior of the tree being hollowed out because of being burnt. Even though in the last week, I have talked about how resilient Sequoias are with its thick fibrous bark, I am always amazed when I see trees like this one. They just need a little bit of their bark and underlayer intact to survive.

Old Forester Tree

About 15 minutes later, we came to a sign which said Old Forester Tree. But the trees which are closest to us do not seem very remarkable. Why would any of them have a name? (Of course that thought raises the question, why do I have a name?) By moving a little bit, I see a tree in the background which would fit the bill as being notable. Not sure that the Sequoia is that old, but it is a tree to take note of. Wikipedia notes that this tree is The tallest tree in the Nelder Grove campground area, named after Walter Puhn, a National Forest Supervisor in the 1960s.

Bull Buck Tree

A few steps later, we come to a trail junction where we can go back to the road or loop past the Bull Buck Tree. We feel like we can continue on. Another ten minutes puts us in front of this tree. It truly is the king of this forest. As we looked up at the upper branches, we noticed clouds just drifting by. Sort of mesmerizing. We stop to have an energy bar before going on.

There are slash piles, ready for burning, all across the hillside where we are walking. The trail drops us down into the walk in the campground. We followed a road for about a quarter mile back to our car. It is only 3:20 when we get back there and another ten minutes to get ready to leave.

Do we eat in Oakhurst since it's just mid-afternoon. We would like to go for Reimer’s, but Sherri’s rule is that we need to eat something real first. So El Cid fits that. We have some burritos there. Then go over to Reimers for ice cream before heading home. We get home about 6:00pm, in time to go on Zoom with the family.

Extra Photo's

Chimney Tree

California Tree

Autumn Leaves

Sherri and the color of Fall

Autumn Leaves

California Tree

An old tree having been left

Bull Buck Tree

Old Forester Tree

Sherri on the trail

Gary by the Chimney Tree

Gary and the Chimney Tree

Flowers and Plants

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

October 22, 2024 - Lewis Creek

Title: October 22, 2024 - Lewis Creek
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Cedar Valley

Trail: Lewis Creek

Destination: As fast as we can go

Actual Destination: Lewis Creek/Midway between Lewis Creek and Red Rock Falls

Distance: 3.05 miles

Start Time: 1:20

End Time: 4:46

Travel Time: 3:25 (0.89 mph)

Moving Time: 2:18 (1.33 mph)

Elevation Rise: 723'

Descent: 795‘

Maximum Elevation: 3,957'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Sherri at beginning

Several days ago we were going to go to Yosemite, but were thwarted by a wind event. We decided to go hiking this week, but Friday was the only day we had available. But today, we have an afternoon free, so we decided to hike. Steven and Sherri decided the Lewis Creek would be good. It has the advantage of Korra can go with us.

Corlieu Falls

I got up first, about 6:15. I sort of puttered around for most of the morning, doing things which needed to be done but which I have been putting off. At 10:00, I have my appointment with Erica. She is with Kaiser and is working with me to reduce my weight and manage my diabetes better. Today it is to work on my carb intake.

Afterwards we have about an hour before we want to take off. We have our lunch and Sherri shampoos some of the carpet. By the time we are set to leave, it is a bit more than an hour, 12:15. I drive while we converse about what we want to do. The thought is we want to be back at the car before dark.Sherri suggests 5:00 would be a good time. We think we will get to the trailhead about 1:15, so that gets us 3 hours and 45 minutes to go about 7 miles. We decided that if we can make Corlieu Falls by 2:15, we would be on track to make Red Rock Falls and back by 5:00pm.

We made it to Cedar Valley. Our boots get dusty starting at 1:25. It is a bit warm, about 80 degrees. But the good news is that it does not get much warmer and actually cools down as we travel up the trail. The coolness makes the trail pretty pleasant. We have traveled this trail many a time. If you want to know about the trail, look for Lewis Creek on this blog.

Gary at rest

Steven and Korra have gone ahead of us-they definitely are faster. At 2:20 Sherri and I get to the bottom of Corlieu Falls. We look up at it for a few minutes, until we see Korra bounding down. We travel about 30 yards up to an overlook. We discuss what we want to do.Steven and Korra will go on ahead and maybe make Red Rock Falls. Sherri and I will turn around at 3:00. Steven takes off and we rest for a few minutes with a Clif Bar and Jelly Bellys.

Then it is time to climb up to the top of Corlieu Falls. The climb is steep, which is not bad. While the trail was redone a while back, there has been a couple of years of hard rains, which has deteriorated the trail.Some steps are over two feet high. In other places parts of the trail has been washed out. Also various shortcuts have caused even more deterioration.

But we managed to reach the top and walk to the place where the trail crosses Lewis Creek. There are signs which say that the Bridge is Out. We know this. But at the crossing, logs and sticks have been placed across the Creek providing a way. But we have reached our turn around time. We rest for about 15 minutes and start back

Bottom of Corlieu Falls

That means going down the deteriorated trail. To me, going down is worse than going up. But taking things one step at a time we get down. I take a look at the pool at the bottom of the Falls. About that time Korra comes bounding towards me. That means that Steven must be close by. A minute later, Steven comes in.

Lewis Creek

After giving Steven the car keys, we take off again. Steven and Korra go on ahead. Sherri and I walk contently along the trail. Not too exciting. But it is a lot cooler than when we came in. We arrive at the car about 4:45.

Once situated, Steven drove us down to El Cid. Sherri and I shared an Enchi-Burrito while Steven had a fajita. Both Sherri and Steven enjoyed a margarita. Afterwards we walk over to Reimers where we each have a scoop of ice cream. I drove back to Fresno. We get back right before Jeopardy.

Extra Photo's

Gary at bottom of Corlieu Falls

Pool at bottom of Corlieu Falls

Corlieu Falls

Gary at Rest

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

November 14, 2023 - Lewis Creek

Title: November 14, 2023 - Lewis Creek
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Cedar Valley

Trail: Lewis Creek

Destination: Red Rock Falls

Distance: 6.59 miles ¹

Start Time: 9:50

End Time: 3:30

Travel Time: 5:40 (1.16 mph)

Moving Time: 4:33 (1.45 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,537'

Descent: 1,544‘

Maximum Elevation: 4,321'

GPS Tracks

¹The GPS shut off before the end of the trail. There is about a half mile missing from the original. On the attached GPX file, I have filled in the remaining portion of the trail from another GPX file.

Description:

Lewis Creek

I woke up at 6:30-maybe a bit earlier than I meant to, but not unreasonable. About the time I finished my granola breakfast, Sherri and Steven got up. I washed dishes and finished getting ready. We managed to leave by 8:30-mostly because they were waiting on me. On our way out, we met Don-talked for about ten minutes before we headed out.

Steven on the trail

Of course, we do need to know where we are going. We know the general direction: north along 41. We are leaning towards either Lewis Creek or Wawona. But there are also other options such as a Forest Service Road out of Yosemite West, Miami Mountain or even Briceberg. When we roll through Oakhurst Sherri is asleep and Steven is involved in something on his tablet. So it is up to me.

When I see the sign for Cedar Valley, the start of the Lewis Creek Trail, so I take the road down. We take the usual 15-20 minutes to get ready to get ready to hit the trail. While getting ready, a white car drives up with a couple females. As we are leaving, they ask a couple of questions about the trail. Sherri and Steven leave-they know how I can take a simple question and stretch that into an elaborate answer. And I do just that.

Corileu Falls

I take off with the ladies. We talk about various things-both how easy it is to take your own home turf for granted, and how you need to look beyond the obvious at the common. About the time we caught up with Sherri and Steven, I introduced us and asked their names: Bonnie and Sherri. Notice the name-same spelling as my Sherri! They are from San Luis Obispo. We would catch up to them at both the bottom and top of Corileu Falls.

On other trips I have described the trail. While the route is about the same and so is the climb to Corileu Falls, the condition of the trail is different. Last Winter’s storms have done a number on the trail. It will get worse as we climb up the slope which Corileu comes down. But before we ascend, we gawk at Corileu. Corileu is always something to look at, even this late in the season.

Crossing a washed out section of trail

Bonnie and Sherri asked if it was worthwhile going to the top. Yep! is the answer, even though down here is more attractive. So they leave while we finish gawking. We climb up-Sherri and Steven go up the shorter, but harder way, while I take a more leisurely track. We meet Bonnie and Sherri for the last time when we reach the top-they are about to go on down.

We rest for a few minutes, complete with Jelly Bellies. Then off we go. This section is only a gradual climb. The junction with the trail from Highway 41, there are signs warning that the bridge is out. We knew this already. Yesterday the Sierra Seniors hiking group had done this same trail. Judy’s comment was that the group had developed a new game-inching along the logs. We follow suit. The only one of us who got wet was Korra who enjoyed her splashing.

Gary crossing Lewis Creek sans bridge

For some reason after crossing Lewis Creek, I started feeling tired. Not sure why, but I could tell as I have lost the spring in my step, particularly going uphill. Still the trail gives me enough reason to stop and look. Autumn has hit these trees big time. Mostly in the form of yellowing leaves, interspersed with flaming red. The trail goes up, but more in a rolling manner. Eventually we came to Red Rock Falls.

Steven on the trail

Steven and Korra are waiting for us. There we have lunch and rest. And I rest some more. I do not take the opportunity to go down to the bottom of the falls-and neither does anybody else. After sitting around for a half an hour, we started off. Steven and Korra take off, while Sherri and I take a more leisurely pace. But we are mostly going downhill, so my lack of energy is not a factor.

Top of Red Rock Falls

One thing I noticed since the last time I was up here was how much graffiti there is. Rocks have been tagged; the ends of fallen trees are tagged. Do these people think that their “art” improves on nature? Or are we just showing our falleness? Also there is a lot of litter. Unfortunately I do not have any garbage bags in my pack, so I am not on litter patrol today.

Sherri traversing a fallen log

Steven is waiting for us at the Lewis Creek crossing. We know what we are doing crossing the creek, so not nearly as exciting crossing it the second time. Since Steven and Korra are moving faster, Sherri gives them the car keys and they take off. Going down the slope is a bit more challenging than going up, for some reason. Looking down rocks with scree on them is never a calming look in my book.

But we make it down without mishap and pause at Corileu Falls. For some reason, in the subdued light the Falls look better than we saw them in the morning. So what can we do, but stop and look for a while. We then continue our return trip back to the car around 3:30-Steven and Korra are patiently waiting for us.

So the only question remaining is what do we want to do for nourishment? That gives us about 15 minutes from leaving the trailhead at 3:45 to make a decision. Since Steven brought along a flask from Southgate, that is our destination. We must have hit the sweet spot as Southgate is usually crowded-today, we got right in and are served. One thing you do not have to worry about Southgate is if their food will be any good-it is. The only decision is what to choose. I had a chicken Philly sandwich. It was soooo good. We made it back to Fresno before 6pm. In time to take a shower before Jeopardy. Another good day.