[boot up]

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

I could not get solid info on the hike at Alder Springs, which crosses the Whychus creek. It is only a 33 mile drive from my house, so I figured I would scout it out before an afternoon appointment. 5 miles of that 33miles is a "gravel, dirt and rock rough road". Not sure what that means. Apparently that means driving your Prius in there is not a good idea. A few washout gullies and minor boulder crawls would test your skid plates on your low clearance car. I didn't get the worst one on film, because I had to pay attention. This shot is a mild washout with a rock crawl at the top of the shot.

One of several high clearance spots. Washout ruts, and near top of picture a rock crawl is required. Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Hike is pretty easy, with a short scrabbly steep section. Only 2.7 miles RT with 536 feet gain on the way back for Whychus creek and back. Made more interesting because it was already in the 80's at this hot spot.

2.7 mile RT to creek. 536 elevation gain to get back to car, 2621 feet max elevation near car. Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Sand lily season is in full bloom.

Sand Lily, Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Sand lily. Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Smoke in the distance was likely "controlled burning" which they do a LOT around here. with smoke looking much closer when I got home.

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Smoke in the distance. Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Smoke looks closer when I got home. Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

The "just wade" across Whychus creek was more than I wanted to risk. Strong current, at least knee deep near shallow shore side, round rock unstable footing. Maybe its easier later in the season, when its also a furnace there. So today was a quick tag the shore, eat lunch and head back for my appointment.

Canyon from rim portion of hike. Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Just wade across for another few miles. I think you need to weigh a lot but have skinny legs. Maybe easier later in seaon, but hotter too . Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

Alder Springs, Sisters OR 5/3/17

4 cars in the parking lot, mid week. Not a bad lunch break.

[pcg]