There is no getting around it. You need to pay your dues while Hiking. Sure, there is a spectacular destination but before you get there, you need to grind your way up the trail.

If you love seeing historical landmarks, wildlife, wild flowers, animal tracks and geology you will enjoy the walk. We are not sure how the other hikers manage, if they are not interested in their surroundings.

For instance, some times the details are obvious, when we spooked a Momma bear with her cub, she left some great paw prints in the trail. Later in the trip, we stumbled across some bear prints that were larger then my size 45MM hiking boot. If we were not paying attention we would of never discovered the massive “calling card” left by an ambling bear who passed by just hours earlier.

The panorama at the bottom of the page was out first campsite. Not like you see in the movies. The trees were burnt in the lightning-caused 1988 Canyon Creek Fire that consumed 247,600 acres of the Scapegoat Wilderness. Where is the fire ring? This is the 21st century – use a cook stove and leave no trace of your visit.