The trail follows the slope of Clear Creek up through a heavily forested ravine.  The sound of water tumbling across rocks is our near-constant companion.  My kind of trail!  We start with a creek crossing then move into heavy aspen and willow so thick and untamed that it is encroaching on the trail.  We don’t have any trouble following the path but the vegetation is wet and we are now too.  We break out the raincoats when a light rain moves in but continue to move up along the creek.  The rain stops as quickly as it began.  Aspens have thinned and we are surrounded by pines now.  Scat and animal tracks confirm that wildlife appreciates this area too.  It looks like we’re moving through the home of moose, elk, deer, bear, and probably fox.  We come upon scattered forest clearings where tall grasses are dotted with a rainbow of wildflower colors.  Woodland birds dart about rarely stopping long enough to even attempt identifying them. Kent does get a good look at this Western Tanager.  It is getting muddy and badly eroded making it hard on the ankles.  We turn back after 2 ¾ miles. It has been a good morning.

Thank you to the gentleman at the Montpelier District Ranger Station.  He recommended this hike as a foot trail only, quiet and through an area frequented by wildlife.