It is hard to roll out of bed when it is 37F but the forecast is for the high 80s by afternoon so we want to stick with our planned early start. A short drive that includes a quick stop at the Bakery (one blueberry scone and a cinnamon roll plus a chock full of good stuff cookie for the trail) brings us to the trailhead.  We don fleece and wind breakers and set off.

Bare charred pines line the trail as we pass through a burn area. At first it is a bit depressing but the sun rises to peak over the ridge above us and shadows begin to play across the hillside.  Clusters of wildflowers accent the grey scene.  First we hear then come alongside the trail name sake, Marsh Creek.   The feel of cool air off the water and rolling down the cliffs alternates with the toasty warm of the brilliant morning sun.  Before long we strip first the fleece then the jackets.

Along the creek we spot an osprey and a mama merganser and her one little chick. The trail clings to talus cliff sides where pica and marmots make appearances.  All day deer tracks way outnumber boot tracks at our feet.  We meet no one on the trail until we began our return trek and encountered only one occupied wilderness campsite. It is good to know that we can get out into the wild a bit even on a day hike.

Our destination today; the confluence of Marsh Creek and Bear Creek that is the birth of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. From a perch high above the creeks the view is beautiful.  There is an amazing aqua blue pool so tempting that we just have to clamber down to check it out.  There is no one else around.   I wade to my knees but have to keep getting out to warm my numbing toes. Kent is a bit braver, he goes for a dip.  Good for him.  We hang out and have lunch and just soak it all in.

It is hot now. The hike out is filled with new smells as the air rises up the creek banks and lifts the forest smells with it.  We take breaks in the shade and ease our way back to civilization.  Along the creek I notice quiet sections where the water slips among the rocks as well as the roaring turns and leaps over boulders.

It has been a wonderful hike.