(November 28th, 2011) I picked a spot near Canyon Creek for a short hike. With my back bothering me somewhat, I wanted a hike with little elevation gain, close to home and with a minimum of gravel road travel. And I call this hike the “Mud Springs Hike” taken from the “Range Cattle Allotment” name of the land I would be hiking on. This was a complete off-trail/cross country hike.
This easy 1.36 mile hike had an elevation gain/loss of just 140 feet with an average slope of 3.9% as I climbed a hill to the north. And it was barely a hill. The environment was relatively clean as BLM land goes with not many cow patties to deal with. As far as trash? A severe lack of trash found along my track tells me not many people walk this area.
Once on top of the hill I headed east along the ridge but did not want to head east too far as I knew private property was located in that direction. My GPS unit indicated I either encroached about 100 feet into private property or Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) lands. But there were no fences or signs in the area to say one way or the other.
Interesting Finds – Deer Shed and Wagon Trails
I cannot take credit for finding the deer shed as my dog Addie found them first. She certain does enjoy running around like a mad dog with antlers in her mouth. Not an experience I enjoy as she like to run full speed at me and turn away at the last second. This used to result in nice gouges in my legs but I have gotten wise to her shenanigans.
In the above picture I found these tracks in the prairie. I have much doubt about this, but could these tracks be part of the Oregon Trail? I know there are quite a number of places close to this site that are bona fide Oregon Trail tracks. These seem too fresh and easily seen to actually be a part of Idaho history….but one never knows.
I hope you enjoyed Part 4 of my series of “hikes you can enjoy in 2 hours or less if you live in Mountain Home, Idaho”. These hikes might not be in the most scenic or wild places but I seem to find interesting things almost every time I head out.
See Part 1: 2 Close to Mt Home Discovery Hikes
See Part 2: Loveridge Snake River Hike
See Part 3: Bennett Mountain Road Hike
Thanks,
