Gold Run Canyon Creek

Twelve of us headed to the Gold Run exit to try to find the plank crossing Canyon Creek we had crossed another year.  This time we would be more efficient as surely, we knew the correct trails.  But as luck would have it, we goofed again heading too far the other way from the ditch path.  We did see the huge drainage tunnel but this time we entered it from above rather than from below.  Frank pointed out the carbonized wood imbedded in the ceiling. 

We finally made it to the second tunnel and Canyon Creek.  A goodly number of hikers had no interest in going further to the plank bridge.  But Frank ran down there during lunch and verified it's existence, so we will try again with the smaller group.  The goal is to go down to the American River once we cross the creek.  We could see the trail on the way back.

Some of the trail was steep enough to either sit or be helped down.

Part of Canyon Creek comes out of this tunnel.

Today's hike was 5.3 miles with a 1163 ft. elevation gain.

We are still thinking about next week.  Right now we are considering a snowshoe hike  because one of our members got them for Christmas and has yet to use them.  We would hike the 3 Ladies starting at Boreal and will meet at the usual   place at 9 as the snow will be too icy if we arrive too early.