Devils Glen - Mad River: Return to Mud River! (11/25/2006)

For the group of us that did this hike in early spring, we affectionately named it "Mud River" due to the rain, the high water level and the steep terrain. Slips and falls in the mud were common among some of us, hiking in ankle deep water, overrun from the river, a difficult final climb with zero footing - a difficult hike but one that begs to be repeated. The hike traverses some of the local ski hills and among the edges of a golf course, and the views are spectacular. The highlight is a switchback trail down into the river valley and a steep climb back out. This is a hike for the sure footed, or at least, for those of you that don't care if you fall or get a bit dirty. This is the hike that broke my trekking pole, so I'm rating it difficult, although the length isn't that bad, you should be prepared with the proper equipment - good hiking boots or shoes at the very least - no jeans or running shoes, or you'll regret it.

There is always the possibility that the day will be gorgeous and sunny, and the hike is dry and easy, in which case I'll tack on a few extra kilometres.