Cummins Creek

Started the trail around 6pm after work and the hour drive. Found one of the trailheads and got on the move as the sun was waining, and I dont hike in the dark. As fate would have it 2 miles in I zigged when I should have zagged. I had bought little water with me as I thought I would be on the creek trail. Up to the top of the ridge I went. At 1200' I stopped to find a small clearing for camp. The ground was so soft. And follage was so alife and green. I knew that I took a wrong turn but the missed turn was a wonder in itself. By myself in this surround was just so peaseful. I'll worry about water tomorrow. After I ate and read a little bit, I headed to bed.

I woke the next morning to a blue sky. I ate and made my morning coffee with the last of my water. I figued I would still find some water along the trail. So up the trail I headed. When I say up, I meen up.

I stopped to get a picture of my mug next to a tree.

Around 4 miles I came across a clearing, This gave me hope for a small stream. There was no water to be found. Though my binoculars I could see were I was supposed to be (1600 feet below me). And yes there was water there.
 

 Finding more and more beauty with every step. I was on a wonderful trail, not another soul around. Just how I love to travel.

This is the final overlook on the ridge looking back toward the ocean,

I felt my feet and legs start to go down hill. I felt kinda sad that I was moving off the ridge. But at the same time I knew that water would be found. Its been a hard 10-12 mile hike but I found the water!

This was the next bend in the trail right after I got water. There was a sign there. I was one mile from the car. So much for spending another night. I was very disapointed as I could spend a week out there on those trails.

Next time I will head south along the lower trail. There are so many unmarked trails leading off the main ones. Those are for anther time.

Such clear, crisp pics--must've been a beautiful day, and the greenery is so rich--I can see why you didn't want to leave!  I don't get around much; where is the Cummins Creek area?  How do you get to the trailhead?  Thanks, Mike, for sharing your trip.

Hey Mike. Nice tr. Really good pics. I appreciate these trail reports because it gives me the opportunity to see something different compared to my typical trips.

I appreciate you taking the time to share this with us. Thanks, good stuff.

That is some beautiful "enchanted forest" Mike.  Thanks for sharing the trip! I don't know about you but when I run out of water all I can think about is how thirsty I am (whether I really am or not....). :)

I love this report, Mike. Thanks for posting it. Did you hike the whole day without water? (!) I am with Patman, I can't function very well if I don't have water.  

That shot of your "mug" is great :)

Great report Mike. Your area seems beutiful. Thanks for shareing it..

This area has a maze of interconnecting trails around the Cape Perpetua  area on the Oregon coast. The route I took was 17 miles. I backpacked around 11 miles before finding water. Had I took the 23 mile hike I would have been in the lower area along a creek bed.

Next year I'm going to start at the 3 capes  and hike down to Pacific City (25+ miles). This starts in the high coastal mountians, winds around the 3 capes ending along the beach. At the end of the hike there is a marsh area that I will have to cross at low tide. Rita will be waiting for me at the Brew Pub.

I will check the maps and do a better job reshearching the area for water. As I found out that 11 miles w/o water is one heck of a long hike.

What a great combination of surf & turf hiking--sho'nuf big woods out there!  I helped fight a forest fire in Olympia about 45 years ago, and, sadly, haven't had the chance to go back to see that beautiful country in better times.  I am a coffee-hound, too, especially on crisp mornings; so, if you recommend any special equipment for making good coffee on the trail, I'd be grateful.  Thanks again for those pictures that brought back old memories!

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