Fall Drive: Trapper’s Loop and North Fork Park

From down here in the valley, the mountains above look like they are getting an early start to fall. So we decided to get a nice fall drive in. We decided to do the Trappers Loop today. This loop goes up Ogden canyon, clockwise around Pineview Reservoir, then out Weber Canyon. Sounds good.

As this is a fall drive, most of the images will be drive by photos.

Approaching Ogden Canyon. (DBP)

Pineview Dam. (DBP)

Driving across the dam. (DBP)

Better view of Pineview. (DBP)

View from a pull out just north of the reservoir.

There is a trail here. Might need to come back and explore that some day. Some fall colors up on the mountains there too.

Mah suggested that we go see North Fork Park while in the area. So, we headed a little ways north.

View from the entrance.

There was a sign which stated it is a fee area, but the station was closed for the season. So I am not sure if the fee is for camping, or if, in season, you are expected to pay just to visit.

Some flowers.

Some nice colors on this thin road. (DBP)

After coming to a fork in the road we weren’t sure where to go, but saw a sign saying waterfall left. So we went that way.

This road seems a little bit smaller, but we didn’t run into any other cars.

Well, apparently the waterfall doesn’t have a name other than Waterfall, and it is only .4 miles. That shouldn’t take us very long. Guess we are going to get a hike in today after all.

Some lovely colors in here.

Some more flowers.

Nice forested trail.

More flowers.

Some great color on the hills above.

More flowers.

I would say a little after halfway, the main trail is fenced off as watershed, and this sign directs you to the side route. The easy level trail then goes up hill, pretty steeply.

Some more fall color here.

Great view of the hills above.

Trail gets really thin and overgrown for a minute.

And the really steep part. For such a short trail it was kind of kicking our butts during this section.

Flowers and fall colors.

Ok, best shot of the hill side yet. Some great colors popping out.

Interesting. This trees branches are only growing on the one side.

And our first view of the waterfall. 

I want to get closer, but first we have to make it down this.

Actually it wasn’t that bad. Pretty good footholds to get down.

Much better from the base. I bet this is particularly stunning during high flow.

Side view.

Some more flowers.

Well, even at just a trickle, it is a nice waterfall, and I am glad we ventured out to it.

Cliffs above.

Just have to climb back up this. Actually, it doesn’t seem as bad from down here, and was actually easier to climb up than down.

And another steep slope.

The hill sides again.

Pretty red leaves.

Funky trees.

Carved tree.

More fun colors on the hill side.

Purple berries.

North fork.

It never ceases to amaze me seeing plants grow out of solid stone.

Nice little cascade.

Crazy mass of trees.

Well that was a great short hike. It was quite a bit tougher than I thought it would be, but it was pretty, and the waterfall is not bad. No people on the way in, but ran across 2 groups on the way out. If you happen to be in the area, I say check it out. I might need to return during spring run off, but at the moment I say, don’t go out of your way to see it.

7 out of 10 squirrels.

As for difficulty, most of the trail was easy, but there are some steep sections, and of course that rock you have to get over. Not sure if I would bring kids. Going with a DR4, which seems odd for such a short trail, but this short trail was pretty darn tough.

 

Some more great views in the park.

Fun colors. (DBP)

The back side of Ben Lomond Peak. (DBP)

That scar takes you down the canyon north of Ogden Canyon. We have done it, as far as dirt roads up over a pass goes, it wasn’t too bad. (DBP)

Back to Pineview Reservoir. (DBP)

Huntsville barn. (DBP)

Backside of the Ogden Mountains. (DBP)

Cool sand formations heading towards Weber Canyon. (DBP)

The South Ogden Water towers post new paint job. (DBP)

Well, as far as fall color drives goes, I was not very impressed. I did enjoy the random unexpected hike though so it wasn’t a waste of a drive. If you are looking for a fall drive, I would steer you towards Nebo Loop or the Mirror Lake Highway..

Maybe we came too early, but like I said, not the best fall drive we have done. It is pretty easy going though, so that is nice.