Mud, snow, ice, and wildflowers – spring in the Scotchmans will always give you a little bit of everything. Here are a couple of things you need to know to explore springtime trails safely in the Scotchmans and beyond.
Expect cold and quick-moving rivers
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Stream crossings can be dangerous
River crossings can be dangerous or impossible in the spring. Before embarking on a hike, make sure to check maps and local guide resources for potential stream crossings.
Stream crossings in the Scotchmans that can be difficult in the spring include Spar Creek, East Fork Creek, Morris Creek, Regal Creek, and Ross Creek.
Before embarking on any river crossing expedition, you should familiarize yourself with the best practices for river fords.
If you plan on crossing a stream, it’s best to bring extra wool socks or sandals to keep your hiking boots dry. Hiking poles for extra stability are great too.
Aim for south-facing, sunny trails
To avoid the mud, head for South-facing slopes, which receive the most sunlight and therefore tend to be driest. Plus, these drier trails will also be the first to have wildflowers!
Good South-facing trails in the Scotchmans include the first half of the Star Peak trail and the Goat Mountain trail.
Expect fallen trees and overgrown brush
If you’re hiking before our volunteer trail crews get to work, you can expect a truly wild experience! Be prepared to climb over and under trees that have fallen across the trail. Wear long pants and long sleeves to avoid scrapes from overgrown brush and treefall navigation.
Be wildlife aware
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Keep your distance from mountain goats
After a harsh winter, wildlife can be especially active in the spring. The Scotchmans are home to black bears, grizzly bears, mountains lions, moose, and mountain goats – to name a few.
To protect yourself, every hike participant should bring bear spray, which can be used on any threatening animal. But ultimately, the best way to stay safe is to stay away from wildlife – even those seemingly-friendly mountain goats!
