Willow Creek Water Flow at Laws Camp?

[Hikin_Jim]

I can't answer for Ulysses, but I typically don't filter if it's a spring coming directly from the ground.

HJ

[Andy]

I'll second that being a delicious spring, but after seeing its source I think I'll err on filtering. I didn't peak under the plastic, but lets just say that the water's definitely organic.

The reason I ask is that I've been told that there's another good spring around there, maybe just slightly to the north, more towards Skunk Cabbage Meadow. I don't suppose you've got any info on that one, do you?

HJ

Jim, I poked around that area a few times myself but have never been able to find anything else. Supposedly they're remnants from the old spring-fed campsites up there and at one time there were quite a few scattered around Skunk Cabbage, Tahquitz and Reeds meadows.

[Hikin_Jim]

THAT is the source? I assumed that it was an underground spring with a spring box and a protected source. I guess one should always double check, particularly in a relatively flat area like that.

How far away is that intake from the "spring?"

HJ

[Andy]

I'd say from the outlet it is about an equal distance across the trail in a northwesterly direction, so maybe 50 yards or so. The last time I was there it looked like it was in some level of repair or cleaning and if that's the case a thorough clean out, a new top and year-round flow would make it all the better. On a similar note, the spring box at Live Oak Spring is fairly ancient too so I'd hope that if the USFS is tuning these up that it would also be on their list. I'm curious if Live Oak may also be maintained by whoever runs cattle up there, as it would surely be in their interest to provide water for their herd.

[Hikin_Jim]

That's interesting that there are signs of maintenance. I've had people tell me that the Forest Service won't say a word about such springs -- even though they themselves (the Forest Service) are apparently maintaining them.

In Summer 2008, I did a backpacking trip up there, and the Forest Service was advising people that there was no water available anywhere and that all water must be carried up. I thought that was bunk so I took a day hike up there a couple of weeks before my overnighter. Sure enough, that particular spring was running just fine as were several other water sources in the area. I was left scratching my head.

HJ