Whitewater Canyon advice

[Ulysses]

I know there is a message board for the San G, but I haven't joined over there, and I suspect that some of you are very familiar with the area.

Been thinking about exploring Whitewater Canyon or the PCT into Mission Creek in the next couple of weeks. I have hiked the PCT from Whitewater Preserve to Mission Creek, but not much further. I want to hike further up Whitewater, maybe into the Middle Fork, and camp out. Wondering if there are any water sources up there other than the river itself? Is there a trail along the river in Whitewater? Would the PCT up Mission Creek be a better destination for camping? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Ellen]

Howdy Ulysses

I recommend contacting our board member "Pitownpi" -- he goes by "Pi" on the San Gorgonio board. He knows that area well -- both via trail and lots of cross country trips. I don't know how often Pi checks this board, so you may want to post to the San G board.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

Hi Ulysses. I've been up that way exploring quite a few times. If you want to go up to the upper stretches of Whitewater you could just wander up the wash, but it's slow and tedious. Not unpleasant though. Still, I'd say the best way is to start out from the preserve going north on the PCT. After about 3 1/2 to 4 miles, there's an old road that is now overgrown but is a very obvious trail that cuts off to the left, going uphill back towards Whitewater. I've gone up that way, and after a couple more miles it doubles back to the right in a switchback that drops you down into the Whitewater drainage. From there you can follow it on up to Walthier's Landing. I've only gone about 9 miles out and it's interesting terrain. I talked to a couple hunters at my turnaround point once and he said about another mile or so past where I turn around there's a beautiful waterfall off to the right. I haven't seen it yet, but if I get out there and see it sometime I'll post pics.

If you'd rather follow the PCT on up along Mission Creek you'll have a water source for much of the way. There are a few miles in the middle before you get to Mission Springs (which is roughly the Fish Creek Trailhead if you drive up from the other side in the San G Wilderness) where the trail veers away from the creek, but it wouldn't be hard to find a nice spot to camp fairly close to the creek. If you like solitude, this is a good place. Only the PCT through-hikers seem to venture up past where the PCT hits Mission Creek.

Here's a few pics: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2840 ... 0825MPpWRr

If you felt like making it a through hike you could always do a shuttle and pop out at Aspen Grove or Heart Bar.

Hope this helps.

z

[Ulysses]

Thank you Ellen and Zip. I appreciate the help. Like the shots of San J Zip.

[HH8]

[quote="zippetydude"][/quote]

great photos. What time of year were those flowers? Luv the peek-a-boo peak with it's snow cap

[zippetydude]

Hi HH8. I took those in May, though the wildflowers remained blooming until early July in that particular location. For some reason they start late and last longer over towards the Mission Creek drainage.

If you want to see great wildflowers, start at the Whitewater preserve and go south. March or April will be best, and after a good rain year it is unbelievable. There are red, purple, blue, yellow, and white flowers in such profusion that it's absolutely amazing. In drier years the grassy hills are still pretty with occasional bursts of yellow flowers.

If you'd like an astounding view of San J, if you can find your way to the saddle that stands between Whitewater and the Cottonwood trailhead for the PCT, just go west up the ridgeline from the saddle. It looks like you're in an airplane and San J is snowcovered that time of year, so it's spectacular in person.

Here's a link for some pics from there:

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/570543088WZVuRM

Sort of like the Grand Canyon in that the pics can't do it justice. Fairly short hike too from either direction, maybe 3-4 miles from either end, then a 1/2 mile scramble/stroll up the ridgeline. Let me know if you have a chance to go in the spring. I do a lot of runs out there when the mountains are too cold for a quick run and I'll let you know if the flowers are in bloom yet. Root for a great rain/snow year!

z

[HH8]

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/570543088WZVuRM
I'll let you know if the flowers are in bloom yet. Root for a great rain/snow year!

excellent little bridge - was that PCT maintenance?
Do flowers do better with the rain all in one shot or spread out over time?
I know some wet years in Antelope valley are dud because grass takes over.

[Ulysses]

Will there be drinkable water in Mission Creek at this time of year?

[Pitownpi]

Will there be drinkable water in Mission Creek at this time of year?

Certainly!

[zippetydude]

Ulysses: Mission Creek is very reliable. I've never seen it even close to dry, but it can go the other way. When Steve and Fern and I went out there exploring one time we came across a high water mark on some trees that had been battered during flash floods. The damage was on trees that were next to the creek, not actually in it when we were there, and the scars were about 6' off the ground...love to see that from a safe distance some time.

HH8: The little bridge was on the little spur trail from the Whitewater Preserve that leads over to the PCT. Very nice, helpful staff at the preserve. They keep the trail clearly marked as it crosses the wash over to the PCT and generally have a good bridge in place to get across the wide spot as well. IDK what makes for a good wildflower year except that during that year when we had almost record rainfall was the year that the blooms went crazy. I don't remember if it was spread out or intense.

z