I started before 7:30 with no real stopping point in mind. Some people do a shuttle trip since after 5.5 creek miles (about 1 MPH without stops) you hit the river channel of Canyon Lake, parking a 2nd vehicle at the top of the hill 2.5mi away. Since it was just me I went in until I'd had enough and found a nice swim spot, which happened to be around 4.4 miles in.
Lower was much different than Upper in that it received more sunlight and had no real bouldering. It was mostly just a wider creek area with constant water. No large rock traffic jams created hardly any deep swim spots though. The cliff walls were ridiculously high though, with the tallest being 2000', and I encountered one narrow spot. Apparently there are more narrows with forced swims the closer to the lake you get but I didn't want to get there and regret having to hike it all again without the road out option. I'd say this end was much more scenic but I do like the choose your own adventure challenges of upper. The way in, I tried to keep my feet dry for too long which made going a little slower fighting the brushier banks. After my turnaround spot and the swimming and naked waterfall jumping, I stayed in the water hiking back and made better time.
I didn't get to see any of the coatimudi or mountain lions seen by others before, it was just your basic scenic stuff. However, I did have my first shady backcountry encounter where I believe things could have gone bad.
About 1.5 miles in (almost 2 creek slogging/rock hopping hrs in) I encountered a group of 4 hispanic males who appeared to be setting up camp. Our quick exchange was cordial enough. My mind later asked how often do you encounter groups of non-white hikers in the middle of nowhere.
On my return hours later I heard a loud motorized noise as I approached where I had seen them. By the time my mind figured out it was not a chainsaw, their scout had seen me and tried to hurriedly motion for the others to shut it down. This time as I passed, they said no word. I said "How's it going," with no response as I kept moving. I could not resist temptation to glance once back where they were all popped up now staring at at me tensely from what I can only suppose as their now stopped illegal drill/mining work? I did worry about the back of my head until I could round a bend. I'm sure they saw my side arm and extra mag on my backpack strap as I had passed the first time but there were four of them so...
Suspicions were further aroused when I inspected their vehicle to find a note conveniently placed over the VIN stating "Car will not start, be back to fix."
For perspective on the matter, there are rumors the 3 hikers last year who were looking for the Lost Dutchman's gold in the same Supertitions Mtns, may have met their demise by coming across other gold hunters in the area.
Trying out my 10stop filter. Was able to leave the shutter open for 30sec in daylight shadows
Click for large for canyon perspective
![]("http://www.higherground4x4.com/forums/uploaded/Fish_creek_11/IMG_5785_fs.jpg")
Small park area
Remember, he was wearing an orange hat
