PORCUPINE

Christy and I decided to take another relatively easy day before trying another backpacking trip. Christy was gradually improving, and felt that a more ambitious dayhike would be a good test. After breakfast I studied the map for ideas. I noticed a waterfall on Porcupine Creek, not far upstream from Lower Green River Lake. I didn’t know anything about it, and my guidebook only gave it a brief mention. Still, I figured it was as good of a destination as any.

It was a sunny morning, so we decided to hike the shady trail along the west side of Lower Green River Lake. The trail on the east side is out in the open, and can be really hot on a sunny day. We started our hike right from our campsite. We walked to the upper end of the campground and cut through a vacant campsite to reach the trail. We followed the path down into the woods. The stretch along the lake was heavily forested, but full of wildflowers. The variety was stunning, but the Rocky Mountain Columbines stole the show.

There were a couple of nice views of Osborn Mountain and Flat Top Mountain across the lake. A bit farther on, Christy had another mishap. She was crossing a fallen tree when she slipped. She put out her hand to catch herself and impaled it on a broken branch. It was a nasty wound, but we were able to clean it up and bandage it.

We followed a side trail, hoping it would lead to the beach at the upper end of the lake. There were several fallen trees blocking the path, but we were able to work our way through. We reached one of the channels of the Green River. It was a thigh-deep wade, but the current was minimal. We crossed barefoot and reached the long, narrow strip of sand along the south end of the lake. We had lunch there, and walked all the way to the far end of the beach. This area features great views, both across the lake, and south towards Squaretop Mountain.

Afterwards we returned to the trail and followed it to a junction. Most dayhikers turn left here to connect with the Highline Trail on the east side of the lake. We continued ahead on the Porcupine Creek Trail. Before long we reached Porcupine Creek and waded across. The next stretch of trail had a stream running down it. Eventually the trail dried out, and we passed a large run of cascades on Porcupine Creek. At first I thought it was the waterfall, but the map showed it being a good distance upstream. The cascades weren’t very exciting, so I was hopeful that the main attraction was still ahead of us.

We climbed steadily on switchbacks, well away from the creek. After gaining a couple hundred feet we reached a faint side path heading towards the creek. It looked like we were at the correct elevation, so we decided to give it a try. This path was obscured by fallen trees, but we were able to work our way through. A steep descent led to the brink of a cliff. From here, we had a nice view out to Lower Green River Lake and Osborn Mountain in the distance. Above us was a long run of steep cascades. That was nice, but not what I was hoping for. It looked like the main drop was directly below us. Unfortunately, I didn’t see a safe way down from our perch.

We retreated to the main trail and started back. After a short distance, I noticed a descending ridge running roughly parallel to the creek. I decided to check it out. I followed a faint path, and after a short distance I found myself at the top of a steep gully. It descends along the base of an impressive cliff – the same cliff we were on top of a few minutes earlier. Farther along the cliff was an impressive waterfall! Christy joined me there. She was content with that view, but I wanted a closer look. I worked my way down the gully, scrambling over rocks to reach the base of the waterfall. The view was great, but photography was hopeless due to the sunny conditions. I made a few attempts anyway, before scrambling back up to where Christy was waiting.

We hiked back down to the junction with the trail that connects to the Highline Trail. I wanted to see Upper Green River Lake, so I headed that way. Christy decided to rest in the shade while I did the side trip. I hiked through a huge meadow with views of the surrounding mountains. I reached a sturdy bridge over the Green River and joined the Highline Trail on the far side. I hurried up the Highline Trail, then turned onto a spur path that led to the north shore of Upper Green Lake. There I was treated to a breathtaking view of Squaretop Mountain on the far side of the lake.

I hiked back to where Christy was waiting, and we hiked back to camp along the west side of Lower Green River Lake. That evening we battled the mosquitoes and organized our gear for our backpacking trip to Slide Lake. After dinner we drove down to the boat ramp just in time to catch some alpenglow on Osborn Mountain at sunset.

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