The mystical journey through the Left Fork of North Creek involves route
finding, plunging cautiously into chilly pools then sloshing, sometimes
frantically, through frigid water over and through difficult obstacles.
The narrow Subway section of this hike forces hikers through a unique
tunnel sculpted by the Left Fork of North Creek. Churning water chisels
the rock floor, forming shallow potholes that fill to the brim with
frosty water. Silhouettes dance freely on multi-colored walls where only
a trickle of sun light penetrates into the curved chamber of the
Subway. Falling water echoes in the nature carved tunnel where
dragonflies dart, frogs laze about and shimmering emerald pools tempt
cold hikers to dawdle. Before long, the promise of daylight urges an
exit to the warmth of the sun waiting outside the Subway. The canyon
widens as hikers cross back and forth across the creek, making their way
to the grueling uphill exit. For those that want a glimpse of the
canyon, but choose to stay away from uncomfortable obstacles, explore
the canyon from the bottom where thin sheets of glistening water cascade
over mossy stair-step slivers of rock.
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