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One Eye Creek
11.2 miles from G.T.
mod-steep 4 miles R.T.
Legend has it that a miner working his claim down on Rock Creek long ago
survived an attack by a Mt. lion but lost one eye during the encounter;
hence the name. But One Eye Creek is downstream quite a ways beyond this
trail, but perhaps in olden days it was the way to get there.
This trail used to continue up the other
side of the Rock Creek Canyon to a place called Castle Rocks and then on
to the small town of Mosquito. That side is blocked by private property
now and the trail grows faint, but you can admire the Castle Rock
spires from several spots along the trail descending to Rock Creek if
you stay alert along the way.
Directions:
From G.T. go 4.5 miles up Wentworth Springs Rd and turn R on Balderson
Rd. Go just under 1 mile to turn R onto Darling Ridge Rd. Stay on the
paved road 5.1 miles to an unmarked, unpaved F.S. road marked by a large
OHV sign (just past the road to Ells place). Go L here for .6 miles to a
4 way inter-section and go straight on the road marked 12N81C. Bear R at
.2 miles and follow main road another .6 miles. Look for a 4x4 post
marking the trailhead on the right side. Park nearby without blocking
the road.
The trail
drops 1000 feet in about 2 miles, but is only steep for the last ½ mile.
Poison Oak is thick at the creek so if your sensitive watch out going
along the creek in winter when it is less obvious. When you reach the
creek follow the trail along the bank down-stream about ¼ mile to a
great waterfall with a great pool for swimming down below. Watch the
kids here for the bedrock is very slick when wet.
Perhaps someday volunteers can rebuild
the trail up to Castle Rocks. It used to cross about half way to the
waterfall and old blazed trees show the way up the canyon side. Up on
the ridge the trail gets more distinct the closer it gets to Castle
Rocks.
Click HERE to view the
Take A Hike! version of this hike.
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