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trips - No Foolin' - Backpacking in Iowa!Trip Info
DescriptionProsecutor suggested the weekend... so there it is. Yellow River State Forest is located probably 15 miles northwest of Prairie du Chien, WI (come into Iowa and head north on Highway 76)... or around 15 miles east/southeast of Waukon, IA, again on Highway 76. You turn off 76 onto a paved county road that goes past St. Pious of Cherry Mound Catholic Church (you can see the church from the highway). It's then 3 to 4 miles to the backpacker's parking lot, which is on the right. Immediately before that is an A-frame shaped information kiosk where drinking water is available from an outdoor faucet. The trip loops are still up in the air. As it looks now, we'll be in the more familiar Paint Creek Unit of the forest. However, there is a chance the hike may change to include the Yellow River or other units. Also, is anyone interested in backpacking and having a cabin for, say, the second night? It could easily be done here **IF** the cabins/lodges are available. I am checking on that now. There would be a charge of no more than $20 apiece, depending on the number of people. I think the places run around $150, maybe, and hold up to eight or 10 people. (OK, I'm also thinking, what if we have a blizzard?!?!? LOL!) Write me at lisapbia@yahoo.com for more information. I'll edit this as more is finalized... and will note changes on the trip thread. INFO ADDED ON 3/3 Here are some links of interest: Specific backpacking info on the forest Info on the forest in general with anything you might want to know Map of the backpacking trails we'll use TROUT STREAM INFO: The streams mentioned below are stocked by the Big Springs Hatchery of Elkader, although stocking most likely starts in April. (Not to say there aren't fish there NOW, however!) Call here for stocking information: Elkader- 563-245-1699 Little Paint Creek This stream is part of the Yellow River State Forest. It is much smaller than Paint Creek and is stocked during the entire season due to its cool water temperature, a requirement that trout need. Paint Creek This stream is part of the Yellow River State Forest. It is a popular fisheries partially due to the beautiful setting. The stocking portion of this stream is over six miles long, providing plenty of elbow room. A link to fishing regulations PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP THE LAST WEEKEND OF FEB: Webshots album EFFIGY MOUNDS IS CLOSE BY AND WORTH A VISIT Effigy Mounds National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service INFO ADDED ON 3/14 THE HIKING ROUTE FRIDAY, APRIL 2 Evening Campsite: Heffern's Hill It will give an opportunity for trout fishing the first night out, or early Saturday morning. You have two options for getting there: 1. This would probably be the best>> Park at the backpacker's parking lot. You will have approximately a 1-mile EASY hike to the campsite. You'll follow an old railroad bed that is FLAT and very easy. It does have one small stream crossing. (I crossed it a couple Saturdays ago when snow runoff had it higher than normal and easily made it across on rocks. It was maybe ankle high.) I'll mark the turnoff. 2. You could also drive to within a half mile of Heffern's Hill campsite and park. It's not a designated parking area, but I've done it before. (If enough people chose to do this, I'd suggest we shuttle all the cars but one back to the backpacker's lot.) This would be an easy, EASY **EASY!!** option for people getting there late. SATURDAY, APRIL 3 Evening Campsite: Brown's Hollow We'll hike around 8 miles on Saturday, including options like a big hill for those who like... and a little bushwhacking. Trails will include those used by horses. This day will include going into the northwest portion of the hiking trails, coming by the backpacker's parking lot (HEY, THIS WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO GRAB SOME MORE WATER YOU MIGHT HAVE BROUGHT ALONG.... OR PICK UP MORE FOOD, IF YOU'D RATHER NOT CARRY IT ALL THE WHOLE TRIP.) We'll head up to the fire tower, then combine foot and horse trails, as well as a short bit of bushwhacking (which should have no problem nettles this early!!) to get to the campsite. If you want to trout fish, this campsite is within one-half mile of Paint Creek (the same creek you saw the first day). SUNDAY, APRIL 4 Back to the cars We'll have a hike of around 3 miles to get back to the parking lot, if this sounds OK. --------------------------------- HOW'S THAT SOUND EVERYBODY? This should allow easy access for people coming at various times, as well as allow for optional loops and trout fishing... I don't know that I like going by the parking lot on Saturday, however, I guess it would be nice to restock. If a person gets to camp pretty early on Saturday afternoon, I can suggest some day hikes in that vicinity. This route does not get to the Mississippi, but I can send Crazy Mike on a route to see it, if he comes and so wishes. LOL! Any more questions? Please send me your e-mails and also your REAL NAME (omg!), address, and phone. I may be sending out maps that are marked. Also, I'll give more explicit directions for turns, etc. then."
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