24 replies to this topic

[Chad]

Thanks for the report and beautiful pics! Why have I not done this hike?

[JDgreen]

Thanks Brandon, another hike to consider, decisions decisions.......
great report btw

[soatley]

Nice report, Brandon.

Fantastic photos and TR.  Tell your Dad I can relate to the downhill part...
Hopefully he's got some hiking poles.  If not, have him invest in some as
they will definitely help.

Thanks for the great posting!

Rick 

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Nice report and pics. I can relate to the downhill part as well. Even with hiking poles my knees were killing me.

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I know I'm a broken record on this, but I still recommend doing this hike from Fern to Bear. Yes, it's more aerobic, but hey, that's what stopping to look at the scenery is for! I'm almost 50 so I know about sore knees and hiking. My knees felt great after this hike. It's a shallower grade, and a smoother trail, from Helene to Bear. And I think the scenery is better between Helene and Bear than between Fern and Fern TH, so it's a better finish.

Try it, you'll like it!

Scott

[mwilson]

Thanks, Brandon, for your report and great pics! It is a great hike, isn't it? I, too, agree about Fern Fall, but I must say the spray off the falls felt pretty refreshing!

Marsha

[bpv_UW]

And I think the scenery is better between Helene and Bear than between Fern and Fern TH, so it's a better finish.   

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Good point. I'm sure I will try this hike Fern to Bear at some point...just have lots of other hikes I need to get to first.

I, too, agree about Fern Fall, but I must say the spray off the falls felt pretty refreshing!

Marsha

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That it did, especially on a hot day such as the one we hiked on.

-Brandon

[randyman]

Thanks for the report and pics, makes me wish I were there. I love that hike.

Randyman

[B-Jay]

Very nice report and pictures. I especially appreciated that you stated your starting and ending time for this hike. It gives me a better idea of how long it will take (with some time added on for my pace).

Thanks!

[GrizzlyAdman]

Thanks for the great report and pictures Brandon. Sounds like you had a great trip and a fantastic morning.

[Jenny]

I hope to do this hike someday!!

--Jenny

[Weasel]

Nice report, Brandon.
I know I'm a broken record on this, but I still recommend doing this hike from Fern to Bear. Yes, it's more aerobic, but hey, that's what stopping to look at the scenery is for! I'm almost 50 so I know about sore knees and hiking. My knees felt great after this hike. It's a shallower grade, and a smoother trail, from Helene to Bear. And I think the scenery is better between Helene and Bear than between Fern and Fern TH, so it's a better finish.   

Try it, you'll like it!

Scott

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This is the first time I've heard anyone recommend this. When I was reading trip reports before my trip last fall, everyone (here and on other websites) said start at Bear and finish at Fern because you have a net elevation loss. After finishing with that horrible downhill after Fern, I'd be inclined to try your suggestion if I do the loop again. First, I have to get to every other place in the park I've missed.