Where to: The Douglas Trail
In Attendance: Money, Stophs, Pappen, Ace, Whit
This is the first of our documented trips. The trail is unmarked on most maps, but it's pretty easy to find. The trail to Eagle's Nest can be completed as a day hike, but to really get the best experience, I suggest an overnight stay. The trailhead is at the Concrete Bridge, where there is a small parking lot. We packed our bags and began rolling the video, Whit being the official cameraman. Money, having already been on this trail, led the way.
The hike to Moonshiner's Arch was rather quick--less than a quarter mile. On top of the arch was a firepit so we set up camp. The Arch is about 60 feet high and offers a nice view of the river. The best part about it was the hole. There was a hole about 30 feet from the campsite (the hole was used by early residents as a chimney for use in brewing their Moonshine--hence the name), we had fun with that. Setting up camp was relatively easy; we only had two tents. After the tents were up we explored under and around the arch, then waded into the river to pump some fresh water. After everything was ready, we loaded one pack with supplies and headed to The Cave.
This was probably the most fun part of the trip. The Cave (creative name, eh?) is a small cave that is easily visible on the trail, about 1/4 mile past Moonshiner's Arch. We got our supplies together, including a Rope, a few Flashlights, and our trusty cameras. And of course we can't forget Ace's "Atomic Bomb" spotlight. The cave is not for the light of heart. About 60 feet in, the cave splits in two directions. We took the right path because the left path didn't seem to lead anywhere. It consists of 3 climbs, where we had to grab onto little rocks and hoist ourselves up waterfalls. We used the rope (you never know. . .) to get the backpack up because we wouldn't fit in the tiny spaces while
Eagle's Nest is a 300 ft ledge, named for a small outcrop in the middle. The hike begins along the same trail that led to the cave, and continues on to the base of the cliff. The trail up to that point is rather uneventful, but offers quite a bit of wildlife. Also it is worth noting that if the Moonshiner's Arch campsite is taken, there are several more along this trail that can be used instead. Once you reach the base of Eagle's nest, the fun begins: getting to the top. From this point, the trail becomes VERY STRENUOUS Once you've climbed up to the rubble, take a moment to rest upon Sitting Rock. It is the largest rock there. The base is a fun place, but I imagine it can be dangerous as well. Play with caution.
Once we had our fill at the base, we decided to continue on. We followed the base of the cliff to the right, and came upon a small crevice formed by a huge boulder resting against the cliff. A series of ropes makes this crevice relatively easy to climb, but you can simply go around it if you wish. After waiting around for Pappen, who was moving mad slow, we ascended the crevice.
When we got up, it was time for a long break. If you packed a lunch, this is the time to break it out. Pack out all your trash. We walked around the ledge till we got to the actual Eagle's Nest, then sat down and had some jerky. The rocks have plenty of grafitti. . .please don't add your own.
IWe spent a few hours up there enjoying the view, then decided to go back to the campsite. Take the same route back down; if you don't feel comfortable going back down the crevice, you can walk around it (away from the cliff) which will take a while but is a little less nerve-wracking
