Posts Tagged ‘mesick’

Ever ate a bagel at 1000ft?  It makes the bagel taste much better…

This weekend we had decided to take a hike and dust off the cobwebs and price tags.  We arrived at the Marilla trailhead near Mesick and Hodenpyl Dam.   The morning was brisk and the clouds looked iffy.  “Well,” I said “It’s either going to be a great hike, or a wet hike.”  We used the pit toilet that was so gracefully beckoning us by its pungent aroma, checked our packs, locked the car, and off we went on our adventure.

We started out on a segment of the NCT.  The trails were well trodden and the forest was calm and peaceful, with the occasional bird breaking the still.  Unbeknownst to us, the trail was slowly rising at a very gentle angle.  Then it hit us.   It was like a ton a bricks wrapped in lemons.  The view!  We stopped in amazement as we were staring down onto the Manistee River 250 ft below us.  We could’ve stopped and setup camp right there, and I think we both would have been satisfied.

We shook the stars out of our eyes, and continued along the NCT.    Slowly we began the hike down from our clouds as the trail began to drop a bit more steeply than it rose.  We passed only a few other hikers, who were friendly though reserved; as most backpackers tend to be.  Ultimately we arrived where the NCT left us, and the Manistee River Trail took us on another course.   We bid farewell to the NCT and its beautiful views and started on the MRT.

The MRT gently guided us further down into the valley.  No fewer than a dozen times did we stop and gaze up at the mountain next to us.  It was impressively surreal.    We crossed a few forest roads and got our first glimpse of the Manistee River.  Ironically, the spot where we arrived was the calmest water we would see in the next few days.

We tried to follow the blazes on the trees, but somehow got turned around and took a several mile tour of the woods.  A group of hikers ran into us in our desperate search with the same problem.  With their help we got back on track and arrived at the suspension bridge.  The MRT has a wonderful suspension bridge that reminds you of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s VERY secure, and also very one-way.  Do not attempt to pass anyone as there is not enough room.

After the bridge, the MRT follows the river along the tops of the high banks.  For most of our adventure, we were staring down onto the Manistee.  The views were amazing and the trails were fairly easy.  There was quite a few roots to stumble over in the trail, but with the amount of giant trees desperately clinging to the banks, you understand why.

We passed several waterfalls here as well.  Sure, they are small, but the sound and fury of the water is no less fierce or beautiful.  You also find yourself crossing multiple tiny wooden bridges that cross over the streams that help feed the Manistee.

Backcountry camping is allowed here, plus they also have dispersed camp sites that are free for use.  These sites allow you to be close to the water and trail, as the backcountry rules still apply for distance from water and trails.   After about five miles of hiking we happened upon a dispersed site that was NOT taken!  I swear, we had the best seat in the house.    We were quite a distance down from the main trail, yet only a few yards from the roaring Manistee.  The site was perfect and we spent the rest of the day relaxing.

One thing to mention is that this area is posted with signs that warn you “If you hear a loud siren, seek high ground!”  Apparently they let the dam waters out on occasion and the water has been known to rush through 12 ft higher than normal.  Just keep an ear open for sirens while you’re down by the river bank.

The night was quiet and uneventful, with the morning greeting us as a cold harsh mistress.  We got a fire going and warmed up before breaking camp and hitting the trail on our way back.  The birdsong and spider webs kept us brisk and motivated and eventually we made it across the bridge.  This time we took the correct path back to the NCT.   The ascent back to our lookout seemed much more difficult than going down the first time, but we eventually made it back up to the top.

The hike was a success beyond any of our expectations.  We sat and gazed out into the sea of trees below us, reliving our trip and remembered how truly good a bagel tastes at 1000 ft.

Pictures can be found by clicking HERE

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