[pct-l] Bear Creek Crossing 2010

[Paul Bodnar]

The crossing at Bear Creek occurred at 9:32 AM on June 25, 2010.  I have crossed this exact creek in 97, 04 and 10 at around the same time of year.  In 2010 it was the hardest to cross.  Thru-hikers this year will most likely see an easier crossing at Bear Creek due to the lack of snow.  In 97 and 04 I walked across without any problem.. I expect the same this year.   To put things in perspective in 04 I was at Bear Creek when 10 year old Scrambler (the youngest PCT thru-hiker) crossed.  She didn't have a problem at all...but if hikers see conditions similar to the video I recommend taking the 15-20 minutes to find a safer crossing.   
 
Happy Hiking,
 
Paul
 
HikeThru.com
 
> Once he was in the water, and committed, I agree that Fuzzy Monkey did everything right. HOWEVER: 1) if this was an afternoon crossing, he should have camped and waited for the stream to drop next morning, 2) He should have taken the time to explore upstream to discover a safer crossing - one above tributaries where the volume would be reduced. 3) Also, it appears from the last part of the video, that he had his pants on. Too much unnecessary resistance to the current. Better to take the time to remove pants and brave the cold water, and cross with legs bare to reduce resistance. It's that resistance that can sweep you off your feet.