June 3 - White Fir Pass (Millcreek Canyon)

Decided to take a hike after work today and even try a new location. I had heard the White Fir Pass trail in Millcreek Canyon was really pretty so that's where I'm going.

I've only been in Millcreek Canyon twice -- both times to hike Grandeur Peak so I wasn't quite sure where the Terraces Picnic Area was in the canyon. So passed the Grandeur Peak picnic area and several more but didn't see any signs indicating the Terraces. I saw someone coming down from another trail and asked -- naturally is was right around the corner. :)

I didn't figure there'd be parking at the trailhead (there wasn't at Grandeur Peak), so I parked along the road and walked the 1/4mile hill (gaining about 200ft) only to find out (naturally) there was parking at the trailhead.

Its around 90 in SLC but here, it's a cool 77-- really nice.

The area is all wooded (pines, maples, oaks) and quite pretty. The picnic areas are at different levels so I guess the name Terraces fits quite aptly.

The White Fir Pass Trail follows the Bowman Fork Trail. Its about 2 miles and gains about 1500ft in elevation ending at around 7600ft. (My work-out for the evening.)

The trail is heavily shaded (except in the few spots) and at least for the first mile follows a small creek (its about 4-5 ft across). The snow is melted here so the creek is just gently flowing (not a torrent). Its also a pretty gradual incline.

There's lots of Douglas Fir trees in this forest as the trail is covered in their pine cones.

Along the way, there are 5 footbridges to cross the creek. Lot of blues around the muddy crossings. I see Western Tailed, Azures and Silvery Blues. There are also some Northern Cloudywings, Northern Crescents, Rocky Mt Duskywings, and Satyr Commas - mostly around these creek crossings.

There is a sunny opening with bunches of bluebells blooming. On one of them is a Mourning Cloak resting. The purple Virginia Bowers vine is in bloom. (Not as many as on the Lamb's Canyon trail.)

Lots of dogs on the trail -- Millcreek is one of a few canyons where dogs are allowed as it is not a watershed.

After the 3rd bridge the real climbing.

Finally, some relief on the uphill as I reach the first of 3 switchbacks. There are lots of mitreworts in bloom now. These plants have one of the tiniest white flowers I've ever seen on a long stem. Lots of Solomon Seal too.

This section is the coolest because I'm rising higher off the forest floor. To the left of me, is a steep grade upwards and to the right is a steep grade downwards. Both sides filled with trees and brush -- lots of green. Its a nice forest with lots of openings


on the floor for flowers and there are spots of yellow from the Arnicas in bloom

and lots of puffy white blooms from the Baneberry (lots of Baneberry).

It's very really pretty on the downhill side.

I finally make to what I think is the Pass. Its an opening, there's a few logs to sit on, and a few short sidetrails for a better view of the mountains (some with still a bit of snow on them).

So it looks like the right place AND I did go up the noted 3 switchbacks. But since the trail continues (and the fact it only took me an hour), I'm not convinced.

I continue on the trail for another 10 minutes or so as it tracks alongside the woods - to the right is big wooded valley with the overlook of the mountains. The Wild Geraniums are in bloom here (it's sunny) and the Lupine are about to bloom.

Well enough for the night, time to head back down.