Waite Phillip's exquisite fishing lodge, built with dark polished logs
and intricate iron work, was spared by the 1965 flood, expect for the
kitchen which was demolished by the onrushing waters.
Hiking between Fish Camp and the Crags is exciting. The Canyon
opens from a deep fissure, entering fields of rock and ruble, just
after leaving FIsh Camp. Huge cliffs of pink grandiorite flecked with
sparkling mica tower above the canyuon floor. Here the bones of
Philmint have been exposed, scrubbed and exhibited in glistening
array.
The rek throvh Rayado Canyon is enchanting, but can be hazardous
and is nearly always exhausting. Crews hiking this stretch of the
Rayado should exersize the utmost care and discipline. A new
trail on the south slope of Rayado Canyon provides a safer, wuicker
route. Aling the canyon floor, reminants of the old trail remain
offering easy going for short distances and then diffusing into fileds
of rock and narrow gaps betewwn sheer canyon walls. Both wasy are
scenic, but watch your footing.
A rugged outcrop of rock known as the Crags juts forth from the
side of Crater Peak. Pumice stone, hardened lava that once spewed
forth from nearby volcanic peaks and that is sometimes light enough to
float on water, can be found here.
Bipper birds, or water ouzels, are frequently seen along the
stream. Water carnivals are the dipper's delight; they feed on the
bottoms of pools often nest behind waterfalls and fly through the
falling water! A pecular habit of bobbing sixty or more time per
minute gives the dipper its characteristic name.
The charred remains of the Old Abreu lodge serves as a reminder to
exercise the utmost care with your campfires. This lodgge was
entirely destroyed by fire in 1971 due to carelessness. Built by a
pioneer family, its historic value is forever lost.
Before 1965 the trail to New Abreu was b beautifully wooden
footpath that crossed and re-crossed Rayado Creek as you tracel from
Fish Camp. Then in 1965 the worst flood in a thoudand years or more
changed the entire character of this massive canyon. Swollen waters
tumbled boulders weighing tons, exposed huge stretches of
multi-colored minerals and poled colossal log jams throughout the
canyon. Fields of rock were uncovered where thick topsoil once
lay.
