Walla Walla Wash Photo Essay (Staying outside the closed areas of Mt. Charleston Wilderness & SMRA) - 6/15/26

                                                                       View up the mouth of Big Falls Canyon

In August of 2023, the remnants of a storm named Hurricane Hilary made their way to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area in Kyle and Lee Canyons. This is the first hike I have made up into the Walla Walla Wash area near Big Falls Canyon and within sight of the cliffs above Mary Jane Falls since the storm. The Mary Jane Falls and Trail Canyon Trails are both still closed at this writing. Therefore, three Lady Hikers made their way from the Echo Trailhead, up and over Hidden Falls wash and down through the old ski area, to reach Walla Walla Wash that flows down from the base of Charleston Peak on the left side of Kyle Canyon as you ascend. We made sure we were not crossing any boundaries with the closed trails and closed forested burn areas. We just wanted to see what was going on. It has been three years since the storm. And, it appears that some hikers have already climbed up to Big Falls on a regular basis. There are cairns and trails in the rocks. We stopped our climb when Big Falls Canyon made its decided curve to the left about 150' after the "island area" and Avalanche Canyon junction at its mouth.

Joining the mouth of Big Falls Canyon

 The information in this blog about Hilary is taken verbatim from Wikipedia. There was much more information there that I chose not to include. My purpose of this blog is simply to give people a peek into the huge amount of damage done in this area and to relive that day when Hurricane Hilary hit town. (Or, more specifically, hit Kyle Canyon.) It was interesting to see what the flooding uncovered in the wash but, more interesting how thorough the flood damage inundated the area. It was a lesson in the power of water, to be sure!

Joining the mouth of Big Falls Canyon

The origins of Hurricane Hilary were from a tropical wave that exited the western coast of Africa around August 3. The wave moved westward across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the Lesser Antilles by August 9. On that day, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) first identified the potential for the eventual development, 156 hours before Hilary's formation. The tropical wave crossed Central America into the far eastern Pacific Ocean on August 12, producing a large area of disorganized convection, or thunderstorms. As early as August 13, hurricane prediction models anticipated a tropical cyclone would affect Mexico and the southwestern United States. A low-pressure area developed on August 14 south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, as the thunderstorms gradually organized. After a low-level circulation formed early on August 16, the system developed into a tropical depression by 06:00 UTC, located about 345 mi (555 km) south of  Acapulco. Six hours later, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, and the NHC named it Hilary.

Nearing the curve into Big Falls Canyon

The hurricane weakened into a tropical storm on August 20, as wind shear from the trough displaced the thunderstorms far north of the center. At around 17:00 UTC that day, Hilary made landfall in a sparsely populated part of the municipality of San Quintin, Baja California, with sustained winds estimated at 60 mph (95 km/h). This was about 215 mi (345 km) south-southeast of San Diego, California.

Walla Walla Wash & Big Falls Canyon Junction

After moving ashore, Hilary's circulation became elongated and disrupted over the mountainous terrain of Baja California. Devoid of convection, Hilary degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone, and early on August 21, it was absorbed by a new non-tropical low-pressure area, which was developing near the southern coast of California outside of Hilary's wind radius. Operationally, the NHC had tracked the two systems as the same, assessing that Hilary continued into southern California as a tropical storm, which would have had made it the first tropical storm to cross into the state since Nora in 1997. The combined system, which included the remnants of Hilary, continued moving through the western United States and eventually crossed into Canada.

Wider view of Big Falls Canyon

The remnants of Hilary moved through the western United States, producing rainfall from California to as far north as Montana. The maximum recorded precipitation was 13.07 in (332 mm) at Upper Mission Creek in southeastern California. Damage nationwide was estimated at US$900 million.

Starting return down very wide Walla Walla Wash

 The system's push toward Southern California coincided with a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck near Ojai, California, along with numerous aftershocks. Only minor damage and no injuries were reported from the quakes. As a result, the term "hurriquake" trended on social media. Because Hilary was already weakened by the time of the earthquake, researchers considered it unlikely that the storm triggered the event.

View back to junction Area

In Death Valley National Park, flash floods damaged all of the 1,323 mi (2,129 km) of roads, including water and sewage lines, with several miles of roads washed away entirely. The resulting damage forced the park to close for two months. 

Passing old road concrete Crossing

Near Lone Pine, floodwaters from Lone Pine Creek destroyed portions of Whitney Portal Road, which provides access to Mount Whitney. Damage in Inyo County alone was estimated at $500 million. Rainfall at Furnace Creek in Death Valley totaled 2.20 in (56 mm), setting a new single-day rainfall record; the amount was more than the annual average rainfall of 2.15 in (55 mm).

Trench washed out parallel to old Mary Jane Falls Trail

The strongest winds beyond California primarily occurred in Nevada and Utah at high-elevation locations above 9,000 ft (2,700 m). In a mountainous area near Mount Charleston, in Clark County, Nevada, wind gusts reached 82 mph (132 km/h), strong enough to knock down a few trees.

Susan takes a peek at the old and new Mary Jane Falls Trails

The new peak rainfall in Nevada was more than double the previous record, with 9.20 in (234 mm) recorded in Lee Canyon. Across Spring Mountain Recreational Area and nearby mountainous areas, the rains produced flash flooding, which washed away about 5 mi (8.0 km) worth of roads. The floods also damaged underground pipes, a school, a fire station, and trails. The damage, estimated at $35 million, closed the recreation area until October 26, when Nevada State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road) was reopened. The community of Mount Charleston had to shelter in place after electricity and road access were cut off. The town's fire department was inundated with mud, with houses and a nearby school damaged. A landslide also damaged part of Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort. Floods closed a portion of U.S. Route 11 (aka 95) in Nye County, Nevada. The rains rose the water levels in Lake Mead by 4.1 mm (0.16 in).

View up toward Hidden Falls as we passed back through the Wash

In the Mount Charleston region of Nevada, workers spent $11 million to reopen roads to the mountainous communities. At the Lee Canyon Ski Resort, workers used dump trucks to restore damaged ski slopes, reopening the resort on November 4.

Phew! After reading that summary of Hurricane Hilary's aftermath in damage, I don't know about you but I realize now why it is taking so long to rebuild the trails. We are only a flea on the map. Still, we miss our trails and hope that the rebuilding will be worth the wait! Btw, as we were returning, we saw workers on Mary Jane Falls Trail hiking up to their day's worksite. Most of the workers were the boys from SMYC. They are very good workers! YOU ROCK, boys! We love you!

< 4 miles of rocks!; ~700' gain; 3.5 hours

Blackrock Loop v Elk Ridge - 6/14/26

Three Lady Hikers at Blackrock

Sisters Arch

Deadwood and Mummy Mountain

First leg of Hike - Up Lee Canyon Wash

This loop hike was created last year so we haven't had a chance to perfect it. Regardless of its imperfections, three Lady Hikers had a full day trying to make improvements. One improvement was, (indeed, an improvement) was to begin the hike at the Cattle Grate Trailhead and drop into Lee Canyon Wash. We hiked up the wash and noticed that someone (maybe the forest service personnel) has cleaned off the many fallen trees by cutting limbs. It was easy to navigate. After a little under a mile, we climbed out of the wash on the right side, crossed the road and hiked to the upper end of the Chain-Up Trailhead. Continuing at the upper end of the large turnout, we followed an old road-turned trail past the gate. The trail continues up a ravine holding a trickle of water from Galium Spring. Not far up the drainage, the spring drained down from the right. Wild horses drink from this spring and you can see the horse trails leading to it. We climbed to the top of the embankment past the piped spring and continued up the hill to the saddle above.

Galium Spring

Hiking up from Galium Spring

North Sister from bottom of ascent Ridge

Kay and Sue climbing up on ascent Ridge

Next, we turned to our left and began our climb up the small ridge until it got steeper and steeper. The other side of the ridge fell precipitously down to a large open-sided bowl. We balanced the ridge all the way up past a rock outcrop. It was clear that there have been other hikers here since last year. We kept climbing as the ridge curved around to the right. There were very few trees. The trees that were there were mostly dead. Plus, there were a lot of scraggly bushes. But, a path led us through the foliage to the top of the ridge where we found the cairn we had propped up last year. At this point, the hiking became more flat as we walked along the midpoint of the ridge. It wasn't long before we came to a saddle area where the views of North and South Sisters appeared "in your face." This saddle is also where the junction lies from the lower route. (The lower route simply continues up the drainage from the spring area then veers to the right when the drainage somewhat disappears.) Hikers will arrive at this same saddle on a trail that is pretty easy to follow. We joined this trail and climbed until it became steeper and steeper. Finally, as we emerged from a stand of small trees and brush, we looked to our right in the distance and found Blackrock.

Starting the ridge Climb

North Sister (L), Continuation of ascent Ridge (R)

Trail on ascent ridge after Saddle

Kay at first view of Arch

Above us, the Sisters Ridge laid a line from South Sister (behind us to the left) to North Sister (above and to the left) to White Sister (found shortly before Blackrock) and, finally, to Blackrock (aka Black Sister). But, what is really exciting about this area we found ourselves in, is that the Sisters Arch is coming into view on the right side of our ascent ridge. We took several photos of the arch and Blackrock since this may have been the best photos of the day. Susan talked me and Sue into walking out to the arch. But, I gotta tell you that that was no biggie. You can't get up into it without a lot of trouble through bushes and scrambling. (But, hey, if that's your thing.) Anyway, returning to the ascent ridge, we continued up the worn trail until we found a cairn on the right. This is the traverse trail cairn that someone has been so kind to place there. Another one of my favorite parts of this hike is this trail that takes you on a traverse around to the Sisters Ridge. Turning right on this ridge, we climbed onto White Sister and found Blackrock staring at us. We took our break on White Sister then readied ourselves for the "big descent!" With North Sister behind us and Macks Peak to our left, we decided to take the old trail in front of the black rock to reach its ridge to the right.

Sisters Arch and Blackrock on Sisters Ridge

Sue and I visit the Arch

The traverse Trail

Macks Peak and Blackrock on Sisters Ridge

So far, the hike had gone as planned. Beautiful and amazing! We found the trail at the end of this ridge to use for our very steep descent to the saddle below. The hike continued straight onto a white rocky ridge on the other side of the saddle. I must say that the route we used last year along this ridge was more comfortable than the route we used on this hike. I tried to descend to an area where we could take a side trip over to Ada and Edith's cabin out of Elk's Club Wash. I don't know who was more confused with the brush and steepness, me or the GPS, but, we felt like we were descending forever! Believe it or not, we ended up in Deadwood Wash on the opposite side of Elk Ridge! Luckily, I recognized the wash and exited in the same spot we had before a few times. Since this route didn't come out the way I intended, I will leave last year's tracks and maps for you to ponder. Maybe next year things will work out better.

Stats: 3.8 miles; 1800' gain; 6.25 hours; and a tremendous amount of fun!

Scenes from Sisters Ridge

Steep descent from Blackrock and messy Elk Ridge

Familiar crossing back to the Cattle Grate Trailhead

This loop hike began at the Cattle Grate TH. Unlike what the maps below represent.

Stanley B Loop v Cockscomb Trail - 6/4/26

Mummy's Toe behind ridge below Cockscomb Peak

Ridge descent from Cockscomb Peak

Large pillar with a tiny Head (Griffith Peak beyond L)

Initial scramble up Stanley B Canyon

Tough hike. Essentially, a hiker begins at the Stanley B Trailhead, climb up to the Stanley B canyon fork where a claim sign is attached to a tree up high. Then, the hiker takes the right fork and climbs up past the old closed mine and continues up the canyon until they reach the ridge, or the Stanley B Saddle. Next, the hiker turns to the left and climbs a steep ridge up toward Cockscomb Peak under the nose of Mummy's Toe. This climb stops at a cairn made of a stump and rocks in the middle of the ridge. A trail passes perpendicular to this cairn on the upper side of the ridge and heads down steeply to the left. This trail balances the narrow ridge in a zigzaggy fashion on slippery terrain.

Stanley B Spring flowing along old mine Road

Claim sign on tree at trail Fork

Susan and Sue climb up through the spring water on the right Fork

Stanley B Mine Area

The ridge slowly becomes wider and finally, the trail becomes more manageable. (That was fun, wasn't it?) After passing a switchback that connects to an easier loop route, the trail makes little switchbacks down to the right side of the ridge. Please try to keep the tiny switchbacks alive by not cutting them! The trail was meticulously made down the side of the scree-filled ridge side. It is important to try to follow the trail because it is clear that some hikers have cut straight down the scree without using the trail. Therefore, the trail is very difficult to see. Folks! Having a trail is much easier for negotiations! (Example: Mary Jane Falls ... need I say more?) So, after reaching the bottom of the hill, hikers start down this canyon, or the left fork of Stanley B. A nice trail leads down this side passing a piped spring, an old broken shelter, a flat abandoned campsite, and through the spring water again. The canyon trail ends at a mine airhole opposite to the mine on the other fork side as you walk into the original fork area.

"You first", "No, you first", "No, you first."

Dead fall in Stanley B Canyon Wash

Climbing up Stanley B Canyon Wash

Climbing along rock wall on Left

If you understood all that, you have a great imagination! Now, for a slower version of the hike! Three Lady Hikers parked at the Stanley B Trailhead on Kyle Canyon Road. It is the next turnout to the right after a green sign that reads "Rainbow Subdivision" traveling up Kyle Canyon Road. The wash that flows into the trailhead has a beautiful trail that half climbs and half scrambles up through the conglomerate rock and trees. When the trail comes to a cross trail, we turned right onto the old small mine road. It is also possible to continue up the wash for some more fun scrambling. Our right turn soon came to a small rise where a trail turns to the left.

Stepping up past the next cliff Band

The climb continues to the blue sky.

Scrambling

Moving past a fallen Tree

Here, our route turned to the left and hiked up through the trees on a trail that is now very clear. It finishes at the old mine road again and we turned to the left. Hiking up the old small road, we passed a large sawed stump. Here, the terrain on the left side of the trail dropped down to the spring water that flowed from the mine above. We continued past the small stream until we reached the fork area. There is an old metal sign placed high up on a tree that reads "Leroy Mining Claim D.E. Nelson Owner." The left fork passes a piped spring inside a lot of bushes but the right fork has a trail that leads up beside the spring water flow taking hikers up a short wet hillside to the Stanley B Mine. The mine has a grate covering the entrance. After photos, the Lady Hikers continued their climb up the trail within some bushes and past some old mining equipment. We also passed another entrance to the old mine. Soon, the trail passed the bushes and began its hike / scramble up through the canyon.

Sue makes the last climb to the Saddle

Arriving at the Stanley B Saddle

Sitting log and Mummy's Toe at the Saddle

Shade under the blazed tree on the Saddle

Every year, this canyon has at least one added obstacle. Sometimes the obstacle is minimal and sometimes it is substantial. Nevertheless, hikers always find a way over, around or under. One or two of the small cliff bands that have to be climbed in the wash have become slippery with wear but, we made it up the wash slowly and methodically without any serious issues. This is kind of like one of those "How do you eat an elephant?" things. (Taking one step at a time.) Finally, we reached the saddle at the ridge that lies between Stanley B Canyon and Fletcher Canyon. The views are spectacular and we sat to take a break. We love our laid back pace! After a few minutes, we turned toward Cockscomb Peak and began a tough climb up the ridge.

View back from the start up the ridge toward Cockscomb Peak

One third of the way up to trail Junction (Cockscomb Peak above)

Kay admires boulder pinnacle and Harris Peak Beyond

Climbing steeply to junction Cairn

This is the toughest climb of the day! The things that make it worth it are the panoramic mountain views. There is a trail to follow. It is clear that someone has cut the climb short at one point. There is an advantage to taking the shorter route to the descent ridge, however, to get the full effect of the whole descent, I would suggest that you NOT take the shortcut. (Ignore the pink ribbon!) Instead, do your due diligence and climb all the way up to the cairn that lies in the middle of the ridge further up. Only then will you find the Cockscomb Peak Trail crossing the ridge. We turned left onto the trail and began a steep but very scenic descent. The ridge is narrow to begin so be careful as you pass the rock formations right and left.

Sue, Kay and Susan stand at the hike's High Point

Another view back as three Lady Hikers make the steep ridge Descent

The ridge becomes less Narrow

Heading into the scree on a vague Trail

Slowly and carefully, we took our time down some of the most slippery parts. When the ridge became wider, we passed where the shorter loop route comes in to join. We switchbacked small and large down until the trail began its journey down the right side of the ridge. Through the scree, there is a trail that is losing its purchase on the hillside. Knowing the trail, we stayed the course and easily descended to the bottom ... which is the top of the Stanley B left fork canyon. Someone has laid a nice rock-lined path there at the junction. The trail that follows as you hike down through the canyon has seen better days but it is still easy enough to follow and soon, we were passing the upper piped spring.

Trail leads through spring Water

Upper pipe Spring

Reaching the calm parts of the descent Trail

I couldn't resist!

At this piped spring, there is an old campsite that has since been ripped apart. The trail continues sidling up next to the spring flow then moves away for a while. Nearing the bottom of the left fork, the trail gives hikers a choice as to whether you hike up on a trail to the left of the water or you can hike in the water. We hiked in the water and took the offered trail that exits to the right. Another piped water spout comes out here and we hiked down to the mine's airhole. One last piped spring comes out in this vicinity among the bushes. This one used to be clearly seen but is now obscured. We hiked into the fork area, spoke to two hikers there, and continued down the trail. For variety, we used the old small mine road to finish out the hike down to the scramble wash exit. We saw one more hiker with his dog and finished the day! And, what a day it was! This is one of my favorite Spring Mountain hikes because of the challenges it presents. 

Stats: 4.5 miles; 1800' gain; 5.25 hours

The trail takes to the small stream as we near the lower Stanley B Fork.

Old Stanley B mining Road

Down through the scramble Wash