In the Loop Hikes section I have the north, east and west covered with various hikes. I decided to represent the south portion through Stevens Canyon with an out and back, Longmire to Nickel Creek. On the return I hiked the Stevens Canyon road from Box Canyon.

In the past I have disparaged this section of the trail, citing road noise, lack of views, and especially some poor trail conditions where overhanging brush obscured underlying loose rocks. It was a section to be endured, not enjoyed.

However, park trail crews have addressed most of these issues and this recent transit found mostly good footing and nary a branch to brush against. The only annoyance is the necessary bypass of the recurring washout area, finally abandoned in 2024 due to continued erosion since the flood of 2006; there wasn’t much hill left to put a trail in.

I did this hike in a day, covering 27 miles with 5,500’ of climb, but an overnight (Paradise River/Maple Creek/Nickel Creek camps) would be an alternative and/or pickup (or hitch) for the return. It was also a misty, overcast day, representative of the PNW; it can’t always be sunny in my vids!