Hat Hill Canyon

I joined this walk at the last minute: Hat Hill creek is always fun!
My last visit was three years ago: I am surprised by the amount of fallen timber in the creek and the number of people visiting the area. It is not yet as degraded as Dalpura Canyon and the end of Fortress Canyon though!

After the rain we had in the last weeks the water levels were high and the creek was flowing with gusto! We were soon at the start of the first canyon section with the down climb of a small waterfall: everyone style was up for review! A party overtook us as we stopped to admire the creek. Between the climb down and up, ducking under or climbing above logs and the numerous logjams, my legs and shoulders got a workout!
We reached the second canyon section with a second down climb along a small waterfall. The water was cold and we had to stop in the sun as one of the party was shivering in spite of a thick wetsuit. Two small groups overtook us.
Warmed up we continued on, walking along the tranquil creek. We still had to avoid or climb several logjams which were not there three years ago! The third canyon section – the prettiest one in my opinion – was amazing: several waterfalls which usually are not there., were tumbling down the cliff. We took out time!
As we arrived at the top of the falls the groups that had passed us were leaving and we had the views almost to ourselves.

We reversed the third canyon section and took the “Jamison exit” which led us to the top of the ridge. And then,it was a straightforward walk along Bald Head Ridge back to the cars.