4 Hikers, 1 dog rescued on Cedar Creek Falls Trail
One of the first things I did when I moved back to San Diego from Portland, Oregon in 1997 was hike to Cedar Creek Falls with a couple of my old buddies. It was early March, when we drove from my pal, Eric’s, house in Ramona to the trailhead. The falls were crowded that day, not to mention surrounded by poison oak, and not really a fulfilling hike in my book. There are more secluded falls around, which are easier to get to, and with fewer beer cans. In those days I was grossly out of shape, and the hike out was unpleasant; a long uphill slog.
I was in Cuyamaca State Park yesterday, and a couple of visitors I spoke with asked about Cedar Creek Falls, as though they were considering it as a place to escape the heat. It was very hot up there yesterday, and if there was a glacier where Cedar Creek Falls is, it wouldn’t have been worth the hike. Four people succumbed to the heat and had to be rescued. One of their two dogs died in the heat. Forest Service and Cal Fire crews handed out cases of water, drove people out, and made necessary rescues in the heat.
Folks, as hot as it is, you need to make good decisions before heading out on the trail. Like not heading out on the trail. Even the most experienced hiker is susceptible to heat exhaustion, and it doesn’t take long. Heat stroke is even worse, and walking out of Cedar Creek in 100 degree heat is a quick way to put your life in danger. Light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, a wide brim hat, and as much water as you can carry is only a start in that heat. Go to a movie, to the library, or stay home when the thermometer nears 100. If you’re making a steep downhill hike into a hot canyon, keep in mind you’re coming out the same way. Be safe, and use common sense.
That’s really upsetting that one of their dogs died, it’s not like the dog had any choice in the decision to go out in that heat. Good thing the Forest Service and Cal Fire were there to prevent human tragedy. You make really good points about making good decisions BEFORE going out, thanks.
Yes, it is upsetting. I couldn’t imagine how I’d feel if I’d been responsible for a pet dying that way. I think part of the problem is that visitors to Cedar Creek Falls aren’t neccessarily “hikers,” but swimmers or partiers. Their hike is incedental to whatever else they are planning on doing while at the falls. Hiking into a canyon in 115-degree heat, with your dogs, in order to cool off, is poor decision making in my opinion. I’m sorry for their dog, but it should never have come to that.
I hiked in 100 degree heat plenty of times last summer. The difference? I was going downhill when temperatures spiked, I wore plenty of sunscreen and breathable clothes, kept my mileage down, and carried plenty of water (except once, but we won’t talk about that).
I tend to hike peaks, not valleys, so I know I will be “coasting” a bit on the way back, when I might be a little tired. The trail to the falls is challenging on the way back and the canyon is like an oven. I wish it was harder to get to and the college crowd could party somewhere else.
I saw many people take their dogs there and thought, “poor things.”
Escape the heat at the beach, not inland.
I agree with your post, choir member.