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- Dec 23, 2013
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I might have to say that this was the best backpacking trip as far as weather was concerned that I've been on. Temperatures were right around sixty degrees and sunny during the day, with night time lows right around twenty five. My trips to the Teton Wilderness over the Columbus Day Weekend are always weather dependent, so it had been three years since I was last able to get back into the wilderness, since the last two years' forecasts called for snow over that weekend.
Fall colors were near their peak while we were there, with the aspen, cottonwoods, and willows all showing off their brilliant yellows.
I rounded up a couple of poor souls (Brian and Chris) to go with me on this one. While Brian knew what he was getting into, I'm not sure Chris did. Chris seemed to have a good time though, so maybe he can be convinced to go on another Scatman trip in the future.
In typical fashion for this weekend trip, after driving up from Salt Lake, I hike in a few miles (4.5 for this trip), set up a basecamp and do a couple of day hikes from there - very similar to my Grizzly Lake Trip this past September. I had one goal for this trip though, an that was to reach Moss Lake. I've tried to reach the lake in the past, but weather, time, ground conditions, or just my eyes being bigger than my stomach have kept me from getting there.
So day one's day hike took us to Moss like via and old outfitters (maybe Forest Service) trail that included running into an old cabin up on Moss Creek. I'm not sure of the history of the cabin, but I plan on calling the Bridger-Teton National Forest and asking them about it here in the near future. While it wasn't very far to the lake from our campsite, the old trail is no longer maintained which meant downfall to contend with, and just staying on the old trail when it faded in and out. On our way back from the lake, Brain had the sketchy idea of following Moss Creek back to camp instead of taking the old outfitter's trail. This turned into an "Epic" bushwhack that included a rather large rock tumbling down a steep slope and onto my leg while I was trying to get around a choke point. While it took us about 2.5 hours to reach the lake, it was nearly a 4 hour return trip.
Our second day hike took us to Gravel Lake, which was directly north of our campsite, and was roughly twelve miles roundtrip to the lake and back. It had been twelve years since I was last at Gravel Lake, so I was looking forward to see if anything had changed up the Gravel Creek Drainage. We ended up doing a lollipop loop, by taking the old trail on our way up, and the newer trail on our way back to close the loop.
Here's some shots of our trip.
Day 1 - Pacific Creek Trailhead to Gravel Creek - roughly 4.5 miles
![00b.jpg 00b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115326-012244a6aff4fab8b5056f6c82bf2ab4.jpg)
The participants - Brian, Chris and myself. They are smiling way too much for my liking.![Scatman :scatman: :scatman:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115221-bcabe21edb741fd4233ba2422d6dbad5.jpg)
The Pacific Creek Trailhead. I know state the obvious.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115222-36852099ebded32803eb94096197f7a1.jpg)
Entering the wilderness area
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115223-6ac30d29431f91c738dc47c2235fb208.jpg)
Right off the bat, we ran into grizzly and wolf prints
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115224-6d174e997821106b6237ff88f889a55b.jpg)
Different bear on this one
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115226-a52968d9d4698f0ed5d8b754c6876472.jpg)
Willows ablaze
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115227-b8f5feb9284eb161866e9a50b84e7cdc.jpg)
Pacific Creek
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115228-d2d822a08c2d74c751e1c2894ead2982.jpg)
Hard to believe that geraniums are still blooming in October
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115229-a445787aa6c8b1e2b5e45b4ad81d17ab.jpg)
Hey @Jackson, remember the old Whetstone Creek sign that I missed three years ago?
This is what is left of it now.![Mad :mad: :mad:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![09.jpg 09.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115230-5b18b1e458f63e9bd55d147db0c99455.jpg)
More Pacific Creek
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115231-88f20708bf231bdea7a0491366c55c48.jpg)
Brian crossing a tributary of Pacific Creek
![11.jpg 11.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115232-904e37b84dc64f9a9fefba652679403e.jpg)
Some popping aspen along the trail
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115233-c1a3e8df7c11cd587acad6b721a42a55.jpg)
Reaching the Pacific Creek Meadows
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115234-c3dfc6de09f51237fd78890fe423a268.jpg)
Some meadow hiking to reach our basecamp
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115235-7afd51ebf7055ea8c6e63683e87d1868.jpg)
The old Moss Creek Trail sign down on the ground.![Mad :mad: :mad:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115236-780eb62ff6ddcb421ce4b5916549da2a.jpg)
Colors by the creek, with Gravel Mountain just above the tree lined ridge in the distance
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115237-2d4f159e9ddca313e410f8d33ec73894.jpg)
Gravel Creek flowing into Pacific Creek
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115238-5506205bec84b7dd3f4637699be0c1bc.jpg)
Two other hearty backpackers that I forgot to mention earlier - Sasquatch and Lord Business!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115239-df51435ae2fa6916fdea14421b9bec2f.jpg)
Colors and Gravel Mountain
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115240-6819823cbc3b8fe59794862f44e1d96f.jpg)
Our campsite
Day 2 - Day hike to Moss Lake - approximately 6.5 miles roundtrip
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115242-8321c3a834d848b7f54990b1213efccc.jpg)
Whetstone Mountain in the early morning light
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115243-cbab7ab4318d8b07ba57e79dafcee24c.jpg)
View of the Tetons from Pacific Creek
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115244-3a3462914d523b588059f14e9f7aecf2.jpg)
A 26 degree breakfast
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115245-51500d583f4e3b1fa10f4e39c441ff71.jpg)
Mule train heading up the Gravel Creek Trail
![25.jpg 25.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115246-f8bb59f35d83610c95c6c4837cee14ca.jpg)
Time to make some oatmeal
![26.jpg 26.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115247-172822bd1093b6e1c9ee2eeca154e203.jpg)
A willow and a cottonwood near where I hung my Ursack
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115248-24e3db4f6adcc7e051b60be8f77e4cdd.jpg)
Forded Pacific Creek and Moss Creek on our way to Moss Lake
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115249-bfcdd3cc16079ed9238dc1b02794b5e9.jpg)
The old cabin on Moss Creek
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115250-14521dedec560835ff53e947f30e1933.jpg)
Some steep terrain in the Moss Creek drainage
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115251-bdde0b9db4bb93eefd92d2b8b9c26e2b.jpg)
Making our way up high
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115252-d3dd5acf5353dca87aaade0f7fce5ac5.jpg)
Moss on the south side of the trees
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115253-41bb864efd949084839186131f3b3746.jpg)
Chris on the old Outfitter's trail, with Whetstone Mountain in the distance
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115254-7d029ebde50198932cb6ec44c8a43d2b.jpg)
Fall colors
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115255-105c4493d343636fd811ea6764ff931e.jpg)
View down of the Pacific Creek Meadows
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115256-c7d061dd8243e5e779e09b7cb68b6a7c.jpg)
Gravel Mountain to the south
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115257-73d102d2bde9d811ec98b36afe25c17b.jpg)
Another view of the east side of Gravel Mountain
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115258-2e7549e7e6c6ce109921825b7f97156f.jpg)
Moss Lake. Finally!
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115259-144883c940fd538a09f7d004c33db131.jpg)
View of Moss Lake from the east shore
![39.jpg 39.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115260-20f069d1a9f8808daf240f8aad8298df.jpg)
Of course, no trip to Moss Lake would be complete without these two.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![40.jpg 40.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115265-506eee4bd025846eaf2c88f84f1ddc59.jpg)
Moss Lake viewed from the west shoreline, after deciding to follow Moss Creek back to camp
![41.jpg 41.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115266-c28886d2315a25fdc9c549773af19737.jpg)
Initially, things weren't too bad.
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115267-05494f672edeafe7f7f0e86619380c53.jpg)
Then the downfall and marsh took over.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115271-777d273614c264cf17d0ccb337f800c7.jpg)
Some beautiful yellows back in there though
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115276-3a7124fe7f81cd25bf350dfdcfa27e13.jpg)
Brian's words, "If a deer can do it then so can we."
Nasty, steep going at this point
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115278-188495537118008517067b95345bf18a.jpg)
Finally we reached the creek
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115279-eef50a00fedd99432397e7249f982514.jpg)
Following the creek out
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115280-d20436ecdd02fa869394a9b3bdf09830.jpg)
Just beautiful along the drainage
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115281-3a5319dcb483330eebae221aaa87ed59.jpg)
Downfall at the bottom too
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115282-9b763af94117818151a63a6abf1dd85b.jpg)
In the shade at this point
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115283-35a31383bcba6905ecb762396b9859ac.jpg)
Something else had the same idea.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115284-eaf50e19409ea15c41ad6528b2ddb1fe.jpg)
Small falls on Moss Creek
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115285-3cbfaa510527c1fd72d9f9a28a769883.jpg)
Canyon walls getting steeper
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115286-506af43cc70af42dcc6a2efb05ee6eca.jpg)
Choke point! This became our word for the trip.
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115287-60377093d3de0abb38f81bb8da01f26f.jpg)
In order to get around the choke point, I had to go up on the slope maybe 15 feet. Unfortunately for me, there happened to be a
seep where I needed to go. I slipped as I made my way along and slid a few feet down. This caused a large rock above me to give
way and roll down onto my leg, and thus the nice gash you see in the photo. It was a good thing that it was muddy, because when
the rock landed on my leg it mostly drove it further into the mud. If it had been hard ground, I might have faired a lot worse.
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115288-fc6f138da3b972813a05b6f5b8c28dc8.jpg)
Clarks nutcracker. I think it might be laughing at me.
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115289-436478f1239fbf07d22a6559cab4dda8.jpg)
Back at the cabin
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115290-13888ad236f8d30f3289fcaecb413d20.jpg)
Night two's meal. I found it to be quite good, and will purchase again.
Day 3 - Campsite to Gravel Lake - approximately 12 miles roundtrip
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115291-c9c286d15feb2f6dacc76c3b843fde67.jpg)
We had a visitor - fresh wolf tracks by our campsite
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115292-412a9f45e3bcdd841f4dbcf5c668015a.jpg)
Gravel Creek
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115293-694a728f3346e7f16f594ebb0cd6e1cf.jpg)
Aspen along Gravel Creek
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115294-c0eae744472162b0a49601e83cb8707b.jpg)
Gravel Creek again. We had to cross the creek five or six times on our way to the Gravel
Lake
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115295-eec894950ac79396bea9eb42ef794483.jpg)
Whetstone Mountain from the Gravel Creek Trail
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115296-ebca38874f7b4e6291925751f098763f.jpg)
More aspen
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115297-e9eaf464e7fd18aae01dba61ff1e0801.jpg)
Unnamed pond on our way to the lake
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115298-6822d180ca76e09b74af24fb1102b894.jpg)
On the old trail. Gravel Lake is up on the other side of the cliffs
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115299-fd8c6038a0cf7b033832afbaf82ffe74.jpg)
Willows
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115300-4ab0843a4eb5817a02fbd05318c6970e.jpg)
This one is for you @Rockskipper. Notice the maroon covering matches my kilt?![Thumbs Up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115301-ea00506f8dc4e58a8f1899afb879b245.jpg)
Another unnamed pond with some downfall issues.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115302-355551f9f477e20325d35831e7c86f97.jpg)
Pretty!
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115303-378a2a4e1e88a3ee85918eab3a719d91.jpg)
The upper Gravel Creek drainage
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115304-1265bba27e7eca5cdc2d3529af4eb081.jpg)
Time for lunch at Gravel Lake
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115305-6a4d795da60e69648b530d6cb2df4504.jpg)
Somebody is eating all the Vanilla Wafers!![Mad :mad: :mad:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115306-8b15120beac5b41666d3a5382abcdf4a.jpg)
Help! I've fallen in the lake and can't get out.
I went to refill one of my water bottles, and stepped out on a log. I didn't
realize that the log was just floating on the surface. It then began to float away from shore, forcing me to do the splits, which
eventually ended up me in the lake. It took a while for my kilt to dry out.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115308-9fc61a088248062113a7edbe29414d99.jpg)
Another shot of Gravel Lake
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115309-7a9381549cda897943ffe37175c7929b.jpg)
Making our way back on the newer trail now, with Gravel Lake to the north
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115310-ffda82c95773bafd11a4226ff8f1f980.jpg)
Fall colors in the Gravel Creek drainage
![78.jpg 78.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115311-c3968b6ce85155289ba4453f00228010.jpg)
More yellows
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115312-0a0ed0ead1aae941d485da3697a05e6b.jpg)
Zoomed in on the pond.
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115313-b277b8f9cc0d8b50a9a38845ecf576e8.jpg)
The shade has caught up to us again on Gravel Creek, with Gravel Mountain in the distance
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115314-70a05e745238aaf1b275600ce99f968b.jpg)
Back at camp - trying to dry out my inserts, socks and shoes after falling in the lake.
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115315-9815207116ff7ad08e21b4a4bd247df1.jpg)
Kind of creepy.
Day 4 - Campsite back to the Pacific Creek Trailhead - 4.5 miles
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115316-43add36184e28bc77ca70f4a277b2c14.jpg)
That bottled cappuccino ought to get you back to the trailhead.
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115317-7a59f0b3044e6e44fd0c54003b96dbf8.jpg)
Just head toward the Tetons at this point
![85.jpg 85.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115318-dda9780029b84ab8c3b08951af4ecff3.jpg)
Beautiful morning! It was 29 degrees when we left camp around 10:00 am.
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115319-9ddf181a1796762fbf9e47fdd973748d.jpg)
Chris and Brian out in front. Of course!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115320-ae40d53ea6cdf2eadc44ca42ef5b145f.jpg)
Whetstone Creek
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115321-574f51761df81cb0498f1483d530399b.jpg)
Me and Whetstone Mountain
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115322-00b91fcd846473f3480d8c7f30947e29.jpg)
The trail was still icy in places
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115323-daa4c2129601786b2c6195fb7c7cd19c.jpg)
Back at the Trailhead
![91b.jpg 91b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115327-6ba3da5b93f0d50fb513b2ed7318d77c.jpg)
I liked the campsite signs at the trailhead
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115324-e5878a5c7b4c3e0fe5162e17482d986f.jpg)
Moral might be slipping!
A Cold Smoke to celebrate.
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115325-efd1fa6fa678d3a6ba86ad0c6dfe94dc.jpg)
And of course nachos at the Signal Mountain Lodge to end a great trip.
![93b.jpg 93b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115328-e592b0a253d718e00bfe3f3bd04401c9.jpg)
And on our way out in the parking lot. This guy/gal must have been bushwhacking down Moss Creek!![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Okay, while I had a wonderful time on this trip, I feel that I should mention something that has bothered me on my backpacking trips this summer, and that is the state of the signage, whether in the wilderness or in Yellowstone. The old signs that have fallen into disrepair, or worse yet stolen, need to be replaced.
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115329-5ff37ad417973c0aeb193baeff53768a.jpg)
Old Gravel Creek Trail Sign
Leaving the old posts on the ground just isn't good enough in my opinion. Maybe it takes a couple of years to get them replaced, but replace them. And quite frankly, I'd prefer the wooden type ones to the new metal ones. I'll get off my soapbox now.
The End
Fall colors were near their peak while we were there, with the aspen, cottonwoods, and willows all showing off their brilliant yellows.
I rounded up a couple of poor souls (Brian and Chris) to go with me on this one. While Brian knew what he was getting into, I'm not sure Chris did. Chris seemed to have a good time though, so maybe he can be convinced to go on another Scatman trip in the future.
In typical fashion for this weekend trip, after driving up from Salt Lake, I hike in a few miles (4.5 for this trip), set up a basecamp and do a couple of day hikes from there - very similar to my Grizzly Lake Trip this past September. I had one goal for this trip though, an that was to reach Moss Lake. I've tried to reach the lake in the past, but weather, time, ground conditions, or just my eyes being bigger than my stomach have kept me from getting there.
So day one's day hike took us to Moss like via and old outfitters (maybe Forest Service) trail that included running into an old cabin up on Moss Creek. I'm not sure of the history of the cabin, but I plan on calling the Bridger-Teton National Forest and asking them about it here in the near future. While it wasn't very far to the lake from our campsite, the old trail is no longer maintained which meant downfall to contend with, and just staying on the old trail when it faded in and out. On our way back from the lake, Brain had the sketchy idea of following Moss Creek back to camp instead of taking the old outfitter's trail. This turned into an "Epic" bushwhack that included a rather large rock tumbling down a steep slope and onto my leg while I was trying to get around a choke point. While it took us about 2.5 hours to reach the lake, it was nearly a 4 hour return trip.
Our second day hike took us to Gravel Lake, which was directly north of our campsite, and was roughly twelve miles roundtrip to the lake and back. It had been twelve years since I was last at Gravel Lake, so I was looking forward to see if anything had changed up the Gravel Creek Drainage. We ended up doing a lollipop loop, by taking the old trail on our way up, and the newer trail on our way back to close the loop.
Here's some shots of our trip.
Day 1 - Pacific Creek Trailhead to Gravel Creek - roughly 4.5 miles
![00b.jpg 00b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115326-012244a6aff4fab8b5056f6c82bf2ab4.jpg)
The participants - Brian, Chris and myself. They are smiling way too much for my liking.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115221-bcabe21edb741fd4233ba2422d6dbad5.jpg)
The Pacific Creek Trailhead. I know state the obvious.
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115222-36852099ebded32803eb94096197f7a1.jpg)
Entering the wilderness area
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115223-6ac30d29431f91c738dc47c2235fb208.jpg)
Right off the bat, we ran into grizzly and wolf prints
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115224-6d174e997821106b6237ff88f889a55b.jpg)
Different bear on this one
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115226-a52968d9d4698f0ed5d8b754c6876472.jpg)
Willows ablaze
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115227-b8f5feb9284eb161866e9a50b84e7cdc.jpg)
Pacific Creek
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115228-d2d822a08c2d74c751e1c2894ead2982.jpg)
Hard to believe that geraniums are still blooming in October
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115229-a445787aa6c8b1e2b5e45b4ad81d17ab.jpg)
Hey @Jackson, remember the old Whetstone Creek sign that I missed three years ago?
This is what is left of it now.
![09.jpg 09.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115230-5b18b1e458f63e9bd55d147db0c99455.jpg)
More Pacific Creek
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115231-88f20708bf231bdea7a0491366c55c48.jpg)
Brian crossing a tributary of Pacific Creek
![11.jpg 11.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115232-904e37b84dc64f9a9fefba652679403e.jpg)
Some popping aspen along the trail
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115233-c1a3e8df7c11cd587acad6b721a42a55.jpg)
Reaching the Pacific Creek Meadows
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115234-c3dfc6de09f51237fd78890fe423a268.jpg)
Some meadow hiking to reach our basecamp
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115235-7afd51ebf7055ea8c6e63683e87d1868.jpg)
The old Moss Creek Trail sign down on the ground.
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115236-780eb62ff6ddcb421ce4b5916549da2a.jpg)
Colors by the creek, with Gravel Mountain just above the tree lined ridge in the distance
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115237-2d4f159e9ddca313e410f8d33ec73894.jpg)
Gravel Creek flowing into Pacific Creek
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115238-5506205bec84b7dd3f4637699be0c1bc.jpg)
Two other hearty backpackers that I forgot to mention earlier - Sasquatch and Lord Business!
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115239-df51435ae2fa6916fdea14421b9bec2f.jpg)
Colors and Gravel Mountain
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115240-6819823cbc3b8fe59794862f44e1d96f.jpg)
Our campsite
Day 2 - Day hike to Moss Lake - approximately 6.5 miles roundtrip
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115242-8321c3a834d848b7f54990b1213efccc.jpg)
Whetstone Mountain in the early morning light
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115243-cbab7ab4318d8b07ba57e79dafcee24c.jpg)
View of the Tetons from Pacific Creek
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115244-3a3462914d523b588059f14e9f7aecf2.jpg)
A 26 degree breakfast
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115245-51500d583f4e3b1fa10f4e39c441ff71.jpg)
Mule train heading up the Gravel Creek Trail
![25.jpg 25.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115246-f8bb59f35d83610c95c6c4837cee14ca.jpg)
Time to make some oatmeal
![26.jpg 26.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115247-172822bd1093b6e1c9ee2eeca154e203.jpg)
A willow and a cottonwood near where I hung my Ursack
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115248-24e3db4f6adcc7e051b60be8f77e4cdd.jpg)
Forded Pacific Creek and Moss Creek on our way to Moss Lake
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115249-bfcdd3cc16079ed9238dc1b02794b5e9.jpg)
The old cabin on Moss Creek
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115250-14521dedec560835ff53e947f30e1933.jpg)
Some steep terrain in the Moss Creek drainage
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115251-bdde0b9db4bb93eefd92d2b8b9c26e2b.jpg)
Making our way up high
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115252-d3dd5acf5353dca87aaade0f7fce5ac5.jpg)
Moss on the south side of the trees
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115253-41bb864efd949084839186131f3b3746.jpg)
Chris on the old Outfitter's trail, with Whetstone Mountain in the distance
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115254-7d029ebde50198932cb6ec44c8a43d2b.jpg)
Fall colors
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115255-105c4493d343636fd811ea6764ff931e.jpg)
View down of the Pacific Creek Meadows
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115256-c7d061dd8243e5e779e09b7cb68b6a7c.jpg)
Gravel Mountain to the south
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115257-73d102d2bde9d811ec98b36afe25c17b.jpg)
Another view of the east side of Gravel Mountain
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115258-2e7549e7e6c6ce109921825b7f97156f.jpg)
Moss Lake. Finally!
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115259-144883c940fd538a09f7d004c33db131.jpg)
View of Moss Lake from the east shore
![39.jpg 39.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115260-20f069d1a9f8808daf240f8aad8298df.jpg)
Of course, no trip to Moss Lake would be complete without these two.
![40.jpg 40.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115265-506eee4bd025846eaf2c88f84f1ddc59.jpg)
Moss Lake viewed from the west shoreline, after deciding to follow Moss Creek back to camp
![41.jpg 41.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115266-c28886d2315a25fdc9c549773af19737.jpg)
Initially, things weren't too bad.
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115267-05494f672edeafe7f7f0e86619380c53.jpg)
Then the downfall and marsh took over.
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115271-777d273614c264cf17d0ccb337f800c7.jpg)
Some beautiful yellows back in there though
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115276-3a7124fe7f81cd25bf350dfdcfa27e13.jpg)
Brian's words, "If a deer can do it then so can we."
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115278-188495537118008517067b95345bf18a.jpg)
Finally we reached the creek
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115279-eef50a00fedd99432397e7249f982514.jpg)
Following the creek out
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115280-d20436ecdd02fa869394a9b3bdf09830.jpg)
Just beautiful along the drainage
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115281-3a5319dcb483330eebae221aaa87ed59.jpg)
Downfall at the bottom too
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115282-9b763af94117818151a63a6abf1dd85b.jpg)
In the shade at this point
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115283-35a31383bcba6905ecb762396b9859ac.jpg)
Something else had the same idea.
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115284-eaf50e19409ea15c41ad6528b2ddb1fe.jpg)
Small falls on Moss Creek
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115285-3cbfaa510527c1fd72d9f9a28a769883.jpg)
Canyon walls getting steeper
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115286-506af43cc70af42dcc6a2efb05ee6eca.jpg)
Choke point! This became our word for the trip.
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115287-60377093d3de0abb38f81bb8da01f26f.jpg)
In order to get around the choke point, I had to go up on the slope maybe 15 feet. Unfortunately for me, there happened to be a
seep where I needed to go. I slipped as I made my way along and slid a few feet down. This caused a large rock above me to give
way and roll down onto my leg, and thus the nice gash you see in the photo. It was a good thing that it was muddy, because when
the rock landed on my leg it mostly drove it further into the mud. If it had been hard ground, I might have faired a lot worse.
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115288-fc6f138da3b972813a05b6f5b8c28dc8.jpg)
Clarks nutcracker. I think it might be laughing at me.
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115289-436478f1239fbf07d22a6559cab4dda8.jpg)
Back at the cabin
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115290-13888ad236f8d30f3289fcaecb413d20.jpg)
Night two's meal. I found it to be quite good, and will purchase again.
Day 3 - Campsite to Gravel Lake - approximately 12 miles roundtrip
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115291-c9c286d15feb2f6dacc76c3b843fde67.jpg)
We had a visitor - fresh wolf tracks by our campsite
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115292-412a9f45e3bcdd841f4dbcf5c668015a.jpg)
Gravel Creek
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115293-694a728f3346e7f16f594ebb0cd6e1cf.jpg)
Aspen along Gravel Creek
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115294-c0eae744472162b0a49601e83cb8707b.jpg)
Gravel Creek again. We had to cross the creek five or six times on our way to the Gravel
Lake
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115295-eec894950ac79396bea9eb42ef794483.jpg)
Whetstone Mountain from the Gravel Creek Trail
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115296-ebca38874f7b4e6291925751f098763f.jpg)
More aspen
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115297-e9eaf464e7fd18aae01dba61ff1e0801.jpg)
Unnamed pond on our way to the lake
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115298-6822d180ca76e09b74af24fb1102b894.jpg)
On the old trail. Gravel Lake is up on the other side of the cliffs
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115299-fd8c6038a0cf7b033832afbaf82ffe74.jpg)
Willows
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115300-4ab0843a4eb5817a02fbd05318c6970e.jpg)
This one is for you @Rockskipper. Notice the maroon covering matches my kilt?
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115301-ea00506f8dc4e58a8f1899afb879b245.jpg)
Another unnamed pond with some downfall issues.
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115302-355551f9f477e20325d35831e7c86f97.jpg)
Pretty!
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115303-378a2a4e1e88a3ee85918eab3a719d91.jpg)
The upper Gravel Creek drainage
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115304-1265bba27e7eca5cdc2d3529af4eb081.jpg)
Time for lunch at Gravel Lake
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115305-6a4d795da60e69648b530d6cb2df4504.jpg)
Somebody is eating all the Vanilla Wafers!
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115306-8b15120beac5b41666d3a5382abcdf4a.jpg)
Help! I've fallen in the lake and can't get out.
realize that the log was just floating on the surface. It then began to float away from shore, forcing me to do the splits, which
eventually ended up me in the lake. It took a while for my kilt to dry out.
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115308-9fc61a088248062113a7edbe29414d99.jpg)
Another shot of Gravel Lake
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115309-7a9381549cda897943ffe37175c7929b.jpg)
Making our way back on the newer trail now, with Gravel Lake to the north
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115310-ffda82c95773bafd11a4226ff8f1f980.jpg)
Fall colors in the Gravel Creek drainage
![78.jpg 78.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115311-c3968b6ce85155289ba4453f00228010.jpg)
More yellows
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115312-0a0ed0ead1aae941d485da3697a05e6b.jpg)
Zoomed in on the pond.
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115313-b277b8f9cc0d8b50a9a38845ecf576e8.jpg)
The shade has caught up to us again on Gravel Creek, with Gravel Mountain in the distance
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115314-70a05e745238aaf1b275600ce99f968b.jpg)
Back at camp - trying to dry out my inserts, socks and shoes after falling in the lake.
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115315-9815207116ff7ad08e21b4a4bd247df1.jpg)
Kind of creepy.
Day 4 - Campsite back to the Pacific Creek Trailhead - 4.5 miles
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115316-43add36184e28bc77ca70f4a277b2c14.jpg)
That bottled cappuccino ought to get you back to the trailhead.
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115317-7a59f0b3044e6e44fd0c54003b96dbf8.jpg)
Just head toward the Tetons at this point
![85.jpg 85.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115318-dda9780029b84ab8c3b08951af4ecff3.jpg)
Beautiful morning! It was 29 degrees when we left camp around 10:00 am.
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115319-9ddf181a1796762fbf9e47fdd973748d.jpg)
Chris and Brian out in front. Of course!
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115320-ae40d53ea6cdf2eadc44ca42ef5b145f.jpg)
Whetstone Creek
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115321-574f51761df81cb0498f1483d530399b.jpg)
Me and Whetstone Mountain
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115322-00b91fcd846473f3480d8c7f30947e29.jpg)
The trail was still icy in places
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115323-daa4c2129601786b2c6195fb7c7cd19c.jpg)
Back at the Trailhead
![91b.jpg 91b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115327-6ba3da5b93f0d50fb513b2ed7318d77c.jpg)
I liked the campsite signs at the trailhead
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115324-e5878a5c7b4c3e0fe5162e17482d986f.jpg)
Moral might be slipping!
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115325-efd1fa6fa678d3a6ba86ad0c6dfe94dc.jpg)
And of course nachos at the Signal Mountain Lodge to end a great trip.
![93b.jpg 93b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115328-e592b0a253d718e00bfe3f3bd04401c9.jpg)
And on our way out in the parking lot. This guy/gal must have been bushwhacking down Moss Creek!
Okay, while I had a wonderful time on this trip, I feel that I should mention something that has bothered me on my backpacking trips this summer, and that is the state of the signage, whether in the wilderness or in Yellowstone. The old signs that have fallen into disrepair, or worse yet stolen, need to be replaced.
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/115/115329-5ff37ad417973c0aeb193baeff53768a.jpg)
Old Gravel Creek Trail Sign
Leaving the old posts on the ground just isn't good enough in my opinion. Maybe it takes a couple of years to get them replaced, but replace them. And quite frankly, I'd prefer the wooden type ones to the new metal ones. I'll get off my soapbox now.
The End
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