Embracing the season: Fall hiking in Cache Valley

Nestled in the northern end of the Wasatch Front lies the picturesque region of Cache Valley. The outdoor enthusiast paradise offers a wide array of recreational activities for people of all ages and interests.

As the temperatures transition from the warmth of the summer months to winter, the leaves change to a vibrant
tapestry of gold and red foliage. This is the signal to one of the ideal times to take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area. Whether you are an experienced backpacker or a student who needs a break from class, the trails welcome all.

If you aren’t sure whether you should go or not sometime this fall, Megan Gentry offers this advice.

“It’s going to be a good experience no matter what, so just do it. Don’t think twice. Just go. Get out there,” Gentry said.

Gentry is a senior from Bountiful who has taken full advantage of the many different outdoor options during her time at Utah State University.

“I feel like that’s one of the gems of Cache Valley. Just kind of like out away from everything else,” she said. “There is great hiking in other places, but the Cache
Valley has a special sauce.”

Gentry is passionate about exploring the area surrounding Logan.

“I just did Card Canyon. Beautiful hike. Very good colors in the fall,” Gentry said. “It’s kind of a lesser-known one so you don’t have tons of people, so that’s super
nice.”

Gentry said though Jardine Juniper is a longer trail, it isn’t a steep one.

“I love Jardine Juniper. It’s a great one,” she said. “It’s super mellow, just like a gradual 10 miles round.”

White Pine Lake, which begins in Logan Canyon at Tony Grove, is a shorter but steeper option.

“White Pine Lake is a great one. Beautiful lakes at both ends, actually, and it’s not too hard,” Gentry said. “I think people go camp there too.”

Gentry said the Wellsville Mountains offer single hikes as well as a full ridge trail.

“I would recommend the Wellsvilles,” she said. “Even from campus you can see the red, and it’s amazing right now up there.”

Hiking is a favorite hobby for many of the students at USU. Parker Horman, a junior and native of Cache Valley, shares Gentry’s enthusiasm.

“Some would consider me granola,” Horman said. “I spend every minute that I can in the mountains with my dog. I think that’s a pretty good classification.”
Horman has developed many personal tips and tricks for hiking in the Cache Valley.

“Tip number one: disregard the weather, go hiking whenever you can,” he said. “The season for hiking in the fall is really short but it’s pretty. So, rain or shine. You have to take advantage of the beauty while it lasts. You won’t regret it.”

Just like Gentry, Horman emphasized how Cache Valley is an ideal spot for spending time outdoors.

“There’s nowhere that compares. Anywhere in Utah is great, but the mountains I feel like in Cache Valley are very unique,” he said. “The colors, because of the
elevation up here, of the leaves is just a lot different than you’ll get anywhere else.”

Before getting on the trail, it’s important to prepare and know proper safety tips before you go. Intermountain Healthcare suggests eight things to do to keep you safe while still enjoying being out in nature.

Know the trail
Make sure you know what to expect on the trail. Review guides, terrain, elevation gains, and difficulty. Check the weather beforehand to avoid getting caught in
a storm.

Use the buddy system
Hike with another adult so that no one is alone. Be in sight of your partner.

Take plenty of water and snacks
Hiking can be strenuous, so make sure you have enough water and snacks to avoid dehydration and exhaustion. When in doubt, pack more than you think.

Watch out for water
Don’t drink unpurified water, and be aware of swift currents.

Gear up and wear sunscreen
Depending on the trail, make sure you have the proper equipment necessary to avoid injury. Use sunscreen regularly and wear protective clothing.

It’s OK to be noisy
More often than not, wildlife do not want to be near humans. They will usually leave if they hear you coming.

Become a “tree hugger”
If you or someone else gets separated, stay put until someone finds you.

Leave No Trace
Pack out what you pack in. If you have trash or garbage, make sure you clean up after yourself. Ultimately, anyone can experience the trails here in Cache Valley and discover what makes this place so special. So lace up your boots, prepare your pack and get on the trail to embark on a journey.

“To be out there in it is just like, wow, something else,” Gentry said. “Just to get away from the city, and it’s so easy when you’re in Cache Valley. You just go 10 minutes, and you feel like you’re in a different world.”

Gentry said hiking is a way to disconnect from a busy life.

“You connect to nature, but also, I feel like you really connect to yourself,” Gentry said. “Moving your body is good for the soul.”

For more extensive information on hiking safety tips, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/safe-hiking-tipsfor-the-whole-family