When backpacking in remote wilderness areas there are not always convenient bridges made by volunteers that cross every stream. Many trails follow streams and rivers especially in mountain areas as streams form from rainfall and melting snow and cascade down the mountainside. Even if bridges have been made floods can wash these away leaving the hiker not so high and dry.
The most important thing to do when fording a stream is to be decisive. One of my first hiking experiences in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park we came across a bridge that had been washed out across the Little River. The Little River was not so little on this day and was running at a good clip and at points more than waste deep. We spent over two hours trying to find a suitable crossing spot and we finally just crossed right where the bridge was out.
These two hours turned out to be crucial as we were headed to a shelter on the Appalachian Trail. Because of the two hours lost we spent the last hour and a half climbing straight up in the dark. To make matters worse a deer kept charging us. We would hear these loud footsteps and it was coming at us full boar only to realize we were not another buck and then it stopped. Fortunately we made the crest and got to the shelter, but due to our indecision earlier in the day we put ourselves in a dangerous situation.
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Do not get caught on one of these trails in the dark with charging deer
Here are some other tips for crossing a stream:
1. Look for a natural bridge or a ford
Walk up and down the river and search for a natural bridge such as a large tree across the river, or a shallow section of the river, or a more narrow section where it may be possible to jump across.
2. Do not take too long searching for the best spot
This is what really hurt us is we walked a mile upstream and downstream and found no other suitable spot. Take some time to look up and down stream, but no longer than 10 minutes either way and then make a decision on the best place and then cross.
3. Take off shoes and socks and cross if no natural land bridge is found
When hiking it is vital to keep shoes and socks dry especially in cold weather. Take shoes and socks off and put your socks inside the shoes and tie the laces together and wrap the laces around your neck or strap it to the pack. It is a good idea to have teva sandals in your pack as a camp shoe and if the bottom is slick and rocky it might be a good idea to put these on. Also, do not wear jeans when hiking in areas where a stream crossing is in the offing. Wear shorts and long pants with fabric that is quick to dry in case of deep water or a spill.
4. Use poles or sticks for balance
Many hikers really enjoy using poles during the walk. I like to have my hands free and do not use them, but this is a beneficial time to use them as they provide balance when crossing a deep stream. If there are no poles then search for two strong sturdy walking sticks. If hiking with others share the poles or sticks and throw them back to fellow hikers.
5. Use a rope
If the river is dangerous one person can cross without a pack and tie a rope across a tree on the other side and throw it back to his hiking partners. This can be useful in keep balance if there is an especially strong current or slick rocks to cross.
6. Go back
If it is deemed too dangerous then do not risk it. Live to hike another day and return to the car and seek another destination. There is nothing wrong with quitting when there is a dangerous risk involved. It does not matter if the other side is the end of a 2,000 mile hike. There is no sense in drowning to achieve some type of perceived glory.
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Not every stream crossing is this accommodating
When crossing a stream it is important to stay dry in cold weather to avoid hypothermia and to just avoid being cold and miserable. Using these tips is a good way to stay safe in the wilderness and avoid unnecessary tragedy.
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Comments
I ask myself that question everyday...how and where do I ford?
You're much more adventurous than I am. LOL! Great tips!
Great advice. What happened with the deer? Did someone have a shotgun handy?
The deer charged twice and then left us alone. Better a deer charging us than a bear.
I agree with Cindy that managing fords comes up every day. However, I need to get away from my computer and actually tromp through woods and ford streams more.
Reminds me of when I used to hike all the time growing up in New Jersey and the Appalachians!! Came across lots of deer but never lucky enough to get charged...LOL! Great article and photos!
I am sooooo not a backpacker, but good info if you are :-)
AS always, great info, Ted!I always panic when there is water to cross- but I always make it (a least so far).
The only time I forded a thigh deep stream was in the Marquesas after a lot of rain. There it was warm and we were in shorts, so we just left our shoes on and got wet. I wouldn't be fond of doing that in cold water. A walking stick was very helpful in keeping balance in that case.
I had a very similar experience in Shenandoah! I wasted a long time looking for a good place to ford and I was stuck on the trail in the dark. I actually had to cut my hike short and walk the rest of the way on the road. I'll never so that again! I'm glad to read that really experienced people like you make the same mistake I did. :)
I could have used this advice during my many games of Oregon Trail. I think you could be Chicago's, "Bear".
Elle, I was 11 years old when this happened, but the guy my family was hiking with was experienced. That is how you learn.
Great tips, as usual, Ted.
Ah, see, this is why I don't backpack :-) ok, love to dayhike, but crossing rivers/streams is a little out of my range of pleasantries without a bridge. I do okay when there are a few logs or stones to use as support, but sense of balance isn't so great. Thanks for an interesting article.
this is really helpful advice. thx.
Lot of common sense here...thanks
Dena, if everyone followed common sense there would be very few accidents in the outdoors. The stakes can be huge when you are a day maybe two from help.
Wow, years ago I had something similar, waited a half an hour to try to find a place to cross, by then the water was moving significantly faster- I didnt drown (obviously) but I was soaked, and freezing. And I already had a lot of backpacking experience. What a disaster! The only good thing is that I didnt wait longer, by the next day, it was unpassable on foot. Since it was on the return it was a good thing I did it when I did.
Great reminder of how unpredictable mother nature really is.
Would it make more sense to cross the river in a boat rather than a Ford? Or wait until the river freezes and then 'walk on water'? Just trying to be helpful.
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