Backpacking stream crossing 101: How and where do I ford?

November 9, 12:16 PMChicago Adventure Travel ExaminerTed Nelson

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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.
 

Do not get caught on one of these trails in the dark with charging deer
Original photo by Ted Nelson

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.

    Not every stream crossing is this accommodating
    Original photo by Ted Nelson

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.
 

Ted Nelson was recently named one of the top 101 Adventure Travel twitterers on twitter.  http://abroadening.com/161  Click on the icon below to follow me there.