November 14: (Saturday) Tye River to Montebello Fish Hatchery(B-1)

If we’re lucky and autumn’s colors linger, we’ll get some of the potentially best leaf peeping views of the valley – The catch is – you’ll work for the views!  Since this will be a point-to-point hike and the days will be shorter we’ll leave town early so we can set our shuttle and be done hiking before dark.  Starting at the Tye River, we’ll hike about 3.5 miles up to the Priest (elev. Gain ~ 3100 ft) for our first view of the Tye River Valley.  From the Priest we’ll head south about a mile (elev. Loss~1200 ft) past the top of Crabtree Meadows then hike about 3.5 miles up to Spy Rock (elev. Gain~1260 ft) for our second great view (360 degrees).  Getting up / down Spy Rock requires a rock scramble up the side of the rock cliff – not very technical but more than just boulder hoping!  The trail down to the fish Hatchery is about 2 miles.  We usually stop for dinner at one of the Rockfish Valley’s restaurants, so plan your car pool accordingly if you plan to head straight back to town.  Because of the elevation gain / loss and rock scramble I’m rating this hike at B1 – not too far but very strenuous.  Bring a lunch, snacks, water, etc.  Email me David Grimes at Dvgrimes.54@gmail.com for more information.