INCH Hike: Pacheco Falls

1072. Pacheco Falls (02/25/17)

Hikers (19): Adam, Brad, Chinyet, Christina, Christophe, George, Giulia, Jeff, Jim, Karl, Kendra, Megan P, Mihail, Milon, Monika, Peter, Russell, Shuli, Steve
Distance: 21 miles
Rating: 4 difficulty, 8 beauty
Park info: Henry Coe State Park east of Morgan Hill

Write-up by Peter -- Pictures by Karl, George, and Peter

Apprehensive of road closures and swollen creeks due to the recent torrential rains, I planned a safe route to Pacheco Falls -- straight out and back, with no creek crossings required (assuming going over the bridge adjacent to the parking lot to start and end the hike).

There were many doubters among us, but the plan actually worked. Big Henry was in a benevolent mood on this day. Most hikers made it all the way to the Falls and back without getting their feet wet, unless they chose to do so, e.g. some chose to wade through the creek near the end of the hike. As for myself, I felt the route was too safe and boring, so I took a different route back from the Falls, visiting Coit and Kelly Lakes and throwing in a bunch of creek crossings just for the heck of it.

Big Henry had the crew out to bury the bodies

Non-intrepid hikers take the bridge to keep their tootsies dry

Then the climb up the mighty Steer Ridge begins

Adam was looking strong on the uphill

Mihail got off to a late start, and had to make up for it

Striking an unintentional Michael Jackson uni-glove pose at Willson Peak

Mihail's all tired out -- I don't think so!!!

Heading to Pacheco Falls on a beautiful day -- this is too easy for Coe!

The Falls did not disappoint

Heading back in the afternoon as dark clouds start to roll in

But it was all sunny at Coit Lake

Karl decides to cool his heels

Christina always makes it look easy

Don't go any lower, UG!

I ended up doing ~24 miles, 6000+ feet (R2R) on the day, but the official route was pretty easy, so I had to downgrade it to a 4. Big Henry smiled on us on this beautiful late February California day, but you know he's just setting us up for next time.

Epilog: As I write this three days later, I've come down with the worst case of posion oak I've ever had in my life. I'm guessing it happened while I was bushwacking around Coit Lake. Big Henry takes revenge on me for downgrading the hike. He is one mean SOB!!!