7/18/09 Wet Beaver Creek & Butch The Dog

Last week’s wilderness adventure took me -- with a small gang of hiking pals-- to Wet Beaver Creek. Not to be confused, Arizona has a Dry Beaver Creek as well. The difference? Dry Beaver Creek is a dry stream bed. Wet Beaver Creek runs year ‘round. Obvious, really.

Here’s how The Forest Service describes The Wet Beaver Wilderness Area:

“This tucked away desert oasis is the smallest of four major canyons that cut the Coconino National Forest's red rock rim country …Much of the narrow steep-sided gorge Wet Beaver Creek Canyon has carved into the Colorado Plateau's southern face is quite remote and few people venture into its inner depths. The easiest access is upstream from the canyon mouth along a well used hiking trail. Even in this case, reaching the gorge's more remote upper stretches is no easy task …Most of those who come here confine their visit to the area's lower, more accessible reaches which provide a popular place to swim, fish, camp and hike …Others venture upstream of Bell Crossing where the solitude deepens as you venture farther from this area's more popular haunts.” - Coconino National Forest Service. Link to Forest Service

Wet Beaver Creek Canyon is accessible from FR 618 off Interstate 17. There’s an easy-to-access, free parking lot at the trail head. From there, we hiked Bell Trail -- the “well-used” trail mentioned above -- about three miles in, then dog-legged onto Weir Trail, which meanders a mile or so alongside Wet Beaver Creek. Weir Trail leads to several somewhat remote swimming areas. We passed two deep-water spots then settled at the third, just below a small waterfall, beyond which the rocky creek narrowed.

Wet Beaver’s quick, green water here is warm during the summer months -- somewhat. About 75 Fahrenheit, I’m guessing. Feels cold if you inch your way in, so draw a deep breath, put on a grimace and jump. Your body adjusts quickly. Careful diving, though. The streambed is filled with large rocks, some of which are hidden just beneath the surface.

Wet Beaver Creek is stocked with trout and popular with fishermen. I didn’t see any (fishermen or trout), but using a buddy’s goggles, I spotted an 18-inch catfish. A short time later, my buddy, Dennis, swore a pair of fish lips grabbed his big toe.

Another hiking buddy, Prescott Mike, owns a dog named Butch. Butch loves to swim and accompanied us to Wet Beaver. Despite his own love for streams and creeks, Butch goes mad with anxiety when he spots a human in the water. The second a human steps off dry ground, Butch leaps to his feet, barks, and tries with all his resources to drive the human out of the water. Mike has tried to train Butch not to be so concerned. So far, to no avail. On one hand, it’s hilarious, and Butch’s concern is sweet -- he would make an excellent lifeguard! On the other hand, it’s a shame the animal can’t relax about the issue. Butch is a fine and loyal dog, and, sooner or later, he’ll learn that not all swimmers need rescue; in the meantime, if anyone knows a good dog whisperer ….