Another Hidden Gem
Line Creek Park is another hidden gem of an oasis. This beautiful wilderness trail and creek is just a stone’s throw away from busy streets, shopping, and the rat race. I feel so fortunate to be able to access this area, which is just minutes from my home. I have always been fascinated by little nooks and hideaways that are hidden in plain sight. I am a firm believer than any community can clearly be judged based on the resources it dedicates to their less fortunate citizens, animals, and recreation areas(parks). I adore the thought of entering a secret garden or going beyond a hidden door to a place that few come to and even fewer know exist.
Hitting the Trail
Once you enter the parking area, little do most people realize that an amazing trail with sloping inclines and declines, rushing waters, cascading mini-falls, and hopping rocks are just minutes away. I usually get the strangest looks from the cross-country kids and pilates moms when I break out my rod case and fly bag from the car. There are some picnic areas and a rough wood amphitheater just off of the parking area and a medium sized fishing pond just near here. The greater treasure awaits for those willing to brave the darker forest on the narrow trails. Those who have the courage to slink through the spider webs and dodge the sneaky eyes that feel like they are forever on your neck! Following the path leads to a deeper trail that quickly descends to the edge of a smallish creek.
At the Creek
Here is where the fun starts. The main trail dumps you out suddenly at the edge of Line Creek and you have the choice of going upstream or downstream. I usually opt for upstream so I can cover as much of the creek as possible and it appears few souls dare to trek deeper upstream. Usually, less people = more fish!
The water undulates from exceeding swift to a lazy drawl. The trick is finding where the fish are sleeping(truly wish I were better and this aspect of the game!). For a fly fisherman, there are few areas you can access from the banks so it is imperative that hopping and stepping stones are found so you can cast up and down the creek without fighting the tireless, wickedly clever branches and limbs who’s main source of nutrition must be fly-line and wet flies! Fortunately, Line Creek offers many of these outcroppings. Not only are they perfect for fishing, they make excellent rest spots for old, tired knees or for the perfect lunch break.
Here is a shot of one of my rods in its natural habitat.
I finally tricked a beautiful bluegill into spending a moment or two with me.
Can’t help but to show off my pride and joy. This is my adorable daughter and me taking a break and cooling our feet between hikes.
She is so beautiful, obviously, she takes after her daddy…….
The creek whips and winds through the forest and eventually dumps into a medium pond behind several sub-divisions. There are numerous spots to hang a hammock over the edge of the creek along the way and this is absolutely the perfect spot to unwind and decompress from the day to day grind of dealing with society.
Originally posted on Steemit.
Photos courtesy of the author.