Hiking West Fork Oak Creek—August 2025

In a normal year we would not hike up this canyon in the summer because of the threat of thunderstorms and flooding. But this year has been anything but normal when it comes to rain and the monsoon season. So during one of the many long stretches of dry weather we returned to West Fork Oak Creek canyon and hiked up about 5 miles (or about 2 miles beyond the “end of trail” sign) upstream.

Because of the lack of rain some of the canyon vegetation was stressed. Ferns were already withering. Leaves were turning brown and even falling from the trees. The outlook for a vibrant and colorful fall leaf season isn’t looking good.

But the hike was fine and the water was clear and visitor traffic was low–especially beyond the end of trail.

Blackberries can be found at the very beginning of the trail.
Blackberries can be found at the very beginning of the trail.
A primrose peaks out from a field of ferns. This was one of the better looking patch of ferns showing mostly green.
A primrose peaks out from a field of ferns. This was one of the better looking patch of ferns showing mostly green.
Numerous large reflecting pools can be found in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Numerous large reflecting pools can be found in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
This is the "subway tunnel" at the end of the maintained trail. Hikers can continue upstream for many miles but there isn't much of a trail.
This is the “subway tunnel” at the end of the maintained trail. Hikers can continue upstream for many miles but there isn’t much of a trail.
This is the upstream end of the subway tunnel in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
This is the upstream end of the subway tunnel in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
High walls tower above the stream in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
High walls tower above the stream in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Upstream there is another set of narrows. This used to be a narrow stream but sand and gravel has dammed the downstream end and now the water is several inches deep.
Upstream there is another set of narrows. This used to be a narrow stream but sand and gravel has dammed the downstream end and now the water is several inches deep.
Looking downstream at the pool and the sinuous curves of the canyon.
Looking downstream at the pool and the sinuous curves of the canyon.
Butterflies and wildflowers in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Butterflies and wildflowers in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
A natural amphitheater and wildflowers in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
A natural amphitheater and wildflowers in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Monkshood wildflowers.
Monkshood wildflowers.
Larkspur wildflowers in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Larkspur wildflowers in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Lush greenery found in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
Lush greenery found in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
A young deer hides in the tall greenery in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.
A young deer hides in the tall greenery in West Fork Oak Creek canyon.

Our next hike up the canyon will probably be in mid winter when ice covers the stream allowing passage through the various narrows.