Clarke Creek wildlife area

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Anyone been up there lately?

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Was there about a month ago. No snakes when I went. I did see a bat though. Also, we went a couple of days after heavy rain and the water wasn't bad at all.

Doesn't ever flood from river but the buffalo gnats might be bad. They are the worst I've ever seen them I presume from the river being so high. I've read they can travel 7-14 miles after hatching and the river isn't too far from Clarke.

Bring some old shoes and walk the creek down to see the falls is my favorite way. Kids also think its the shite to jump over the water from gravel bar to gravel bar.

Been there 50+ times over the years. Only 2 or three snakes in all that time, including multiple hikes on the primitive trail. My advice is to walk the creek the entire way and return on the trail. That last hill back to the parking lot feels like 10 miles long. Bring a hiking stick for you, kids will not want one after 10 minutes. A few snacks and some water. Also, bring a couple gallon jugs of water to wash your feet off after you get back to the car.

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parking lot was full by mid-morning

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Yeah if his kids are out for the week it would be better if he can swing it with work and go on a weekday. I don't personally mind the crowds on the trails but kids needing to use then restroom when there is a long line isn't fun. Also the restrooms get trashed on heavy days from people trying to freaking bathe in the sink.

Walked the entire primitive trail last year. Not one snake. I felt like I was actually dying for the last 300 yards up the hill to the parking lot. I have seen a lot of people having to be carried up that last hill.

Its gonna be fairly crowded. Probably will be parking on the side of the road which is typical for a busy day. I've actually never been on Memorial day so I'm just making an educated guess.

8&10 will be all over the trails/creeks like white on rice. Have them wear some old clothes/shoes and let them splash in the creeks. If they are the fearless type they will need to be yelled at about 73 times by your wife to stay away from the edge of the falls.

We got to the trails at around 10 AM. There were 20 or so cars there, but we were able to park right across from the entrance. The hike was excellent. Creek wasn't very high but it was flowing well and the waterfalls were really nice. We walked the creek most of the way then sheared up a wall to the primitive trail and walked that out to the main trail. My kids had a blast. We turned over logs searching for critters. Didn't see any snakes, but we did find a scorpion and a pretty cool looking salamander. Tons of different types of beautiful butterflies and mushrooms around. I was impressed at the cleanliness of the trails. Very little litter around. The back end of the hike back to the start of the trail head is a steady upward walk and takes a little work. I was worried my 8 year old would poop out and ask me to carry her, but she managed fine. It was a great way to spend Memorial Day.