Water Bird

Date Placed: July 4, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Battle Creek Canyon, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Utah
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Status: Active


The first battle between the Mormon pioneer settlers in Utah and the Ute Native Americans occurred at Battle Creek, Utah, which is now called Pleasant Grove. (History of Battle Creek)

The hike up Battle Creek Canyon is where you will find the Water Bird.

Directions: From I-15, take exit 275 (Pleasant Grove). Go east off the exit. At the intersection with State Street, continue straight through the light onto Center Street. Turn right onto 100 East and then left onto 200 South. Continue to follow 200 South eastward until you dead end in a parking area next to Kiwanis Park. Leave your car there, and find the trailhead off to your right from the Kiwanis Park sign. A brown trail marker will let you know that this is the Battle Creek Trail.

Follow the trail to the top of the twin waterfalls (Battle Creek Falls) where you'll see Jack Sprat and wife's candy canes.

Continue to follow the trail, crossing the creek via a three log "bridge". (Caution! Very slippery when wet!) You will soon cross the creek again, on a single plank "bridge".

Not long after, two trails diverge in the woods. Take the one less traveled by. In about 60 steps, before the trail starts to angle steeply, look to your left. There is an area that has larger rocks piled up. Move the inside section of smaller rocks, and a larger flat rock. You will find what you're looking for hidden in a small crevice between two larger rocks.

After stamping, head back to Battle Creek Falls. You can hike down to the base of it, and play in the water! Fantastic place for a picnic lunch, or to cool off on a hot summer day.


Notes: This is a kid-friendly hike (not too difficult-- a steady uphill, and it is a bit steep as you approach the waterfall), but be aware that there are drop-offs. Be watchful! Hiking shoes/boots are highly recommended, as there is much loose shale covering the trail in many places.