Whitewater to Mission Creek

Many years ago I was on a hike from Highway 62 to Mission Creek Preserve.  We made it as far as the Pacific Crest Trail and then returned.  I was told that the trail went over the ridge to Whitewater and now today I finally get to hike the whole trail.

We went with a fellow RVer in our park that had a connection to the Sun City Hiking Club and so we split into two groups, one went to Whitewater and the other group started at Mission Creek.  Our group started at Whitewater and we hiked to the Red Dome and from there we forded the creek and headed northeast to the top of a ridge.  At the top of the ridge we waited for the other group and exchanged keys. 

It was a great hike and the 6 mile trail had lots of scenery and what was really good is we didn't have to hike back.

Whitewater River 

The canyon has started to green up after the rainfall two weeks ago.

Red Dome - about 10 feet high rising out of the river bed.  A geologist may be excited by this phenomenon but it looks like a bunch of red clay with rocks packed in it. 

North view up the canyon toward  San Gorgonio Mountain.

Trail to the top of the ridge

Top of the ridge looking south to Mount San Jacinto.

Billy pointing down the trail...

View down to Mission Creek Preserve.

Log cabin in the distance as our hike draws to a conclusion.

We had to cross Mission Creek which wasn't flowing very  much but there was plenty of evidence of the creek becoming a rushing torrent when it rains.

Mission Creek Cabin and picnic area a great spot to end a great hike.  This cabin is actually 2 miles up from a locked gate so we had the combination as one of the hikers was a member of the Preserve Association.  The hike up from the gate is a dirt road so I didn't feel we missed out too much on this stretch of the trail.