Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop

This description is for the clockwise direction. Most of the trail's signage is posted for visitors traveling in this direction, making it hard to lose the trail. However, the loop can be done in either direction, keeping in mind to pay extra careful attention to the signage. From the trailhead, proceed down the gated-off dirt road to the left. You'll see signs for Chavez Trail. You'll cross through the Chief Hosa campground, which is also the summer parking area. Follow the road and signs 0.25 miles to Chavez Trail, which will be singletrack from this point on. Once on the part of the trail, the way is mostly downhill. This part of the trail is on the north side of a mountain, which, in the winter, can have packed snow and ice due to the natural process of snow melt and foot traffic on the trail. Stream crossings begin near the bottom of the trail at the far end of the trail loop. At first, the crossings are very easy, merely a hop over a brook. Visitors should have no problems with these crossings given normal flow conditions. As the trail begins to turn to the right (NE), trail users are greeted with views of Beaver Brook Canyon. Beaver Brook runs along the trail. At several locations, the trail crosses the brook, which may be several feet across and 2 to 4 feet deep. (The width and depth of the stream will fluctuate during the spring thaw, so be aware.) Visitors will need to use rocks and fallen trees for crossing the brook. Here, trekking polls are a big help, keeping you stable while hopping from wet rock to wet rock or making your way across slick wood. In this stretch, hikers would be wise to pay close attention to the trail's direction. Several of the brook crossings do not have signage showing the trail's path. It is easy to mistakenly take one of the many well-worn game trails that parallel the stream and find yourself in the midst of difficult terrain and, potentially, much backtracking. Along this part of the trail, you'll encounter large granite boulders, many of which are quite slick due to pooling water/ice/polishing by stream water during high flow periods. Based on skill level, visitors should take their time on these obstacles or be prepared for some bumps and bruises. About 2 miles into the trail, visitors will hit a T-intersection with Beaver Brook Trail. This trail breaks to left;stick to the right, toward a rocky incline. Don't be confused: the trail to the right of the T-intersection is also called Beaver Brook Trail. From the intersection, trail users will need to make their way across several exposed trail sections as well as negotiate tree roots where the trail is especially steep. Further, stone steps have been constructed on several of the trail's steeper sections. Climbing these steps can be a significant effort for those who are not in good shape. Also, if the trail is icy, the steps can be treacherous. Again, trekking poles are a great help in this section of the trail. This is the first section of the trail with a significant slope up. Make sure to rest when you need, as tired adventurers are more likely to fall victim to the trail's hazards. For all the hazards, however, the sound of the brook, the singing of the birds, and the pine forest makes this part of the trek worthwhile. Near the end of the trail, there is 3-tined fork where the Braille Nature Trail forms a loop back to the parking area and a road bisects the Braille Trail. Visitors can take either leg of the Braille Trail or take the roadway between the trail's two legs. The Braille Trail has a cable along the trail for the sight-impaired to follow. On the right (east) leg, the trail has several signs in braille and text explaining features along the trail. To the left, the Braille Trail is steep, with fallen trees crossing the trail. This stretch of the trail is probably not used by the blind! No matter which leg of the trail or the road taken, visitors arrive back in the summer parking lot.