The One Where The Creek Kept Going

May 8, 2026 - By ashleykclevenstine

Sometimes the hikes you have the lowest expectations for end up being the ones that completely surprise you.

That was definitely the case with Bear Slides.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much from this hike. The mileage was short, it wasn’t too far from home, and it seemed like the perfect option for a day when I got out of work early and just wanted to squeeze in a little adventure with Hudson. I figured it would be a nice, quick hike — nothing too exciting.

Boy, was I wrong.

The beginning of the hike did not exactly inspire confidence. The trail starts out on a wide dirt access road that was both washed out and surprisingly steep. I wasn’t impressed. But knowing it was only about 0.4 miles until I reached whatever “Bear Slides” actually was, I decided to keep going.

And then I heard it.

Water.

The sound of Buttermilk Brook immediately changed my attitude. If there is one thing I love on a hike, it’s a beautiful stream or waterfall. The sound of rushing water has a way of making any hike better, and I knew I was about to find something special.

When I reached the brook, I was met with an absolutely beautiful scene. A roaring stream flowed through the woods, with picnic tables scattered across the way on the other side of the water. It looked like the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon. I didn’t cross over to explore the picnic area this time, though — I had already been distracted by what was ahead.

I continued following the trail, and the views just kept getting better.

Rock slide after rock slide appeared, with water rushing over smooth stone and cascading through the forest. It was stunning. I took video after video and photo after photo, but honestly, none of it seemed to fully capture how beautiful it was. I kept thinking, “Surely this has to be the last one,” but then there would be another section of flowing water waiting around the next bend.

I didn’t want it to end.

Hudson was just as happy as I was. He absolutely loved exploring along the water, checking out every stream and puddle like it was the greatest discovery he had ever made. This hike was definitely his kind of adventure.

As we climbed higher, we reached the top of the slides where we found several beaver dams. I decided to wander a little off trail and follow the brook, and I am so glad I did. The area was filled with evidence of busy beavers — trees that had been chewed down and scattered throughout the woods. I took plenty of photos, already imagining how fun they would be to paint later.

In fact, I am already planning a return trip with all of my painting supplies. I would love to spend some time sitting beside the brook and painting this place in person, especially the upper section where the landscape opened up into a beautiful meadow and bog-like area.

It was peaceful and full of life. I could hear birds calling from every direction. I saw movement here and there, but I was never quite fast enough with my binoculars to figure out exactly what I was hearing. Still, it was the perfect place to sit quietly and just listen.

Eventually, Hudson and I decided it was time to head back down. But the hike wasn’t done giving me surprises yet.

Almost back to the truck, I spotted a bird sitting on a log across the trail. This time I was quick enough to get a good look — and it was a bird I had never added to my life list before.

A Hermit Thrush.

What a perfect way to end an unexpectedly wonderful hike.

Bear Slides went from a hike I almost underestimated to one of the places I absolutely want to return to. It had everything I love about being outside: rushing water, wildlife, peaceful woods, new discoveries, and a happy hiking dog by my side.

Sometimes the short hikes are the ones that leave the biggest impression.