How to Ford a Creek
When hiking through the wilderness, you'll invariably come across a stream that you must cross. Often, there will not be a bridge. Learning the proper technique to fording a moving body of water will give you confidence when attempting the ford. Also, understanding the warning signs will tell you when you need to find an alternate route.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Ford a Creek
-
1
Bring the right gear into the wilderness. For fording steams, it's important to have: trekking poles, water shoes, extra socks and a dry set of clothes. Also, before heading out, look on your maps and determine the creek and stream crossings you'll encounter so that you can prepare and plan your day around the procedure. A good rule of thumb is to not ford a creek toward the end of your day.
-
2
Find a good crossing spot. To determine this, look for the following: slow-moving water (rapids or white water are never advisable), shallow streambeds, overhanging limbs or blown-down trees that could aid your crossing, and places to rock hop. Most times you won't find all of these, but pick a spot that appears to be the least hazardous.
-
-
3
Determine whether you should take off your shoes. Water shoes can be worn, but only if they are fully attached to your feet (that is, not flip-flops). If the streambed is rocky or extremely muddy, it's best to keep your shoes on to avoid slipping or injuring your feet.
-
4
Take precautions with your gear. If you wear your pack across the stream, make sure to unclip the hip belt in case you get swept away in the current -- it will be easier to ditch the pack and get out faster. Lock your trekking poles in place and put your hands through the loops so as not to lose them. Secure any other loose items such as sunglasses, wallets or food in your pockets.
-
5
Take small, solid steps. See your route before you actually walk it. If you're rock-hopping a portion of the creek, make sure you know exactly where you'll land with each jump. Use your poles to balance yourself in the current. Try not to step on moving rocks in the stream and instead aim for large non-mossy boulders underwater. Do not rush, but make measured progress until you reach the other side.
-
1
