Starved Rock, French, Wildcat, Pontiac canyons. April 4, 2019

Wildcat Canyon

There were 37 hikers that came to hike on a misty day. We left the Lodge's lobby and went down the Veranda steps heading to Starved Rock.  Leaving there we went into French Canyon and the onto Lover's Leap and Eagles Cliff. From there we went into Wildcat Canyon and then up the 150 bluff stairs and then over to Pontiac and back to the Lodge.  Great waterfalls today with very little mud. 

Stairs behind the Lodge by the Veranda

37 hikers give or take coming down the stairs behind the Lodge

On our way to Starved Rock you can still see the warning signs of Poison Ivy

View of Lover's Leap from the top of Starved Rock.  Illinois River going East

Leopold Island and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center.

Flag flying tall and proud and the top of a windy Starved Rock

View of Starved Rock Lodge

Going into French

Looking back at my followers also going into French

First part of French

First look at French Canyon

French Canyon up close

Everyone enjoying finally going into French after all the ice this past winter.

Wet steps coming out of French

Lover's Leap Overlook

View of Starved Rock (Can you see the flags?) from Lover's Leap

View of Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois River looking East

Boardwalk at the top of Eagle's Cliff

Turn off to Wildcat Canyon

Wildcat is always good for a photo

Wildcat Canyon waterfall up close

East bluff of Wildcat Canyon

The Wildcat canyon floor was muddy.  Come prepared!

Stream crossing in Wildcat Canyon

150+ steps to get from the floor of Wildcat Canyon to the top rim.

Looking down into Wildcat Canyon from the West Overlook.  You can barely see the waterfall. 

One of the many park signs throughout the park

Pontiac Canyon 

"Hepatica"  This is one of the first wildflowers this year we have seen.  Notice the fuzzy stems? Just the flowers will bloom now.  The green leaves will come later.  

"Dutchman's Breeches"

French Canyon from the top

Feeder stream that will flow into French Canyon

I will leave you with this: "All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination."