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For the first mile, you pass close to the base of the "Stegasaur" ridge. At about 1.5 miles, the trail is temporarily at the river edge, and maybe not such a great thing, vulnerable to washouts. If necessary, bypass through the brush.
The middle portion of the trail tends to stay relatively moist year-round. Enjoy the thick blankets of club moss that border the trail. You may also find washed rubble from seasonal creeks — just pass straight across if no obvious trail is visible.


A few good views open to a 3400-foot rocky sentinel above the river to the right. As you pass at about 3.8 miles, gain a few feet of elevation and move up and away from the river, crossing Cripple Creek on a high bridge (often broken, often repaired).
Descend from the other side of the bridge, closer to the river, then regain all of that elevation to reach the Dingford High Bridge across the Middle Fork River, with views of Dingford Creek confluence and access to the Dingford trailhead.
For a day trip, no need to climb the last 200 feet, just leave the access trail at the far side of the bridge, and find a flat perch for lunch on rocks above Dingford creek. You may observe some population here, those with no respect for the condition of their vehicles, who managed to reach the Dingford trailhead by so-called "Road 54".