Merced River - South Fork - Hite Cove - CA

The trail is upper class Sierra in terms of wildflower displays.

When fishing off the beaten path, you can generally expect constant action. Not so with this river, my experience has been tough. But keep at it, and don’t be hesitant to change up tactics.

This is why my pack was so heavy.

The biggest camp is in Hite Cove proper, underneath the black locus. There’s only a few other established camps scattered around. When backpacking, always use established camps instead of creating your own camp and fire ring. I couldn’t resist this camp within a half mile of Hite Cove.

Before the stamp mill, Hite initially used mule-powered arrastras and grinders. Visiting this backcountry area is a nostalgic walk back in time.

Many fishing opportunities await. Fish the slow foam!

Hite Cove in the distance. There’s black locust trees in the meadows, planted when the small town was thriving.

The rock in the Merced drainage is the oldest rock within the greater Yosemite region of the Sierra Nevada. The rocks revel sedimentary history both in origin and later metamorphic influences.

There’s many reminders of the gold history here.

Let’s check out Hite Cove.

Where will you visit this year? All photos by Phil "Flip" Akers