Dave and Jan have enjoyed several camping experiences at a Forest Service Campground, Little Cottonwood, seven miles from the city of Beaver along the beautiful Beaver Creek in Beaver Canyon. It has been a very pleasant place to camp.

Unfortunately, a forest fire occurred in Beaver Canyon this summer (2026), named the Cottonwood Fire, which devastated forest lands and destroyed private homes and a ski resort all the way up the canyon to the top of the mountain and over, threatening communities at its base along US Highway 89. It was one of the most destructive forest fires in Utah State history! So Dave and Jan were among the last campers in the area before the fire did its destructive work.

Returning to an old structure visited previously, which appears to have been a part of the region’s water system, a dirt road beyond the structure climbs steeply up to a forested plateau. Jan wondered if the grade was somewhere near 90 degrees! Well, obviously not, but it was a steep climb.

The road cut across the canyon shows the highway up the mountain climbing precipitously along the canyon’s rocky wall.

A hike up the dirt road through the forested plateau led to a hiking trail to the west which was marked with signage inviting foot travelers to feel welcome on the path ahead. There was no indication where it was headed, but Dave and Jan decided to try it.

After around a half mile of hiking the trail descended into an appealing wash with a nice stream flowing through it.

Beyond the creek the trail climbed steeply before leading to a community of mountain cabins which have probably burned down.

Returning to the stream below there was a sign pointing in the direction of what it described as “the BIG TREE.” A short walk on a well-traveled trail led to the tree and some amphitheater style seating which suggested the tree was a significant attraction.

Because the Cottonwood Fire was so extensive, Dave and Jan may have been among the last people to see it undisturbed.

Jan opted for a rain slick during the lunch break as grey skies began to produce a mysty environment, but hiking back to the beginning point from which Dave and Jan began did not result in any serious dampening along the path. The forest appeared to be enjoying the moisture.

Dave and Jan are grateful for the opportunity to have enjoyed some of their favorite forest lands before the Cottonwood Fire did so much damage to the area. It will take the region years to recover, but it will be interesting to see what recovery looks like. The Lord has built recovery into the natural world and, even more importantly, into the spiritual world for those who trust in Him!