Exploring and Hiking the Scenic Narrows
The Narrows are a deep granite gorge carved into the side of Eagle Mountain in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, Oklahoma. The Wichitas are ancient granite mountains that rise high above the plains of Oklahoma offering some really unique and wild destinations to explore.
Important Hiking Considerations:
A hike through the Narrows immerses you in a captivating natural wonderland, where rugged cliffs and rock formations tower above, creating a dramatic backdrop for this roughly 2.5 mile, moderate in and out hike.
The trail to the Narrows begins at the Boulder Cabin Parking Area. From the Boulder Cabin, the trail travels across country until it reaches West Cache Creek. It follows the creek for a short distance as it begins to enter its granite gorge, but then climbs up and over a ridge before returning to the gorge floor to avoid a large meander in the river.
Once on the floor of the gorge again, the trail becomes less noticable and a series our routes open up along the channel of the river, which gets narrower as you approach the Narrows. At its narrowest point, almost vertical granite walls rise on either side and a large pool of water fills the bottom. When we walked through, climbers were roped up and climbing the large open slab.
We continued past the Narrows and where West Cache Creek and Panther Creek intersect. It made for a perfect lunch spot with views of the Narrows, the more open channels of Panther Creek above us, and the larger West Cache Creek below us, along with all of the surrounding mountains and terrain.
After lunch we turned around and headed back the way we came, passing through the Narrows and then up the canyon until we got back to the Boulder Cabin Parking Area and Trailhead.
The total hike was just under 2.5 miles and there was less than 300 feet in elevation along the way.
The trail to the Narrows begins at the Boulder Cabin Parking Area. From the Boulder Cabin, the trail travels across country until it reaches West Cache Creek. It follows the creek for a short distance as it begins to enter its granite gorge, but then climbs up and over a ridge before returning to the gorge floor to avoid a large meander in the river.
Once on the floor of the gorge again, the trail becomes less noticable and a series our routes open up along the channel of the river, which gets narrower as you approach the Narrows. At its narrowest point, almost vertical granite walls rise on either side and a large pool of water fills the bottom. When we walked through, climbers were roped up and climbing the large open slab.
We continued past the Narrows and where West Cache Creek and Panther Creek intersect. It made for a perfect lunch spot with views of the Narrows, the more open channels of Panther Creek above us, and the larger West Cache Creek below us, along with all of the surrounding mountains and terrain.
After lunch we turned around and headed back the way we came, passing through the Narrows and then up the canyon until we got back to the Boulder Cabin Parking Area and Trailhead.
The total hike was just under 2.5 miles and there was less than 300 feet in elevation along the way.
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You can find more information about this hike on:Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
Gear we used on this hike:
- Goodr Sunglasses
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Deliberate Life Designs Sandals
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Darn Tough Socks
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Shorts
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Garmin Instinct Watches
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
Hydration and nutrition for this hike:
- Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie
- Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews
- GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink
- Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans
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- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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