Beware the Ticks

The scale of Hells Canyon is staggering, towering, overwhelming, it swallows you whole. You’re nothing compared to the scale and majesty of the place. 

Yet in this immersive landscape there’s a tiny inhabitant that gets your full attention all spring and summer.

The Rocky Mountain wood tick. They’re abundant, ferocious little critters about the size of an apple seed and as black as a crow’s eye. Check your pant legs often. Check your sleeves, your socks and the neck and hairline of your traveling companions too, should you be fortunate enough to have any.

So in this immense canyon, fraught with peril, my only warning is this: beware the ticks while you enjoy the view.