As stated, the Devil’s Bathtub is a dynamic water force, prone to flash flooding during heavy rainfalls. Sunday, May 24, 2020, the Devil’s Bathtub area experienced a significant amount of rainfall that resulted in a flash flood, stranding 20 hikers along the two-mile trail. One of the stranded hikers, Jan Powers, recently shared photos of her overnight adventure at the Devil’s Bathtub with Scott County Tourism. Jan wrote: “We went hiking Sunday & got stranded around 7pm that night & didn’t get to Bristol till 8am Monday morning. 20 people total were stranded.
I actually crossed the river when there were flash floods over my waist because there is no cell service & someone had to get help. The Lord helped me to reach a log & He protected me. If I would have been dragged down past the curve I probably would have not made it, or been found etc. I got quite a few bruising and swelling & twisted knee. It was scary, I have hiked tons of times in the rain & I have never experienced anything like this. I am an experienced hiker that has hiked the Grand Canyon and the Kalalau Trail. The Kalalau Trail is the 10th dangerous in America & 20th in the world. Many people have died on that trail and you know why? It’s because of the river crossings.”
She also provided photos from before the flash flood and during:
Devil’s Bathtub
Devil’s Bathtub Creek Crossing during Memorial Day Flash Flood
Devil’s Bathtub Creek Crossing during Memorial Day Flash Flood
As a dynamic water force, within just a few minutes, this creek turned into a nightmare for hikers along the trail.
