There are few routes in the Judean Desert where families can enjoy together the beauty and uniqueness of this region. Nahal Og (Wadi Og) is one of the few that allows families to enjoy a circular route of medium difficulty that combines a gorge, high ladders, water spring, and a magnificent view. A special experience for the entire family.
Hiking this route is not particularly difficult but combines technically challenging parts: ladders, pegs, and rock steps. families that have some hiking experience should complete its route without any problem. The track is very popular with families, even those with small children. However, it should be noted that a trip with small children requires extra care, especially when it comes to climbing ladders.
The wadi (seasonal stream) drains the slopes of the Mount of Olives, Mount Scopus, and Abu Dis in Jerusalem at 800 meters above sea level and descends till the Dead Sea at 400 meters below sea level. The steepness of the stream results in heavy flooding during the winter, and in the past, parts of Highway 90 have been swept away.
We will start with the hiking route, but encourage you to read to the end as we have some important comments and tips before hiking, and directions on the best ways to get there.
Quick info:
- The route is circular – begins and ends near Kibbutz Almog.
- Estimated time – 3 hours.
- Trail markings in order of walking: green > black > blue.
- The recommended direction of progress is up the creek. It is more convenient to climb a ladder than to descend it, especially with small children.
Nahal Og Hike – The Start
From the parking lot above the creek, we will start walking south, towards the Og River channel, on a trail with a green trail marker. Next to the large green bin, you will see a sign pointing in several directions, including the trail from which you will return when you leave the stream. The trail marked in red will take you down a dirt road to the creek channel, and connect to a green-marked one. This marking will accompany us until we exit the creek (about half of this hike).
The stream can be seen right from above. From the moment we enter the channel and start moving west, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the entrance of the Og River Canyon.
Og River Canyon
The Og stream (Nahal Og in Hebrew) is one of the largest streams in the northern Judean Desert and the Dead Sea. Its Arabic name is “Wadi al-Makhlach” (the stream from which it is difficult to draw water) and in Hebrew, its name is derived from the local sumac plant (Rhus tripartita), a local flower that blooms in autumn and is common on the rocky slopes of the area (it is visible on the top of the canyon, but hikers on the lower trail will not see it).
From the moment we enter the canyon, the terrain will vary – sometimes with river pebbles and sometimes large rock steps. The route is well marked, and in addition, you can see on the markings the numbers used by the rescue units that mapped the creek.
After a 10 minute walk, we will reach a high rock step with shallow water to its right. You can walk directly in the water and pass it easily, – but usually the water there is not that clean so most choose to bypass it to the left. If you hike in a large group or family, try to help each other, as for inexperienced hikers this can be a bit of a challenging moment. Immediately after passing this section, we will reach a relatively large opening in the creek and the first ladder.
Up the Ladders
Tip before we start: in total there are going to be three ladders on this hike. The distance between the parts that you should pass using the ladders is short, so it is best to do it at once and make a break only after the third one. The creek has alternating shade and sun and there is no problem finding a comfortable corner to rest. Otherwise, you may be passed by other hikers, you will have to wait, and the trip experience can be a bit damaged.
And now that this is out of the way – continue to the first waterfall (9 meters tall) and start climbing. The first waterfall starts comfortable but ends with a bit challenging slope. Adults should be fine here, but keep an eye on children here. It is advisable to send the stronger hiker first, so he (or she) can pull the smaller ones to the top.
We reach the second waterfall (9 meters tall as well) right after, and the climb is easier. Before the last waterfall, you will have to skip over a small pond, which has some rocks and plastic steps in it, that assist.
The third ladder (8 meters tall) starts with a high step where small children will need help. In addition, with the first step be careful on the head from the protruding rock shelf. Towards the end of the ladder, depressions were hewn in the rock to allow the body to be held and pulled up. Here, too, it is advisable to seat an adult to help the little ones upstairs (be careful not to roll stones at those waiting to get up).
Out the Canyon
After climbing the ladders, the challenging part of the route ends. Later we will meet another kind of ladder, but from now on we are expected to have a fun and easy walk in the more open channel of the stream. The hike takes about 20 minutes. One of the nicer points for a break during it is at the foot of a cave, where you will notice a gorge to your right.
You will not miss the exit point from the stream. The place has a large sign and it is also the point where the trail marked in green turns to one made in black. At the end of the ascent (about 10 minutes), you will reach the plateau above the stream. Now it is time to enjoy the view of the northern basin of the Dead Sea, Jericho, and the Moab Mountains in the back. From here look for the blue trail marker that will lead you back east to the parking lot and vehicles (where we started).
How to Get To Nahal Og
For those coming from Highway 1 (from the direction of Jerusalem) – turn right at the Almog junction and drive towards Kibbutz Almog. After a few minutes the road curves to the left, at this point continue straight towards the dirt car park which at the entrance is a large green bin.
For those coming from Road 90 – At the Lido junction, turn onto Road 1 in the direction of Jerusalem, and at the Almog junction turn left towards Kibbutz Almog. After a few minutes the road curves to the left, at this point continue straight towards the dirt car park which at the entrance is a large green bin.
By public transport – From Jerusalem Central Bus Station take lines: 444, 486. Get off at Almog Junction and from there walk along the road towards the kibbutz. Dont forget you need a Rav-Kav to pay.
You Should Know
Due to the popularity of the route among families, during holidays and busy seasons, it may be conjected by other groups of hikers on the route, including those who will go the opposite way. Therefore, families with small children are advised to prepare some games or other ways to entertain the young ones while waiting for their turn to climb the ladder.
In the first half of the route, when ascending the creek and ladders, there is shaded part suitable for a break. Its second part, which exits the Nahal Og channel, is exposed to the sun.
After the rains, the route requires walking in the water – so it is advisable to come with a change of clothes. Do not hike the trail when there is a risk of flooding. Flood alerts can be checked on the Meteorological Service website and checked for active warnings.
In the part of the trail where the ladders are, there is not much phone signal but there is an SOS WIFI system that enables cellular signal in case of an emergency At the point where a small red sign appears with the caption SOS WIFI, you can connect to a wireless network with the same name and call for help.
