Started at the north end of the WHISKEY FLAT TRAIL (32E35), at the Fairview foot bridge, paralleling the Kem River.  Along the trail are gradual elevation changes (still paralleling the river) with numerous short steep stretches in and out of side drainages to the Kem River. Views during the summer months might include glimpses of whitewater enthusiasts roaring through the rapids. The area abounds with mixed chaparral brush species, with occasional digger pine and oak trees. There are lots of good fishing spots along this trail. The Whiskey Flat Trail provides little shade and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

About ½ mile up the Whiskey Flat Trail is the turn off for the Tobias Creek Trail and the Flynn Canyon Trail - forking off at the top of the hill, the Tobias Creek Trail then descends a short way into Tobias Creek. Here the trail will follow Tobias Creek 1½ to 2 miles. For the next 2-3 miles the trail climbs to the top of Speas Ridge. The trail is in close proximity to the creek bottom, through mixed chaparral and riparian habitat. The trail offers good fishing along the way. It's quite hot and dusty going! Trail is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty. On this hike I stopped at the creek and enjoyed the water instead of continuing on to Speas Ridge - will go back another time to do the rest of the trail!