Euphrates River hike, Wadi Qelt (Photo: Toby Sarid, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel)
The Ein Prat Nature Reserve lies in the basin of the Euphrates River (Wadi Qelt) and its tributary Nahal Mikhmas (Wadi Swinit), between the Sha'ar Binyamin industrial zone and the settlement of Geva Binyamin (Adam) in the west, and the outskirts of the city of Jericho in the east. The communities of Geva Binyamin, Almon, Kfar Adumim and Alon border the reserve, and from them or near them there are several hiking trails and access roads to the reserve's sites.
Orel Steinbaum, training coordinator at the Ofra Field School of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, says of him: "Near Jerusalem, hides a beautiful stream that flows all year round. At any time you can come and see the beautiful flow in the desert channel, the unique vegetation, and if you are quiet enough - maybe you can see the animals that come to drink from the water."
According to her, animals such as gazelles and hyraxes live in the riverbed, in the cliff of the stream there is a hawk eagle's nest, and in the waters of the stream are Israeli fish and frogs. The vegetation of the stream includes riparian plants, such as common weed, pelagic shrubby and sticky tune. In dry sections, common jujube, common Abraham bush and bush tobacco (an invasive species) grow. Downstream grows here and there the great desert wicket ("Sodom apple").
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A trip that has it all. The Euphrates River is Wadi Qelt (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Maayan Tal)
Flows all year round. The Euphrates River (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Arbel Golan)
Animals such as gazelles and hyraxes live in the riverbed (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Arbel Golan)
What to do?
The Euphrates River, or by its Arabic name Wadi Qelt, flows for many kilometers - from northern Jerusalem (Neve Yaakov) to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Along it there are three main springs - Ein Qelt, Ein Prat and Ein Maboa, which provide plenty of water for the flow of the stream. In addition, the stream drains many floodwaters in winter. The trail begins with a descent to the creek, marked with green trail markings. After descending, turn left at a blue trail marker. The route ends at the tube parking lot/bubble eye. You can come and walk in the stream, bathe in the pleasant water and enjoy the quiet and for those interested, you can also go on a variety of trails, along the stream.
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In light of the stream there are 3 main springs - Ein Qelt, Ein Prat and Ein Mabua (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Arbel Golan)
The stream flows from northern Jerusalem to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Arbel Golan)
Key Highlights
It is important to check before the trip whether it is possible to reach the place without a security clearance. Ein Prat and Ein Mabua are nature reserves, so there is no problem arriving without prior coordination. Since the route is not circular and vehicles are required to bounce at first. Equipment required - 3 liters of water per person, closed shoes and shoes for water, hat and sunscreen.
The route is not circular and vehicles must be bouncing at first (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Maayan Tal)
The river drains many floodwaters in winter (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Arbel Golan)
We went on a trip
Register in Waze:Landscapes of Perth - Morning Lookout. If coming from the direction of Jerusalem, drive on Route 1 to the Kfar Adumim junction, turn left and enter the settlement of Kfar Adumim, crossing it until the settlement of Ein Prat. Finish with a bubble eye.
Difficulty:Medium
Length of the route:about 5 km
Intended for:Hiking
enthusiasts Recommended period:Suitable during winter, autumn and spring seasons (summer may be a little hot)
Accessibility:The route is not accessible
- tourism
Tags
- Euphrates River
- Wadi Qelt