Big Creek and Otter Falls 5-26-12

Saturday was a great day for a nice long hike!  Dave and I took Adventure Dog up to Snoqualmie and did the Big Creek & Otter Falls hike.  With two amazing waterfalls, plus the typical beautiful Northwest scenery, and very little elevation gain, it’s one everyone should get out and try!

A lot of the trail winds along the Snoqualmie River, a lovely sight and sound to accompany a hike.   The trail is crossed over and over with streams of varying sizes as well, each of which have their own little falls.

We saw this little squirrel hanging out along the trail.  It looked like something had happened to his tail.  Near the end it was missing fur and then the very end had a tuft on it.  Cute little guy.

At around the 5 mile mark, you step out of the woods and the trail, which used to be a logging road, crosses a large road-grade bridge.  It seems so out of place now, but behind it, cascading down a huge rock face is Big Creek Falls.  I caught Cedar on the bridge looking up at the falls.  I love that he enjoys the beautiful views on the hikes we do.

After viewing Big Creek Falls and getting chilled by the breeze coming down the waterfall, we went back along the trail to look for a place for a picnic lunch.  We followed a side trail down to the river and enjoyed some sunshine while we had sandwiches and snacks.  Cedar munched on some grass for dessert.

I got a picture of these water skeeters and we headed back to the main trail.

Heading back toward the trailhead we saw an arrow made of rocks pointing up a slope into the trees.  I don’t like to argue with rocks- they are much older than I am.  So up we went…. And found the biggest falls!  I had not seen them before since they are off the main trail a bit.  Otter Falls also cascades down a rock wall, and apparently what we saw was just the bottom third of a 1600 ft waterfall!  I want to go back and see the top part!

Happy hiking!

Blackman's Lake, Snohomish 5-25-12

After work on Friday, there was still enough light left for something fun, so to kick off the 3 day weekend, Dave invited me to take a tiny rowboat out to a lake for some fishing.

Blackman's Lake is a quiet little lake in Snohomish, and only a couple other people were out on it so late in the day.  To increase the challenge of two people trying to cast fishing poles from a very small boat, we added Adventure Dog and a bottle of wine.  Cedar proved to be a secret wino and kept trying to drink Dave's wine.

The water was beautiful under the evening sky.

Later it was even prettier.

And still later.... sunset was breathtaking.

Dave caught a fish right away, and then later another, which he let me reel in.  Both were released and seemed to be in great shape and swam away quickly.

This was a really fun evening!

Mountain Loop Hwy Camping 5-19-12

The weekend weather has been warm and balmy, so Dave and I took Adventure Dog for a the year's first camping trip up the Mountain Loop Hwy.  We ended up finding a nice spot at Gold Basin Campground.  I had never stayed there before, but really liked the layout.  Most campsites had plenty of privacy, rather than being built on top of each other, and most of the sites on the opposite side of the road from the river had no campsite directly across from them.  This basically gave those sites direct river access also.  Parking was generous and each site had a tent spot built in.  It was $20 a night, but I felt it was pretty worth it.  In addition to the regular privies, there was a larger restroom with flush toilets and showers.

We went down to the river to enjoy messing around with the gold pan, soak up some sunshine, and fish until the ranger informed us that the river didn't open until June 2!  Oops!

After that we were also informed Cedar needed to be on a leash at all times.  I knew that, but was hoping to let it slide since we had no immediate neighbors and Cedar stays close to me.  Wondering what else we could get in trouble for, we went for a drive and enjoyed delightful views of Big Four and the surrounding mountains and valleys.  It was a gorgeous day.

When we got back from our drive, we had visitors.  Dave's brother, and friend Sean showed up with Sean's youngest daughter.  It was a really fun time, and I will definitely keep Gold Basin Campground right up on my list of top campgrounds so far. 

We woke up Sunday to crows, jays, and the persistant patter of rain, so left earlier than we had planned, but it was nice to kick off the camping season!

Devil's Rock Garden 4-28-12

A new place to explore!  Dave had been to the Devil’s Rock Garden years ago, as had his friends, so luckily he remembered the way even though it is not marked and is private property.  His friend Sean and Sean’s 5 and 6 year old daughters came also.  Along the way we found this waterfall, dubbed Crystal Falls.

Once there, I was amazed.  It is like a playground.  I am curious what caused this area to be like this.  It looks like a massive promontory of rock just blew into huge chunks and fell in a layered pile of fractured rock.  Some of these boulders are massive, and some are as small as a Mini Cooper.  Some are jagged and sharp and some are moss covered and slippery.  This is a place that you really have to use caution to enjoy without injury.

Dave climbed up higher than I wanted to go. 

I did pretty well though, and had a great time.  I would love to go back here again with more time and some bug spray!  : )