Lunch behind the waterfall

Lunch behind the waterfall

 

May 19, 2013

Today the kiddos and I packed a lunch and headed to the top of the waterfall trail.  After stopping and reading the map at the ranger cabin we realized it was only a .75 mile hike.  Sounds easy, right? 

 

Behind Silver Falls, Entiat Washington

Well, here’s the catch; it’s a 600+ foot elevation gain in that three quarter mile.  Lots and lots of stairs!  The trail actually forks off and you can take the switchback type trail or the one with all the steps.  The step side stays alongside the water and is, in our opinion, much prettier.   Either way, the hike is not too bad.  It’s a lot like going to the gym and getting on the step machine for 30 minutes of uphill.

 

Along the way we identified several types of conifer trees, saw multiple chipmunks and admired an abundance of early wild flowers.  When we reached the top we climbed over the fence (do they really think a two rail fence will deter people?) and stood behind the waterfall.  Very cool!  (literally). 

 

Our picnic was devoured as we sat on a rock ledge that ran sort of behind and beside the waterfall.  (Still on the naughty side of the fence, of course) Isn’t it amazing how good a simple bagel sandwich tastes in a new setting?!

 

On the way back down the trail we were continually amazed at the sheer volume of water coming down the mountain.  It is especially awe-inspiring as you cross the bridges.  What a great way to spend an afternoon.  No boring recess for us!

First Trip Out for 2013: Silver Falls, Entiat

 

May 17, 2013

 

For our first trip out in the RV this year we were quite ambitious.  6 days in the forest with no hook-ups isn’t exactly a test run, but I guess we are beginning to have some faith in our trusty old RV.  For this trip it was just me and the two smallest munchkins, another display of confidence in our camping equipment and abilities. 

 

Emma and Jonathan at bottom of creek that
comes out of Silver Falls

All disclaimers aside, we are having a great trip.  The academic focus of this excursion is trees and leaves.  The kiddos are learning to follow a dichotomy key to find the species of trees based on their leaves.  They also learned that in the confer family of trees only three types of leaves (needles, scale-like and awl) exist.  Our various hikes easily led to finding examples of each for their collections.  

 

The campground at Silver Falls is gorgeous this time of year.   It is not one of my favorites later in the season because it gets crowded, but for an early season expedition it is just perfect.  The river is running swiftly so we looked for and found a site that had a small inlet where the water was safe and quiet. 

 

 

A note to self here: Campsite number two is just the right size for the motorhome and has great water access.

 

 

Emma has decided to make a digital display of the flora and fauna she discovers this year. She is at this very minute baiting and stalking a chipmunk in order to capture him with her camera.

When her get her blog up and running I will let you know so you can check it out.