A Cherry Hike

Cherry Creek Falls
hike north of Duvall, Washington




What a wonderful trail, and so close to the big cities Bellevue and Seattle, a very convenient romp in the wilderness.  Our first animal sighting was an adorable chipmunk.  It's a 5 mile round trip, nice and easy trail although it does narrow in spots.  It's a great trip for families with kids and also for groups of friends.

Look at the beautiful, sunny day we stumbled into.  Not a cloud in the sky and in fact it was in the 90's, but we did not suffer because this forested trail is mostly shaded, spotted with just a few open sunny spots and some odd humid spots along the way.  We frolicked most comfortably.

Here we go.  We enjoyed nature, and the lively company.

We made sure to stop and notice all the beauty around us.  There were plenty of butterflies along the way, including this one having a little rest.

There were several creeks that crossed the trail.  In September they were all small and no obstacle at all.  At other times of the year they could be more of a challenge.

Thank goodness for the Boy Scouts!  They have made several markers along the trail to be sure you find your way to the waterfall, including this giant rock arrow.  Of course, as you can see there's always one hiker who leaves a vivid trail marker open to interpretation.

The Cherry Creek Waterfall, wow we're already here!  This is the overlook of the beautiful falls.  This was the site of a logging camp back in the early part of the 19th century.  The falls are a 25 foot drop.

At this time of year it's split into a double falls, and there's even a small fall-let just out of the picture to the right.

One of our hikers is cooling her heels in the middle of the calm pool created at the foot of the falls.

And thanks to the Boy Scouts, nicely carved chairs for those who prefer.

Four bumps on a log in a beautiful glen.
 

A moment for reflection

Back on the trail, heading home, fashionable in red, toes point to what looks like a weed, doesn't it?  No, don't let the red cloud your judgement.  This is a northwest plantain.  The leaves can be eaten raw.
best when finely chopped or when cooked with fibers removed. Leaves are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. The plant contains anti-toxins as well.  The leaves and the seed are medicinal used as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge. Seeds can be dried and ground into flour/meal.  In the Northwest it grows in a wide range of areas, including disturbed/cultivated soil in plains, foothills, and montane regions.

Creeping Bellflower along the trail is a pretty splash of color.  This was originally introduced to the Northwest from Eurasia.  It's now naturalized across the northern two-thirds of the United States and the lower half of Canada

Here we stopped for a brief orange/red flower conference.  These are actually spotted touch-me-not impatiens.  These plants can grow up to 5 feet tall.  This species can be found across the eastern United States, across Canada, and in the Pacific Northwest. The tube-shaped flowers are 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches long and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

And this trail is delightfully not just for hikers.  This happy rider and his horse named Blue were also enjoying the day, just like us!