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!

More Anacortes Kayaking

3 harbor seals showing off for lunch as we paddle out of the marina



kayak selfie



Here's the view at kayak level



3 on the sea



Oldest WA lighthouse on the westernmost tip of Burrows Island, facing onto Rosario Strait. This light began working for the first time in 1906.  It started out with lighthouse keepers, but these days it is all automated but still shines bright.

The lighthouse buildings on Burrows Island

Just a beautiful day on the water with friends

A flock of kayaks

A kayak's eye view of the beautiful San Juans

Anacortes Kayaking, WA Dreaming

Here you see the tip of Burrows Island, just off from Anacortes, WA.  That was our kayaking destination.  There were 7 of us on a 3 hour guided tour - if you know Gilligan's Island then you might understand my beginner's momentary hesitation.

This island covers more than 400 acres and stands just off Fidalgo Island, facing Rosario Strait.  In 1905, prompted by the loss of several vessels, a new lighthouse was built.  It is the oldest in WA; it was first lit in April, 1906.  Employing keepers for decades, it is still a working, but now automated, lighthouse.  That was our destination after launching from the Anacortes marina.  It was a grand day and an exciting nature adventure.  Normally we hike, but today our legs rested and our arms worked.




Here's another look at the island from Washington Park, which is right in Anacortes.  Washington Park Link



Just at the end of the marina we sighted 3 harbor seals.  They were eating yummy salmon being thrown off the end of a fishing boat.  They swam confident and intent on their lunch feast.

As we continued paddling along the length of Burrows Island, our guide Tucker had in mind the best point for us to make the dash across from the Anacortes side of the channel to the Island so we would have to dodge the fewest fishing boats and speed boats underway.  At first nosing the front of the kayak into the oncoming wake seemed challenging, but soon we were enjoying the little waves.

This fishing boat has the distinction of the Olympic mountains as its backdrop.



We did not have to dodge any of the San Juan ferries.  I'll leave that to you who are more advanced kayakers.  But they did make a pretty scene in the distance as they ferried on between San Juan islands.

On our fun paddle to the lighthouse we saw lots of birds including a juvenile bald eagle.  We know that one was less than 4 years old because his signature white headfeathers weren't there yet.  We also saw 2 adult bald eagles high in the fir trees, but fortunately they sat on branches stripped of needles so we could see them.

We also saw jellyfish, and a school of very silvery fish, and a starfish.  And the lighthouse looked very cool from the water.

 

We also saw this Black Oystercatcher.  These amazing birds can dive 290 feet deep to feast on oysters

 

 

 

 



We worked up a healthy appetite, so we picnicked on the rock beach at nearby Washington Park.  I was glad I didn't have to dive 290 feet down for my lunch, I just took the stairway down from the trail.



You can see what a beautiful, Northwest day it was to be on the water.  In the distance you see part of the San Juans.



Beauty in every direction.



Enjoying nature.  When do we go kayaking again, we're ready!



And a good time was had by all!



Anacortes, we'll be back.

Centennial Picnic

The Centennial Trail in Snohomish County, WA was made as part of a national initiative "Rails to Trails", making a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines.  You'll just love this scarcely used trail that is comfortable for hiking, biking, and horse riding.  And it's ideal for picnicking by the river side!  All this beauty and tranquility just 30 miles northeast of Seattle.



The beautiful Snohomish river meanders along part of the Centennial Trail.  This is a portion near the Pilchuk trailhead.  Berry bushes are nearby along the river and along the trail.  They're almost ready for picking, and you'll have easy access to fill your buckets and baskets.

Look just past the picnic basket into the river.  We were pleasantly interrupted by local rafters floating along the peaceful river.

The trail stretches 29 miles from Snohomish to Nakashima Farm, north of Arlington, WA. My favorite is to ride bikes from Snohomish to Lake Cassidy for a picnic and dangle toes in the water before riding back.  The views include forests, lots of farms and ranches with agricultural land, and parallel to pretty little small towns.  To see more information about this treasure, see this link - http://centennialtrail.com/

So many exciting sites just around the bend on the Centennial Trail for you to discover.

Contented Si on the Trail

Little Si is a mountain near North Bend, Washington.  It's on the western side of the Cascade range.  It was made famous in the show Twin Peaks, which was filmed in North Bend.

Little Si, and much bigger sibling Mount Si are named after homesteader Josiah "Uncle Si" Merritt who built a cabin at the base of the peak in 1862.  He raised vegetables and hogs and kept an orchard. He had a Native American wife but when his other spouse, 'Aunt Sally' as the settlers called her, arrived from the east, the Native American wife returned to her tribe.  "Uncle Si" was also known for playing the fiddle.



Separated by a little valley, Little Si stands next to larger Mount Si.  It has a different trailhead and is known for its own beautiful trails and also challenging rock climbing and bouldering.  My friends and I were out for a hike on this Saturday.

Little Si has an elevation of 1,576 feet (480 m).

This sheer cliff attracts adventurous rock climbers.

Here in the center of the picture you can just see the gleam of a hanging rope

Here's a party of 3, ready to go straight up

Further discussion, strategizing, and testing before the journey begins

Here's our June day near Seattle, but the weather didn't deter us

A scattering of climbers around the top of the moderate trail to the top of Little Si

A sigh of contentment at the peak of Little Si.  I did it!

A lovely look into the distance




Enjoying the view?

Or is this something more sinister?



No, nothing sinister here.  All's well that ends well on Little Si