March 5, 2019
Today we ventured down a familiar path, one we’ve visited many times before. Through all the seasons and all times of day we’ve experienced this forest in different shades of color and light. A quick jog to the falls at sunset, an afternoon picnicking by the river after a swim, and a soggy walk through the pouring rain. Each visit has brought new adventures and special memories- especially the very first moment we stumbled upon this hike. Four December’s back we were shocked to discover the massive waterfall dramatically pouring over the basalt cliff at the end of this unassuming short forested stroll. A simple drive through our new “backyard” brought us to this location- a tiny gravel lot and unmarked trailhead alongside a white-picket fence.
Here we are on a brisk yet sunny winter afternoon, walking the trail with our pup. Under the trees crisscrossing above our heads, fallen logs ravaged by age and decaying with moisture, and alongside slanted rock walls with moss and ferns growing out of biotically weathered cracks. Along the way limbs from downed trees reveal complicated galleries carved into the wood by beetles and other insects. Fir, Hemlock and Cedar cones mingled with the soil and needles dropped down from the canopy above. Discarded bark shows row after row of Sapsucker wells-the pattern unmistakable. We reach the river and find the rocks along the shore frozen over with ice from a long-term misting of water. Globules of the thick frozen liquid adhered to the moss, thickets, and tangles of dried grass. Our off-leash companion explores all over, nimbly running over the rocks and sniffing everything in sight.
We came prepared in our rubber boots and find a shallow portion of the river to cross with rocks showing the way. Pup carefully selects a route, and we both follow. Unlike the slippery surface we find each summer, this route is crossed in no-time with plenty of secure footing options. We reach the other side, a dirt slope with moss growing on every surface. Scrambling up the steep stretch we reach the top- an incredible overhanging where the water pours straight down in incredible sheets of white frothy power. There is no fence to caution a wary hiker- this is a place for wild folk, where instinct and self-preservation are paramount.
We follow our hound, as he forges a path through the winter bramble. Tucked safely back from the cliff-edge we traverse through deer-trails and vegetation grown-over years of disturbance made by meandering hikers. We shift our direction and follow the river once again. Walking lengthwise across downed trees to carefully test our balance, stomping through puddles and pushing through overgrown flora. We stop at a bend in the river where the water is deepest, and the moss is thickly draped over the bumpy gray rocks. A perfect swimming spot- a polar plunge! We decide spontaneity is in the works- and privately prepare for a freezing dip. Our feet go in first, tentatively testing the temperature…yep COLD, as expected! Well worth it though, as the full-body drop reveals tingly skin, exhilarating shock and an elevated heart rate. I brace the flat sturdy ledge beneath the water’s surface and allow my body to float gently in the current as the water rolls over me, smooth tides embracing my form. My fingers grip the underwater shelf and my arms extend out- allowing me to hover over the deepest pocket. What seems like minutes last only a few seconds, and gosh it feels darn good. I’m reminded of my favorite water-loving friends- the playful River otter and flighty American Dipper. Frenzied moments like this make me feel closer to them-wild and free- as if I’m one with the land.
After crawling out the goosebumps appear- a natural reminder of the crazy decision just made. The soft natural rug beneath my toes feels wonderful- and the heavy woolen coat draped over my shoulder’s wicks away the cold- though I’m lucky to be one of those individuals rather impervious to it. We quickly dry off, throw on our layers, and head back the way we came. This time, taking a detour toward the waterfall. The ice witnessed below is even more impressive up here as it hangs in dagger-like spires, clinging to the underside of the rock alcove. The spray immediately soaks me to the bone- and I’m more wet than I was after my plunge. Beads of moisture roll down my sleeve, and eventually seep through my feather-down. Enjoying the moment I quickly move on to join my two companions as we descend down the slope, cross the river (this time pup is carried) and hike back up the trail. What a day, what a place- thanks to the inspiring magnitude of nature at it’s finest. We’ll be back again.
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