Falls Creek Trailhead in Mid-March

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On March 17, 2004, St. Patrick's Day we decided to hike the Cascade Head Trail from the northern entrance, designated on the map as the Falls Creek Trailhead. As we have never seen any falls let alone a creek that is more than a trickle on this trail, the origin of its name is a mystery. (Click on link for directions to the trailhead.)

After parking in the small lot located off Highway 101, we commence the five mile round trip hike that is two miles shorter than the southern trail. We start our hike on a delightful level sunny path fringed by dark green wildflower foliage not yet blooming. Then we pass through a still level but very dark treed area and before beginning a steady ascent to Cascade Head Road.

It doesn't take long to realize that although this trail connects to the southern Three Rocks Road Trail it is entirely different. It is necessary to duck under, and sometimes crawl under trees blown across the trail by winter storms. Major storm refuse lines sections of the trail requiring newly routed detours. It is evident that much damage has occurred and a considerable amount of work has been done on this trail to keep it open.

Overhead Fallen Trees

Storm Refuse

Blocked Trail

Still, no amount of damage can destroy the beauty of the forest as a few early Trillium, Wood Violets and Evergreen Violets bloom beside the trail.

Western Trillium Trillium ovatum

Wood Violet Viola glabella

Evergreen Violet Viola sempervirens

Different species of fern cover parts of the forest floor and occasionally, because the deciduous trees do not yet have their leaves, we catch glimpses of the Pacific through their branches. This early in the season we can actually see the white foam of the surf.

Soon we come to Cascade Head Road. We could cross the road and continue our hike down to Three Rocks Road, then back up again, thus more than doubling the length of our hike. Instead we decide to backtrack to the Falls Creek Trailhead and our car.

Contrast the March hiking experience with that of June 24, 2004.

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