Falls Creek Trailhead in Late June

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        On June 24, 2004 we returned to Falls Creek and it was as if we were hiking an entirely different trial than the one we hiked on March 17, 2004.  This time we heard a creek on the North side of the trail after passing the trailhead sign prior to commencing the trail's ascent, and wondered why we didn't notice it in March.  Still we see or hear no falls.

 

        Winter damage and hastily constructed detours we saw in March are now mostly hidden by lush foliage.  Shrubs blot out the distant view of the Pacific and bushes as well as the deciduous trees' branches now fully leafed out.

 

 

        The sides of the trail, logs and fallen logs are dotted with Siberian Lettuce.

 

 

Trilliam and Violets of March are now replaced by other wildflowers in addition to the Siberian Lettuce: the waxy- looking Single Delight, the Coast Boykinia, Hedgenettle, dainty Tiarella, Goatsbeard and Coralroot, an orchid.

 

Single Delight

Coast Boykinia

Hedgenettle

Tiarella

Goatsbeard

Coralroot

 

        Falls Creek Trail is a perfect example of the ever-changing experience of hiking in Northwest Forests—it's never the same.  Contrast the June hiking sights with those seen in March, on the exact same trail.

 

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