There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,There is a rapture on the lonely shore,There is society, where none intrudes,By the deep sea, and music in its roar. I love not man the less, but Nature more. -Lord Byron

Sunday, July 13, 2014

SIOUXON CREEK HIKE ("SOO-sahn"): Gifford Pinchot swimming, hiking, biking, great family spot!

LINK FOR DIRECTIONS: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Siouxon_Creek_Hike

We originally found the information about this hike in this book. Best book ever for people like us, who generally stick around the greater Portland region and can't go in too far (because of Chloe's 6" long legs). Anywho, Siouxon Creek! Awesome spot. We only went about 2.2 miles in to Siouxon Falls, which is a pretty triple tier fall that has some pools you can take a dip in. We set up camp on a ledge below the falls. It was great to hear the falls rushing down while we fell asleep. The water here, while nowhere close to warm, seems to be a bit warmer than other area waterways, like the Clackamas or Washougal.

There are millions of swimming holes along this hike. We picked one randomly that offered a great sunny spot to cool of on a hot day. We'll definitely be back!



View from the top

The last bit of trail looking down to our campsite.


Chloe was sad about it.

Chloe dug her self a bed for a pre-bed nap.



Mountain goat-dogs
View from camp.
Virginia contemplating her existence.

So many beautiful pools along the hike.







Ferngully

One of several spots to access the creek and go for a dip!

Miners Lettuce all over the place lining the forest roads!
This was my old faithful Jansport's last backpacking trip. Time to get fancy with a newer pack. These things will sure last a million years though. I'm just ready for the comfort and the lighter weight of a modern pack.

As mentioned, we only made it to the first falls. We had intended to get up early and go further along the trail to Chinook Falls, but Tim slept waaaaay late, and then spent the rest of the afternoon tying knots and swimming, so that plan didn't quite work out.

Quick side note: You'll probably be surprised at the number of cars at the trailhead lot, because it's pretty far from anywhere. Most of these cars are likely going to be day-use folks, as it's a pretty popular mountain bike trail. There are multiple camping spots all along the trail at pretty regular intervals, so you'll find a spot! 
I almost forgot! Lots of awesome critters up here! Found this centipede hanging out midnight-ish. Also saw a northern red backed-salamander with a bright yellow back! No Sasquatch yet :(

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