Cathedral Falls
Despite having recently camp on our survey beach (see A New Twist to Our Toleak Survey), I was still feeling a bit ‘couped up’. With the parts to raise our trailer still delayed and our Pacific Northwest winter truly upon us, Theresa decided to sit this one out. She’s as stuff as they come, but has grown accustomed to returning to a warm, dry refuge at the end of the day; as I have I. Still I needed some get back out in the wild places and set my eyes on visiting Cathedral Falls.
Cathedral Falls is a lofty plunging waterfall along an unnamed tributary of Goat Creek in an isolated corner of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The falls launch 248 feet over a massive overhang then veils across a strange cone-shaped protrusion of bedrock that forces the water to veil down in a subtle swooshing shape. The formation of the cone at the base of the falls is rather puzzling, as it doesn’t appear to be the result of minerals accumulating from the falling water. More likely the falls have simply pounded down onto a much more rugged outcrop of rock that was disconnected from the now overhanging cliffs above, and have slowly worn it into a rounded shape over time.
Taidnapam Campground
The park which is owned and managed by Tacoma Power is really quite the campground. Seems like they have a bit more funds to throw at their facilities than Washington State. I had been here once before but that was during the summer when there was a large contingent of campers. I think it has even more charm in the winter.
I had reached out to a couple of photographer buddies to see if they wanted to join and both Brad and Matt agreed. Brad and I were camping for the weekend with Matt meeting up with us on the morning of the hike.
It was cold during the long night’s but Brad’s cooking more than made up for any inconvenience the temperature threw at us. It’s always good to have friends who are accomplished cooks! Freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning followed by steaks in a honey-mustard sauce that night. What’s a little cold weather?
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
Goat Creek Trail
It’s a short drive up an old logging trail to the Goat Creek Trail which is about 10 miles long. Cathedral Falls is only a mile in, and the entire trail is just one beautiful vista after another. I’ve never seen such beautiful views for such a relatively easy hike.
In other words, I’ve worked a whole lot harder for a whole lot less pay off.
Along the way, there are plenty of unnamed falls to photograph, and at one point you get a stunning view of some rapids on Goat Creek itself.
Personally, I had a hard time coming up with a photograph that I felt did the Cathedral Falls justice. They are much more impressive than my photograph capture. Matt did the best job of capturing them and he has a couple of his photographs posted on his website. Be sure to scale towards the bottom where you’ll see me on the trail just coming out from behind the falls. It truly gives you a sense of the scale of this feature.
If you’re in the area, it well worth the time to head out and explore this area. I’ll be taking Theresa back as soon as the trailer gets released.
