Tower Rock
For the last few years, we’ve been visiting the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and exploring the area surrounding Mt. St. Helens. There’s no shortage of breathtaking vistas, from hidden waterfalls to deep green valleys looking like they were the inspiration for “Lord of the Rings.” However, a basalt tower named Tower Rock is one of the least heard-about wonders that rates up there with Yosemite’s splendor. Ok, so the name’s not that imaginative.
But everything else about this formation is impressive, whether you’re viewing it from afar, at its base, craning your neck to look up, or standing on the upper edge looking into the void below.
Tower Rock formed about 17 million years ago when a mass of molten lava cooled and crystallized near the surface. Natural erosion and the Cispus River started revealing what we know as Tower Rock. Roughly 2.5 million years ago, a glacier then moved down the valley, chiseling the vertical face we see today. The summit is 2000′ above the valley floor, and the vertical face is a sheer 1000′ face.
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.
advertisement
From basecamp, Tower Rock, formed by wind, water, and ice, dominates the eastern horizon at 2000' above the Cispus River Valley floor.
Affiliates
Latest Instagram
Walking through the forest near our campground on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s almost hypnotic listening to the breeze in the canopy and the waves on the shore.
As the sun ascends, an explosive burst of vibrant hues paints the sky over Damon Point, illuminating the world with a kaleidoscope of colors and reminding us of the breathtaking beauty that awaits those who embrace each new day. Read more about our adventure; the link is in the bio.
Theresa is leading the way to Pebble Beach. A local in the area had shared that this was once an Indian summer camp and that you could still find arrowheads and pottery.
Camping with Jason who found us a great spot on the Columbia River. It’s unbelievable how close the shipping channel comes to our sites.
Come explore the stunning beauty of Tokeland with us! 📸 Click the link in our profile to see what Theresa captured and to join in on the conversation about conservation.
Exploring the Coastal Charm of Tokeland - Essex Media & Explorations
From above, the waves on Long Beach Peninsula look like a canvas of abstract art, each one unique and captivating in its own way. It's like watching a symphony of nature in motion - powerful, graceful, and utterly mesmerizing. 🌊✨
I recently witnessed a breathtaking sunset on the Pacific Coast. The hues of orange, and pink painted the sky and reflected off the calm water. It was a truly unforgettable moment.
Theresa's enjoying a moment of peace in Long Beach - just look at that sunset! All of us can help preserve these beautiful places for people to enjoy for years to come. Share your favorite conservation memory in the comments below!
We recently camped at Lake Sylvia State Park and were fortunate enough to have a break in the weather. Just as we were rounding the lake's northern end, there was a break in the clouds revealing a golden sky.
I'd love for you to check my lastest article which includes a short video of my visit to one of Washington's fire lookouts. https://buff.ly/409XOYR
Just published an article over on the website which also has a short clip of my trip to find the Burley Mountain Fire Lookout. Find the link in the bio.
Fluffy cotton candy clouds adorn the serene skies and tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We had to wait a bit for the tide to recede before we could start our #COASST bird survey.
We took shelter under an underhand to wait out a squall while conducting our #COASST bird survey on Murdock Beach. Theresa took advantage to do a bit of Agate hunting while the storm blew over head.
Softly floating on a canvas of blue, spring clouds dance above Waughop Lake.
This is just one of many structures that fell into disarray after the closure of the gravel pit that once operated on the shores of Steilacoom.
Missing the Trail
Our adventure began when, sitting in camp looking up at the summit, we noticed a shining reflection appear as the sun moved towards the western horizon. Despite using my spotting scope, I couldn’t determine what object was casting the reflection.
I had found that a trail led from a logging road out to the summit and should not be too difficult to hike. We originally had planned to try the hike the next day, but curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to drive up and see if we could at least find the trailhead for the hike. Well, we did just that. While sitting in the truck, we could see through the trees that a spectacular sunset was forming to the west, and the trail looked particularly easy to follow. It didn’t take long to talk ourselves into grabbing whatever we had on hand and setting out toward the summit. With only one headlamp on hand, I remember stating that I wasn’t sure this was the best idea.
Reaching the summit, we were met with a spectacular view from the vantage above the Cispus River Valley and the sunset. One photograph turned into dozens, and despite knowing we were committing ourselves to hike back some very dense and potentially dark woods, we couldn’t pull ourselves away.
advertisement
article gallery
Tower Rock at Night
Once the sun dropped below the horizon, it got very dark, and keeping on the trail with only one headlamp was sketchy at best. Our only saving grace was I had recorded our hike on my Garmin Fenix 6. I’m confident we would have had to spend an uncomfortable night in the woods waiting for sunrise. And even then, we lost the trail at one point, bushwhacking for 10 minutes to find it again. All the while trying to hold down the panic.
We made our way back to the truck and returned to camp humbled and hopefully a little wiser.
