Suiattle River
It came as a bit of a surprise when I received an email from the project manager of the Wild and Scenic Rivers project asking if we’d like to continue collecting samples of the Suiattle River through the winter. I pondered the complications winter would bring to the process of reaching our collection site.
Located deep in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it’s a wild and wooly place not easy to reach at the best of times. Increase the precipitate, deepen the mud, increase the wind, and add a layer of snow and I wasn’t even sure it would be doable. Talking it over with Theresa was just a formality, as she never backs away from a challenge, so I wrote back, “Sure could us in!”.
Recent Flooding
Turns out some of my concerns were well worth the consideration. This northern half of Washington and the lower half of British Columbia have suffered from record floods already this year, and that was before we were even officially in winter. Many communities have been cut off due to this flooding with roads washed away or underwater.
Our first collection was in late October. We were lucky in that the actual day of our WSR winter collection turned out to be glorious with the countryside bathed in a rare sunny winter’s sunshine. The fall leaves looked almost fluorescent and the snow camp peaks surrounding Hwy 20 glowed a deep golden hue.
Another lucky stroke was that the dirt double track leading into the national forest was still relatively firm and the FJ navigated us out to our trailhead with no issues. Add the mild temperatures and we elected to have our lunch on the bluff overlooking the valley that contains our river.
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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I pondered the complications winter would bring to the process of reaching our collection site. Not least was just how to get there?
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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.
WSR Winter Collection
Our second outing wasn’t as serene. This go-around Hwy 20 was a snowy slush mix getting proportionality deeper as we got higher in elevation. Once off the pavement onto the dirt track, it was time to engage the 4×4 and the drive was anything but relaxing.
Our hike was through snow, and the actual collection process of the river water into the sample bottles was an exercise in willpower. The Suiattle River is always cold but having wet hands in cold temperatures with a slight breeze, while standing in the cold water, is challenging.
The real test though was using the probes. Each reading and there are 5 (ph, salinity, total dissolved elements, conductivity, dissolved oxygen) take 3 to 5 minutes with the tip of the probe submerged in the river allowing the readings to stabilize. The whole process takes approximately 2 hours.
But all the discomfort is forgotten once we’re back in the truck sipping from our thermos of hot coffee. No picnics on the bluff this time of year!
Our water samples have been shipped to the lab in Fort Collins Colorado where they’ll be tested. Once we’ve heard back from them, we’ll decide whether another collection outing in January will be needed. I wouldn’t mind one more trip in the depths of winter. Stay tuned.
