Twin Falls – 4/14/12

With no rain in the forecast, the girls and I headed out for a morning hike while Holly stayed home with Jason (still in cast) and Katie. We bought our annual state park pass at the local Ace Hardware and then debated between hiking Little Si or Twin Falls, both of which have been on our list to check out. We decided on Twin Falls as it was shorter and not as difficult. We arrived early at the trailhead so we were among the first few cars there. The hike starts with a flat well groomed walk along the Snoqualmie River and it was a little cool even with our jackets but within a few minutes the path left the river bank and we warmed up quickly. I snapped a picture of the girls on the riverbank.

 

The trail winds through the trees and climbs about 500 feet for the first glimpse of Twin Falls. This picture illustrates the condition and grade of the path to this first viewpoint.

 

From there, we descended into the valley and then back up towards the switchbacks leading to the top of the falls. We found this big tree along the way.

 

 The viewpoint of the Lower Falls was closed due to damage from the recent ice storms. Hopefully the repairs are made by the next time we return. There is a footbridge across the top of the falls with a nice view of the valley.

 

On the return trip, we left the path to get closer to the water. The girls had a blast bouldering around. We got a little bit better view of the falls from the bottom as well.  On a nice hot day, there are quite a few pools we could jump into to cool down.

 

Unfortunately, to get back to the main trail, we left the beaten path a bit and had to scramble through some underbrush. At some point we will learn from our past mistakes.

 

The kids love to climb the huge rocks we encounter so a picture of them on top seems to be a staple.

 

At first Carly did not want to join me and Abigail on the hike but I am glad we persuaded her to come. There is just something about being in nature. We had a really good time and are excited to go back with Holly, Jason, and Katie.