Boulder River, North Cascades 8.21.11

Boulder River
Hike #1, 8 miles, 700 ft Elevation gain

Driving into the cascades gives me chills.  Despite the early morning heat I still got the hair on end sort of anticipation.  The thrill of watching the change in scenery as you enter the rural farmland around Arlington and heading into the low lands surrounding the cascade peaks.

I knew I wasn't going too deep into the mtns but just enough to get me excited for what next adventure could take me up those steep and windy roads.

It was one of those perfect summer days.  Arrived at the trail head a little past 10 to a full lot and had to park off the side of the road leading to the parking area.  Total Drive time from Seattle/Bellevue 1 hr 45 min.

The total Elevation gain is a mere 700 ft.  So needless to say it is relatively easy on the legs.  No thigh burners here and very easy to maneuver for the little ones if a family hike is what you are seeking. Those looking for a little challenge can make there way to the end of the trail about 4 miles in (total hike a little over 8).  I must have been relatively close to the end but at that point the mosquitoes had gotten quite aggressive.
Despite this dry end of summer day the rivers waterfalls were quite beautiful, but worthy of a return trip in the springtime during heavy swollen seasonal runoffs.

About a mile into the trail you encounter the first of many waterfalls.  At these tall twin falls is the perfect spot to stop and have a break, lunch, or just be.  Cooling off along the waters edge is a welcome treat in the heat of summer.

The river and waterfalls is what draws the attention but least not forget the majestic oldgrowth that embraces the waters edge.  As you continue up and along the trail you feel the shift from the new growth to the older growth forest.

On my way down the main road I wanted to stop at this little cottage close to the tunoff to the road.  Anyone who has hiked this trail is probably familiar with the most adorable homestead on french creek road.   I am a sucker for handmade gates, elaborate gardens and moss covered driveways.  

I was about to pull out my camera for an inspirational photo op (as I was blocking the one way dirt road) when I noticed a man was approaching me from the property.  Busted was what I was thinking.  I didnt want to be that creepy girl taking a picture of this mans lovely garden.  But turns out the gentelman was more curious of me than why I was lurking on his property.  I don't think he gets many people actually stopping for a chat.  And chat we did, Bruce, tells me all about the area and how his home has been in his family for generations.  Hiking the three sisters that was his backyard playground as a boy.  And now how he has watched the subdivision developments coming closer and closer to his remote little slice of heaven.

We parted ways having bonded over a shared passion for this unique area.  And I left with a gratitude for having Bruce cross my path that day.  I never did get the picture I stopped for....But left with so much more.

My Northwest Adventure Begins

This will be the beginning of many new beginnings! 

I have re-located myself to the Pacific Northwest for a re-awakening of my soul.  To tap back into the things the inspire me, get me excited, exhilarated and push me out of my comfort zone.   I have been far too idle the last few years, becoming complacent to the redundancy's of life.  This next year will be about learning, exploring and pushing my boundary's.

It started with an idea, a goal really, to find a fun and challenging way to explore my new surroundings.  I want to intimately become acquainted with all of the beauty that the northwest offers.

So I start on my 32, 320, 32,000 challenge.
This is my 32nd year.
32 hikes that introduce me to new friends, new regions and wherever the trail leads.
320 miles of exploration and discovery.
32,000 vertical feet of mental and physical endurance to discover my own inner strength.

And the exploration begins...