The Upper Chilnualna Falls

A day to cherish and give thanks for the opportunity to see and experience such majesty in the natural world. A day for the memory banks to draw on for all time.

Even though this was a repeat hike to the Upper Chilnualna Falls it was different in that there was fast flowing water in Chilnualna Creek and all the waterfalls were displayed in their full glory.

We thought the hike in September 2014 was something special, and it was indeed but today water in the creek and tumbling over the falls gave the hike a whole new dimension.

This was an out and back route, 9 miles and 2800 feet of ascent reaching over 7000 feet at the top cataract of the upper falls. We could have gone further into the wilderness but lost the trail in the remaining snow.

The sound of rushing, plunging water was with us throughout the whole hike, sometimes loud, sometimes quieter as we zig zagged up the trail.

The lower falls, just a few yards from the trail head were spectacular, with the spray creating rainbows. The climb through the dappled forest devine, with the warm scent of pines drifting on the breeze.

But it was warm, well into the 70s which is unusual for this time of the year at well over 4000 feet. But the shade, the scents and the sounds aided the journey.

This time we went beyond the first of the three cascades that form the upper falls. We'd eaten lunch at the same location as we did in 2014 but as there was water in the creek decided to go higher to the top of the next cascade and were rewarded with a sublime view of the place we stopped for lunch, the valley below and the mountains beyond. We spent some minutes watching the only (small) cloud in the sky form, grow, dissipate and be replaced by a new cloud.

All too soon it was time to return back down the trail and back to the cabin for a well earned cup of tea before a welcome shower, glass or beer and wine and an evening in front of a log fire. What could be a better way to end such a day?

It was even warm enough to sit out on the deck to enjoy the tea and strum a few tunes on the ukulele.

Thank you everyone, for your comments and stars. I've tried to reply to you all, but have been very lax at commenting on your journals. When you're away, finding the opportunity is difficult, but I'll get better.