One of my little tricks, when I find myself out in the forest, is to look up “something or other near me” on the gps. In this way I can find nearby hikes, waterfalls, or campgrounds that are a little off the beaten path. The downside is that you might not get the full story on your destination before you head out.
Finding a waterfall
Last weekend we camped about 7 miles from Eatonville, Washington, in a campground that didn’t have cell phone service. When we went into Eatonville for ice I pulled out my phone and searched for waterfalls.
Our afternoon was one of the best I’ve had. I can tell you where it was; but even after researching online, I can’t pinpoint which trail it was. Leaving Eatonville on Alder Cutoff Road East there is an area where you can pull off the side of the road.
A dirt trail turns to the left and the right. To the left, you can see a waterfall in the distance, but there is no clear path to get down there. To the right, the trail winds around to a sharp descent, with two ropes to help you down.
The trek down
It was here that our adventure began. We began the descent, holding on to the ropes, until it got too precarious and we decided to sit and slide. When my brother got to a place where he could stand I decided to just keep going. I had a very dusty bottom. When we reached the bottom we had a decision to make.
By this time I was feeling like Tarzan, but we met a young couple with a little girl and a baby in a backpack. “Did you come down that way?!” I asked. Yes, they had, and they were resting a bit before they went back up! They told us we could either go to the right, where there was another very steep path to the top of a waterfall, or we could go down to the river to our left. It was also steep, but manageable, so we decided to start there.
Following the riverbed
This is the Little Mashel River (pronounced Michelle by the locals) and apparently there is a whole 5 mile loop that starts at a parking lot and actually has a trail. Not knowing this, we found that we could follow the riverbed.
We climbed on rocks and waded through shallow water, even taking a dip in the waist-high pools of water along the way. The sun was hot and the river felt like a crisp, unheated swimming pool. The water was clear and with the exception of slick, moss-covered rocks in some places, pretty easy to navigate.
There was one place we thought we had to swim across, so my brother tried to swim one-armed with my backpack… that was a little tricky. On the way back he found a drier way across but I took the opportunity to swim a little more.
The final fall
At the end of the river bed, there was another waterfall. I stayed above and took some pictures while he climbed down to the bottom for a better shot and an extra challenge. Watching him go, I wanted to follow, but since a very large, smooth rock face was involved (about the size of a car), I didn’t want to get stuck at the bottom. It’s good to know your limitations.
Climbing on the rocks and playing in the water was a great way to spend a hot afternoon. Figuring out how to get over and around obstacles and laughing as we slid backwards off slick rocks added to the fun. I love how my brother is so nimble and I enjoy finding ways to manage the paths he chooses. It stretches my mind and my body and shows me that I can accomplish many things that I didn’t know I could. Sometimes I come out the other end with some aches and bruises, but I am having a great time. I’m not only exploring, but also learning more about myself. I’m getting stronger and more sure footed. I’m developing confidence in my own abilities.
I hope if you’re like me, that you will set out on your own adventures; that you will stretch yourself and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
The Washington Trails Association has a good description of the falls and directions for the hike. And the Visit Rainier site also has some very good information. I watched a YouTube video when we got back, showing a much higher and faster river. The lower water levels in summer were safe, but probably would not be at other times of year.
Check out the previous post: When Plans Go Awry
Next Post – McDowell Creek Park
Eatonville is such an amazing name for a village! I think there was a place on Mars similarly named, but can’t remember it right now. Otherwise, this trip of yours was extra Tarzan-ey! The area and especially the water looks so cool 😀 Keep exploring these places.