May at Silver Falls SP

One of the joys of "rediscovering Oregon" is the chance to hike up at Silver Falls State Park. Nancy did a lot of conditioning on the 7-mile canyon loop for her hike across England in August-September. But, after she left Wednesday for a week in D.C. prior to my arrival, I took-up the motto carpe diem and hiked the 2.9 mile "North Falls Loop" the very next day (from Winter Falls parking area). The trail was beautiful in the warm Spring weather (80 degrees), and the falls had lots of water. (North Falls is pictured below.)

From the Winter Falls parking area the trail is mostly level, following the ridge of the canyon, and arriving after about a mile at North Falls. From there I dropped down into the canyon, following the stream downhill until reaching the bridge that crosses the creek and heads up to Winter Falls (lots more water there than usual).

Part of the joy of hiking the trail during Springtime is the lush greenery, the ferns, and the abundant spring wildflowers. After completing the hike in about 1 1/2 hours, I drove to the Lodge in hopes of being able to buy a quick lunch at the snack shop. However, I was out of luck since the new concessionaire had not yet opened for business. (I had to settle for a $5 lunch at DQ in Silverton!) - rw