Plumas NF
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Feather Falls Loop Plumas NF |
May 24, 2009
Needing to test my new Merrell Perimeters on a longer outing, I have opted for this hike despite the possibility that it could become pretty warm today. The trailhead parking lot is nearly full when I arrive at 11 a.m. after a 95-mile drive.
An informative sign proclaims that the nation's sixth-highest waterfall awaits me at the other end of the trail. A quarter-mile down the way there is a choice of routes, one more than a mile longer than the other. I opt for the shorter path.
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| Starting out | A well-maintained trail |
As expected, lots of flowers are out today.
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| Indian Pink | Prettyface |
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| Wild Hyacinth | Mountain Dandelion |
A fallen log offers an interesting shortcut; but it's only a few feet off the ground — not scary enough to be exciting. There are a few areas where the madrone has burned off.
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| The alternate trail | A fairly recent fire |
After meeting up with the other trail, it still is a half-mile moderate ascent to the falls. This steep section of trail was paved at one time; but clearly there is no intention of maintaining it in that fashion, for the potholes are six inches deep. The cascade is not heard until I am almost at the top of the hill.
The falls are magnificent! The Forest Service has constructed a very nice overlook platform that provides a direct view of the entire spectacle, including a built-in rainbow.
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| The pavement is in decay | Lots of picnickers at the overlook |
First View
Feather Falls, 640'
A use trail leads around to the right and up the stream behind the falls. Unfortunately, my attempt to enjoy this pretty spot is thwarted by mosquitoes.
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| Fall River | This guy's tail is growing back |
At the brink of the falls, a wire viewing cage has been constructed to enable enterprising folk to look directly down the cataract. Although the thing is unsightly as hell, it probably has saved more than one gawker from falling off the cliff. Unfortunately, it is rather difficult to get a decent photo from within the cage. I do manage to get a couple of worthwhile shots outside the enclosure, without risking life or limb.
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| View the falls up close from here | Inside the cage |
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| Brink of Feather Falls | Looking downstream to the west |
The predominant flowers on this hike are the clarkia and the great monkeyflowers, which adorn the landscape by the thousands.
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| Red Ribbons | Apricot Monkeyflowers |
For the return route, I opt for the longer trail. It winds around and about somewhat, in order to keep the path more level overall. In that respect it does an admirable job; this also is the best-maintained trail I have encountered in the Sierra, and it is nicely shaded most of the way.
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| Choice of extra mileage or steeper hills | Lots of hikers are out today |
I encounter two more flower varieties are new to me.
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| Sticky Chinese Houses | Miner's Lettuce |
About half a mile from the finish, a bridge crosses Frey Creek next to a photogenic cascade. My photo-op would have been better had not three hikers been sitting right next to the water.
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| A popular rest stop | Frey Creek |
At the end of the loop a tall oak tree frames the trail in a picturesque fashion.
The parking lot is just around the corner
§: Well, my feet got their desired workout. These new boots are significantly heavier that what I had been using; I seem to have awakened some long-dormant calf muscles. It's in a good cause, however. These guys will help to protect my poor feet from further injury — something that my lightweight hikers weren't doing.
It is 75 degrees at the trailhead, but it feels like more. I wouldn't
want it to have been any warmer. March or April would be the best time for
this walk. I recommend the loop option.
Sierra Hiking
Feather Falls