A Cascades kind of day

I have been dealing with a traumatic change in my life; unable to write. Today I pulled myself up and out for a trip to the Cascades. I had a full tank of gas, peanut butter, crackers, an apple, and water, what more do you need?! I checked the map and decided to head up the Beckler River Road and wander along the Rapid River Road in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Leaves rained down along all the valleys I drove through. In many areas along Index-Galena Road were so covered with leaves you could barley make out the road.

My main stop along the Rapid River Road was Meadow Creek at milepost 4. Noisy rushing stream that allowed me to disappear in the rush. 

Meadow Creek

mossy boulders and old growth stump and log

It felt good to finally get out and soak up some autumn scent, bird calls, cascades and rushing streams, and falling colored leaves. I was pretty much alone the whole day. There weren't many folks out on this cold clear day.

 

I decided to drive up and over Jack's Pass to the North Fork Skykomish River valley. The road is washed out between milepost 6.4 and 6.9. the only way to access the upper end is via the Beckler River Road. I stopped along the way reveling in the views, taking a quick photo here and there, and just being outside.

A mountain on fire with Autumn colors


At the end of the road I wandered the riverbank overwhelmed by the scent of decaying flesh. The pink salmon (AKA humpies) had washed up on shore making their final act of love nourishing the wildlife and soil.

male and female pinks

The view from milepost 6.9 is pretty spectacular. Someday the road will be repaired and the road moved above the flooding but until then the wildlife get a break from cars and people.

It's amazing how refreshing a day in the outdoors can be. I didn't go for a big hike or to focus on photography. I didn't go to watch anything in particular or kill anything. I simply went to "be". May you find the time and the ability to get out and soak up some nature and healing for yourself.