Winter Coastal Walks

Another Short-Notice Outing and a forecast that was actually better than predicted allowed a group of us to enjoy a series of sunny beach strolls connecting Mukilteo to Edmunds. A train ferry, historic lighthouse, bronze sea sculptures, and quaint downtown streets and shops provided an interesting and enjoyable variation on winter outings. If only we could see that “glowing Orb in the sky” a little more frequently. The inspiration for this outing was the latest edition of that excellent guide Hiking Snohomish County by our very own club member, Ken Wilcox.

Oyster Creek Waterfall

Well equipped with Bob Moores new Waterfalls book the club’s Short Notice Alert gathered up several car loads of intrepid winter hikers to search for this reclusive yet magnificent feature. Leaving the snowcovered Cleator Road we enjoyed occasional sunbreaks as we looped down and up along the sunny western slopes of Chuckanut Mt.

In time, we crossed the pass and descended into the lake area of the Chuckanuts. Thin sheets of ice capped the woodland ponds that we passed. Enjoying the quiet as we walked allowed us to discover an unexpected waterfall by following its sound to the source just a few feet off the road.

Following old logging roads we came to the only bushwhack of the trip. Slowly making our way through easy brush we soon heard the sounds of our goal. Climbing up the ridge opposite the falls gave us a dramatic view of its lower cascades. Despite the extensive drops and thundering we were only seeing half of it. We left well satisfied but with plans to come back and explore the nearby oldgrowth forest and upper part of the waterfall on a future trip. A wonderful winter adventure in our own backyard.

More Skagit Lowlands

Another short notice outing had a group of club members rediscovering a couple of local sites.

We walked and hiked through and around the town of Concrete. We poked around old buildings including “The Castle,” an historic bridge, the salmon recovery facility, and some unique viewpoints down by the Skagit River. Afterwards we explored up the east side of the Baker River Valley. We saw streaming waterfalls and enjoyed hiking and exploring in the snow. An exciting surprise was our rediscovery of the old lime quarry, kilns, and tram towers from the business of making concrete in Concrete.

Fascinatingly, many of the structures which appeared to be wood from a distance were actually built of concrete. Rather than molding back into the earth quickly as wood would have done, they were still largely intact sporting a pleasant green mantel of moss and lichen.

Pleasant walks through natural areas and past historic buildings were our reward at the Northern (Washington) State Recreation area just east of Sedro Woolley. A poignant stop at the old State Hospital Cemetery in the warm glow of the evening light finished a beautiful and rewarding day.