Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls

This morning was my first drive on SR 410 in months. Last year fire raged through and damaged the hillside and highway. Today I got a peek at both. It looks like a lot of work was done to make it safe for travel and I am grateful. 

SR 410
SR 410

I decided to do two fairly short hikes today. They are early season favorites as I await the full opening of Stevens Canyon Rd. There was drizzly rain but nothing that could be a called a downpour. I love these hikes. Red Cedar, Hemlock, Douglas Fir … these towering giants are such a comfort. 

The suspension bridge swings as you enter and leave. It’s not a wild swing but you know there is a motion matching then defying your own. The green water against the growing forest green is otherworldly. At just 1.6 miles, it’s an easy walk for most any level of fitness or ability. 

Silver Falls is just over two miles roundtrip if you go the bridge and then back the way you came. The overlook will get you right above the falls and the water is raging right now. The green pools are like liquid emeralds and the rush of water is exhilarating. You can extend your hike from here and give some extra distance to your day. 

Ohonapecosh River
Ohonapecosh River
Silver Falls
Silver Falls
Ohonapecosh River
Ohonapecosh River

I finished the day at White River campground near Sunrise. Not yet open for camping, it’s a nice drive along the White River and nice views of the mountain

Her Majesty
Her Majesty
Her Majesty
Her Majesty
Female Sooty grouse

The sun will return tomorrow but so will all the people. Glad I made it there today. The bad news of the day appears to be a blown knee. I’m doing all the right things tonight but your good energy and healing thoughts will be much appreciated. 

Ohonapecosh River
White River
Happy Place

14 Comments on “Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls

  1. Beautiful! I’ve only seen water color like that at the Metolius. Seems like there’s magic in that water! Thank you for sharing a beautiful trip. Nurse yourself well.

    • Thanks ! I had to look up Metolius. Looks like that goes on the list. Gorgeous. Yep, pretty good morning in an always magical place. Thanks for the good thought. Knee feels better than yesterday and after the holiday I’ll try to get it checked out.

      • I’ve seen the Metolius in Camp Sherman (near the summit of the Santiam Pass near Sisters), at the headwaters, and then hiking around near the fish hatchery. But there are probably some wonderful other parts of it further on.
        Keep up the ice/epsom soaks. I find foam rolling out the muscles around/above/below the knees is useful. YMMV… I’m off to a PT venture of my own, but on my wrist/thumb. Dang this aging thing.

        • I feel surprisingly well after that episode the other day. It’s been great, then tonight the inflammation is back. Sigh. Bodies.

          That area near Sisters looks great ! Those aqua and emerald waters are just gorgeous ! On the list for sure 😊

  2. I am still amazed at how you can capture natural beauty with a camera Bon.

    • Thank you so much ! Yes, that knee is in timeout for bad behavior ! I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for writing.

  3. Such a beautiful river! That color is otherworldly.

    I’m so sorry to hear about your knee. Sending healing light your way.

    • Gonna try to be gentle with it and hope for the best. Yes, that color is really something … and soooo clear ! Thanks for writing.

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