Kings Canyon National Park
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Mist Falls Kings Canyon National Park |
June 8, 2009
Despite a mild threat of thundershowers, I have ventured 275 miles from home to try this new hike relatively early in the season, knowing that it becomes unacceptably hot around here later on. A clue to that fact is all the cacti lining the highway as I descend into Kings Canyon proper. In contrast, the higher elevations of this park, as well as most of adjoining Sequoia Park, remain largely snowbound.
Starting out
This trail begins as a sandy, sunny boulevard through tree-dotted Zumwalt Meadows, gaining just 100 feet in 2 miles. At a junction my route veers north, staying with the South Fork of the Kings River.
Immediately and unexpectedly, I find myself traversing a lush redwood forest,
with ferns and reeds lining the path. Walking on a bed of leaves and pine
needles always is a joy. The ever-present sounds of the rushing river
are a bonus.
The trail splits
Easy walking
Eventually the route begins to climb in earnest. A glance behind me reveals black clouds gathering over a rock formation known as The Sphinx.
A storm is brewing
I have been noticing how expertly constructed and beautifully maintained this trail is. In fact, I haven't seen a better one in the high country. At first I felt that the work might have been overdone in a couple of spots such as the one in the next photo, where a stairstep section of trail parallels an easily negotiable granite slab. In all fairness, though, the steps would be less slippery if the rocks were wet.
Choice of slab or stairs
Just a couple of flower types are out today. I guess the season is just getting started around here.
Lanceleaf Liveforever
Miner's Lettuce
Having achieved my destination without a single rest stop, I find that the main falls are in full splendor. It proves necessary, however, to wait fifteen minutes for the sun to peek out from behind the clouds, in order to get a decent shot of the thundering cascade.
Mist Falls, 60'
Top of the falls
A waterwheel section
I continue another couple hundred yards up the trail; but nothing special is happening there, so I turn around. A side view shows how the falls got their name. My camera lens has been caught in the spray more than once.
Plenty of mist here today
I had so wanted to stop on a nice sunny rock, take off my boots, and give my
feet a well-deserved break. The clouds are becoming ever darker,
however, and rain seems likely; so I opt to head back without delay.
A storm is imminent
It would take more than the threat of a few drops of moisture to distract me from the beauty of this trail. It is literally a walk in the park from here.
A feel-good place
Reeds and ferns everywhere
This wasn't faked — not my me, anyway
Kings River overflow
Approaching the meadows, I don a rain jacket; its handy front pocket serves to keep my camera dry. Protection isn't really needed, though; in fact, hikers are passing me dressed with no regard for inclement weather.
Actually, it's a lot of fun being here right now. Near the trailhead I pass within just a few feet of a squirrel who is more interested in his lunch than in my whereabouts. I like that.
Meadow dweller
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily
§: A beautiful walk on a superlative trail was, for this admitted
addict, well worth the 15-hour round-trip excursion despite all
those miles on ugly freeways.
Weather conditions helped keep it cool today. If you come here in the summertime, expect temperatures to be in the 80s and 90s, which is far too hot for pleasant walking.
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| Solitude |  |
