Plumas NF
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Feather Falls Loop Plumas NF |
May 24, 2009
Needing to test my new Merrell Perimeter boots 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 end of the trail. Why that sign hasn't been replaced is a
mystery, because modern measurements have determined that the falls are about
230 feet shorter than the advertised 640. A greater mystery, though, is how
that measurement could have been so wildly in error in the first place.
A quarter of a mile down the way is a choice of routes, one more than a mile longer than the other. I opt for the shorter path.
Starting out
A well-maintained trail
As expected, lots of flowers are out today.
Indian Pink
Prettyface
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.
The alternate route
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, because 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.
The pavement is in decay
Lots of picnickers at the overlook
First View
Feather Falls, 410'
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.
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.
View the falls up close from here
Inside the cage
The 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.
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.
A choice of extra mileage or steeper hills
Lots of hikers are out today
I encounter two more flower varieties are new to me.
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.
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.
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September 2021: The entire trail and the falls overlook have been destroyed by the Dixie Fire. |
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As of August, 2022, the area is closed and off-limits through March 29, 2024. |
