Just about an hour and 15 minutes away from Pittsburgh in Youngstown, Ohio, you can spend the day exploring the trails of Mill Creek Metro Park.
We picked a beautiful fall day. Since it is Youngstown, I didn’t have high hopes, but was pleasantly surprised at the unique bridges, surprise rock formations, and the old mill, Lanterman’s Mill. The park wasn’t well marked, but it was clean and safe. The terrain was easy to medium level of difficulty.
We set out on a road trip after landing in Seattle to drive the Cascade Loop. Our first stop on the first day was Wallace Falls State Park in Snohomish County, Washington near a small town called Gold Bar.
Arriving on a Tuesday morning in mid July before the park officially open, we set out following Wallace Falls Trail. The park was not crowded, of course, as it was only a little after seven in the morning. We were still on east coast time, so it felt like it was getting late in the day to us.
At the parking lot, you’ll find a well-kept restroom, a park map and trash canisters. You will need a Discover Pass to do this trail. These are $10 for a day and available at the entrance to the park or online prior to your visit. We got ours online and therefore could go into the park and start hiking prior to the visitor booth being open.
You start the trail down a long meadow-like opening along power lines. The first sight of the Cascades lets you see some key peaks. It is nice, but the power lines make a good picture impossible. Right after this, you start heading slightly uphill to the start of the trail which brings you through a maze-type gate to keep people from bring vehicles onto it. This is a foot trail only.
Climbing steadily along the Wallace River, the scenery is beautiful with dense forests, rocky banks, and rushing water at every turn. It is divided into three sections—the lower falls, the middle falls and the upper falls. By the time you get to the upper falls, you’ll climb about 1400 feet in elevation over about 4 1/2 miles. It is considered a “moderate” trail.
The lower falls lookout area is quite nice and gives you a great view of all three falls looking up the mountain.
Between the lower falls and the middle falls, you will encounter a section of quite a few switchbacks. But when you get to the middle falls look out area, you’ll be greeted with not only a gushing, powerful waterfall, but also a nice view of the lush green landscape capped by the far away mountains.
The hike between the middle falls and the upper falls is steep, but not very long. The upper falls is just that—the top part of the waterfall. You’ll find some large rocks to take a brief rest before heading back down.
Our take: This was a wonderful hike with moments of interest at every step of the trail. From lush ferns and mosses, to large spiders, and slugs and from rocky steps to amazing, gushing waterfalls. We loved every bit of this one. Allow about 4-5 hours total if you slow to take pictures and investigate nature like we do. We also found our new hiking poles very helpful on this one due to its rocky climb.
This trail is not suited for small children or small dogs prone to breathing problems, especially in the summer. It can also be hard on the knees for people who have known issues.
If you are short on time, consider going only as far as the middle falls. You’ll have seen the best parts of the falls, have had a great hike in, and saved yourself an hour or so.
We love to hike and to photograph nature on those hikes. I picked up two books that I am using for planning our 2013 trips. Continue reading “Two Books for Summer Camp and Hike Planning”
I love Trough Creek State Park. If you aren’t from Central Pennsylvania, chances are slim that you’ve ever heard of it. It is an unknown gem. A stunning, quiet example of Pennsylvania’s beauty. When I go there, I am awed by its splendor. I may sound dramatic, but I truly love every rock, tree, and rhododendron on its hills. So, keep my opinion in mind when you hear me say anything about Trough Creek. as I am extremely biased.
Continue reading “Rhododendron Trail Review at Trough Creek State Park”
Some people dream of Hawaii and Jamaica. I have dreamt of Cook Forest State Park. I have always had a picture of it in my mind as being just perfect. Well after many years of dreaming, we headed northeast and went. I was not disappointed. The park itself is beautiful… just breathtaking (but remember, I don’t get out much). I’m going to review the park and our hike first and will cover our camping experience in another post. Continue reading “Cook Forest State Park Hiking – Part 1 Trail Review”
To properly review this hike, I’ve broken it down into two posts. See the first leg of the trip in Cook Forest Part 1.”So, where were we… ” (in the tone of the storyteller grandfather from Princess Bride…) “Oh, yes, the forest.” We crossed the road and headed toward the swinging bridge entering into what is known as the Cathedral Forest area of the park. A nice bridge… not quite a cool as the one at Trough Creek, but nice (I’ll tell you about Trough Creek another time.) Anyhow, from the swinging bridge we headed up the hill on Rhododendron Trail. This 1.2 mile trail is moderate hiking and a moderate climb. The trail is clear and well marked, making it an relatively easy climb. We found some nice large rocks to sit on and have a snack to try to get our sugar levels up so that we could keep going.
Continue reading “Cook Forest State Park Hiking – Part 2 Trail Review”
Get Out Camping & Hiking 