Silver Falls, revisited

We didn't want to miss Silver Falls State Park while we were in Oregon (that's the trouble with having loved our trip so much last time…I'm sure there is tons of other great stuff to see and do, but we couldn't bear to miss any of our previous favorites either!) so even in the 100-degree weather, we hiked (or walked, really…they aren't hard hikes) to a few of the prettiest waterfalls. I love North and South Falls because you can go behind them, but Upper North Falls was really beautiful too. These pictures probably all look exactly the same as all the pictures I took three years ago…except for the growing children of course…but Sam and Sebastian were sure that more boulders had fallen since last time at North Falls. I can't tell from the pictures. Anyway, to ME every picture is still needed because each reminds me of a different landmark on those green, green forest trails that I love so much. I think, much as I love my desert home, there must be something in my blood that craves these abundant forests. Through my Oregonian mother, no doubt!

South Falls

Behind and looking through South Falls—I love this view!

Daisies above South Falls

When we hike or go somewhere where there are cliffs and/or rivers to fall off of and into, we usually assign each little girl to one of the big boys. It's cute to see them hiking and playing made-up games together, and it relieves my mind because I can't hold so many little hands! Here's Abe and Junie.

Seb and Goldie

Mossy wall

The light was so intensely green here as the sun bounced off the ferns and filled the shadows! I tried to show it in the pictures, but…

it was just hard to capture such a large dynamic range! Still…you can see how green everybody's skin looks.

On such a blazing hot day, it felt especially cool and nice in these little drippy caves under the waterfalls.

Teddy was a good little hiker…mostly.

Everybody always wants to hike with Teddy. He is the best person to have conversations with!

Everybody waiting for…me.

Teddy fell asleep in the car and everyone else was hot and tired, so Abe and Seb and I just quickly zipped up to Upper North Falls (some of us zippier than others, I admit) while the rest of the family waited for us. It was such a beautiful trail! (Like every other trail in this park.)

I was quite taken with this welcoming monkey tree. Can you see him?

There, that's better.

There was a cool flat area in front of this waterfall where you could wade across. Kids were splashing in it and I was quite tempted to do so myself! I loved the leafy cliff on the right side of the falls, too.