White River, Snoquera Falls Loop — Tuesday, May. 15, 2001

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

A very peaceful drive out lonely highway 410 took me to Camp Sheppard and a series of hikes this fine day. The trek up to Snoquera Falls was excellent. The total lack of signs at all of the lower trail intersections made it even more fun...stay left at the camp fire circle and head uphill. There were a couple of fresh blowdowns across the trail but nothing to fret over. The hike up to the falls goes entirely through lush forest with a completely mossy groundcover in most areas. Stunning! This led me to start paying close attention to the elusive calypso orchid that I've wanted to get quality images of. Once I thought this to myself, the first of numerous herds of calypsos pranced across the trail! They were frisky critters this fine day, not wanting to stand still in the gusting winds of the morning. But patience endured, and they finally became used to my presence and calmed down so that I could photograph them. One particular herd of about 4-5 individuals were especially wonderful to shot at, as they pranced through a diffused light spot on the forest floor, standing tall above the towering moss covering the ground. Life was very good.... All along the forest floor is covered with vanilla leaf as well--some of the thickest populations of it I've ever seen. It should be blooming in another week or two. The upper trail passed through more open, rocky forest as it approached the cliffs above, and suddenly I could hear the water and I was there. Snoquera Falls is spectacular right now, and the wind made for a good drenching misty adventure nearing it. Cross the creek posed no problem for me since the boots are happy to handle walking in 4-5 inches of water. Once across a sidetrail UP took me to the base of the falls, and the half hour I spent here was splendid. After soaking myself and my camera gear up, I headed back down and enjoyed more photography of the creek and falls, then headed back down. A half mile before getting back to the trailhead, I opted for a 2-3 mile trek up the White River trail #1199, which was equally beautiful of a forest to wander through. Some great mushy areas of skunk cabbage and other goodies dotted the trailside. This makes for very pleasent extra miles to wander, since the trek to Snoquera Falls is only 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Grand spring romp!