Early winter and I’m sitting on the crest of the Coastal Mountains.

Warm sunshine and a light breeze are soothing my sore muscles.

Soon it will be time to make the seven-mile hike back to the trailhead near Gales Creek Campground.

Wispery waterfalls, ferns, moss, alders, big-leaf maples and a few Douglas firs will keep me company on the way back.

Other than one solo mountain biker, I am alone in the forest for hours.

It replenishes my inner spirit.

One of many small waterfalls

Ferns and moss – – – a sure giveaway that you’re in a rainforest

Sunlight highlighting a small waterfall

Springboard slot in an old stump

Early morning frost on fallen leaves

Small waterfall

Early morning frost

Another small waterfall