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Barrier Falls
The Gnat Creek hike is always fun. The trail begins at a parking area about 20 miles east of Astoria.
The first 1 1/2 miles passes through a hemlock and Sitka spruce forest with massive nursery stumps remaining from 100-year old logging operations. The creek gurgled and splashed as it cascaded along near the trail.
After crossing Highway 30, there was a small fish hatchery to explore. Then the trail led over two miles into the deep upper valley of Gnat Creek.
I saw black bear sign and elk tracks along the way. Early wildflowers dappled the area along the trail with many colors. There were trilliums, skunk-cabbage, wood sorrel, stream violets and salmonberry.
A very pleasant way to spend a a sunny day.
Barrier Falls
Wood Sorrel
Sasquatch on the prowl
Trailhead
Trail passing large stump with double springboard slots
Trail through the rainforest
Trillium Lily
What a delicious hike! How on earth did you manage the butterfly shots? They never seem to sit still for very long.
To shoot photos of butterflies, I wait for them to land and then quickly take photos with my lens zoomed out to 300 mm. In truth, it takes patience.
Ah so! That’s probably the magic ingredient I’m deficient in: patience! Your favorable lighting didn’t hurt either. 😀