Storey Burn

I enjoy hiking in the Coastal Mountains. The verdant rainforest with its abundant ferns, creeks and large Douglas firs is always welcoming.

On a mid-July morning I was the only person at the Gales Creek Campground. I would see no one else until returning to the trailhead where a mountain bike rider was preparing for a outing.

The steep trail along Gales Creek lasted about one mile before turning onto the Storey Burn Trail.

Slide Falls

As the Trail began gaining elevation, it passed Slide Falls and many small tributary creeks. Spring wildflowers were long gone, but many berries were ripe. In fact, I spotted some black bear sign along the trail showing evidence of lots of berry eating.

After some healthy elevation gain and about 3 1/4 miles of hiking, I crossed the Storey Burn Road. There was a small parking area where I took a break and ate a snack. Then it was time to begin the trip back to the trailhead.

Overall, it was a good way to gain some well-needed solitude, and see many sword ferns, alders, big-leaf maples, Douglas firs, a few hemlock trees, and of course many colorful berries.