Thursday, May 17, 2012

Noisy Creek 2012

In the more than three years I have been hiking with the Senior Trailblazers, we have tried three times to reach Noisy Creek at the far end of Baker Lake. For one reason or another, we have had to settle with something other than actually getting to our destination. But today it happened. Nine Trailblazers left the Senior Center at 8:00am and drove for almost two full hours to get there, but it was definitely worth it. The hike starts at Baker Lake Trail #610 and extends all the way around the enormous lake. We just went from here, with the shadow of the suspension bridge we crossed in the lower left, to Noisy Creek and returned.
The first major creek we traversed, however, is Hidden Creek, and you can see us here trying to capture its grandeur. When you get close to the bridge, you can feel all the moisture in the air and the temperature drops by several degrees. Even though this was NOT Noisy Creek, the sound was pretty incredible.
Three times we had to navigate some stream crossings, hopping from one rock to the next in order to keep from getting our boots submerged in the stream. As you can see, even though we had no bridge to assist us, the streams at this time of year were flowing very fast. The water was cold and clear and we managed pretty well, actually.
We stopped for lunch before we finally crossed Noisy Creek, but it was close by. Steve (in the red at the right) told us the story of how the Noisy Creek old growth avoided being logged many years ago. The old ancient trees have been here since before Columbus discovered America, and because of some important shenanigans by council members, the trees are intact and we were able to visit some of these wonderful old trees. There is no way a picture can give you any more than just a taste of what these trees are like, but here's my best shot.
This old tree is simply enormous and has such a presence. We all went up and said hello and wondered what it has observed over its long life span. It goes up and up and is simply huge. Noisy Creek was nearby and we listened to it and appreciated it, too.
It looks like a regular stream, but there is very little to give you an idea of its sound. It deserves the name "noisy." The weather today was perfect, a light breeze and just the right temperature. The walk through the forest was sublime. We covered more than ten miles, maybe even more than eleven by some GPS coordinates, and climbed around 1,700 feet. No wonder I'm tired. I caught this picture of an unfurling fern, known to us (thanks to Peggy) as a deer fern.
After the magnificence of the day, and the beauty that I hope lingers in my mind for a long time, I am happy to write this post and settle down for a nice relaxing evening before heading to bed. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a day with my wonderful friends.
:-)

22 comments:

  1. This hike provided a good variety of interesting adventures. many creeks can be noisy but only one can be called Noisy Creek. These old growth trees are awesome. You really had a good day!

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  2. i hope you have a wonderful evening....that is a huge tree...and pretty cool all the water you ended up passing over , through or around...bet it made some beautiful music...

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  3. the scenes of running water makes me 'hear' it. :)

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  4. Oh, one of my most favorite things in the world, enormous ancient trees! I "collect" them so to speak.
    What a great hike today!

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  5. This has got to be my favorite of your walks. I almost fall prostrate in worship before a tree like that one. Notice I said 'almost.' Wow what a wonderful day.

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  6. Beautiful scenery! Wish I were there!

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  7. I take pleasure in enlarging each and every one of the photos you publish, Jan. The scenery is breathtaking in these photos today.
    The aquamarine color of Noisy Creek is beautiful. It looks like the sky has touched the earth...simply beautiful.
    I have seen the mighty redwood trees in California, and I know that when I looked at them and got close to them for the first time, I was speechless. I was in awe of the beauty before me. You are so right about the grandeur of the majestic trees.
    Thank you for sharing your photos with me. I enjoy every hike that you and your friends take. Have a restful weekend.
    Smiles,
    Jackie

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  8. It is the nature of a rocky creek to be noisy.

    Thanks for taking us on your adventure!

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  9. How wonderful you and the group finally made it to this beautiful place. I can almost hear the noise looking at your photos DJan. I love those old Douglas Firs, they are one of the things I miss living on this side of the state.

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  10. And we are so fortunate that you are able and willing to share it with us. That was just incredible - I loved the water, the giant tree and the fern unfurling. Thank you.

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  11. I'm just so envious that you have the stamina to do such a hike with those lovely friends. It's so wonderful to be outdoors in all that beauty.

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  12. Your commentary on the hike was excellent. I felt I could have been there with you listening to the rushing water over the rocks.

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  13. Now .... wait for me!!!! I seemed to have slipped on the wet rocks in the first creek....and I'm soaked to the skin.

    Oh Jan...what beautiful country. I so envy you these wonderful hiking expeditions! And the trees...magnificent!!!

    I just hope my lunch didn't get as wet as I did.

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  14. That is an amazing photo of your friend standing in front of the olde growth tree. I enjoyed this post, very much, as it reminds me of some of our "Old Growth" trees in this area. We have one of the oldest pine trees in the area out at the campground and many, many people have had their photo taken in front of it. I spent two summers (just for fun) assisting in the clean up of the thick bush at the campgrounds thus eliminating a lot of pesky summer bugs, so I got to see that Olde Tree every day. Shall try and find a photo to send you.
    Have a great weekend :)

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  15. Magnificent. How I'd love to be able to hike in this country. Of course, I might have my fly rod or birding tools with me.... :)

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  16. Stunning scenery. Your group deserves some sort of award for your treks!

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  17. Congrats for finally making it there! The stream crossings looked a bit tricky, but you all made it safe and sound. Love all the pictures! :)

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  18. Amazing that you all managed to hop from rock to rock without falling into the water. And incredible that those trees predate 1492. I wonder how old the trees in Hawaii are...

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  19. You are fortunate indeed. I loved the photo of the fern unfurling.

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  20. What a beautiful place you experienced!

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  21. What a beautiful old tree! I am glad you finally made it to Noisy Creek..the water looks incredibly clean!:)

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  22. Awesome! I can imagine it's noise. Water can be lous. The fern you mentioned reminds me of fiddle heads. they grow in creeks around this time and are harvested and sold as a delicacy.

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