Spring has finally arrived in the PNW with temperatures nearing 70 degrees (those of you in the south can stop laughing). Spring fever has us taking advantage of every nice day for camping or just day-hiking and last Sunday we opted for the Dosewallips River Trail.

Dropping the top on the Miata (for the first time since last October) we cruised down HWY 101 along the Hood Canal. This scenic drive is one of the prettiest in Washington with views of snowcapped mountains, wetlands and big mossy trees. In nearly every eddy along the canal we saw numerous ducks, geese and cormorants with an occasional bald eagle soaring or perched on tree branches.

We chose a portion of this trail that parallels the river, is mostly flat and in the sun except for the first half mile which is under the tree canopy. The river was rushing full force from recent rain and snowmelt and waterfalls were abundant. About a mile and a half in is a campground for backpackers complete with picnic tables, fire pits and pit toilets. The campground used to be for car camping too but the road washed out about 10 years ago so now it’s assessable only by foot or horse. We sat on a downed tree by the river and watched the harlequin ducks navigating the whirlpools in the swift current. Several deer passed by us, a doe with two of last years fawns. The sun was still high and the long shadows I’d hoped for to help create a good photograph were non-existent. But that didn’t stop me from snapping away at the flowers, ducks, river and surrounding mountains.

Note to self; next time take backpacks or trailer and spend a night or two capturing those early morning and late evening magic photos.

Thanks for reading.
Nancy Cherry Eifert

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