A Unique Opportunity

Our adventure around grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls was very unique. As I walked with my parents I tried to explain the Hobbit to my mom and we talked about how most people drive right by the great spots we see, only leaving the road for the occasional pullout. What they don’t know is that the best spots are always at least a mile from the road, and away from the sound of highways.

Needless to say we enjoyed our hike. The crystal blue waters of the river, as well as the white foam of Laughing Water Creek was something that I have never seen before, a true treat to be enjoyed by all. Our first destination was Silver Falls where glacial melt rushed over rocks to the canyon bellow. We were able to see a rainbow formed by the waterfall spray, and the sunlight’s angle.

We then proceeded to Grove of the Patriarchs where we crossed a bouncing bridge to see towering trees that were thousands of years old. We were able to walk through them on a well-maintained raised boardwalk to protect the forest floor. This section of our hike was where we saw the most people and I got the inspiration for my poem.

The hike back past Silver falls was very enjoyable, as it was mostly flat or downhill and we had the trail to ourselves. We walked through the dense forest and enjoyed the surrounding trees and wildflowers. I’m sure that fairies would love that forest, rainbow and all.

My poem below is about our experiences throughout the day. They are not in chronological order, but they are all from the same day.

The Fairy Forest

Towering giants grow tall and wide,

The forces of water sweep all aside.

The inevitable rot takes its hold,

Wonders of a nurse log then unfold.

Dainty flowers and trees that tower,

a fairy’s wonderworld.

The beauty may pass tales of old,

The sights here are worth more than gold.

Crystal blue waters of lakes and rivers,

Snow covered roadsides, hillsides, mountains, and peaks.

The things surrounding Mt. Rainier,

Just can’t be beat.

--Abby