Cherry Creek Falls on St. Patrick's Day

Cherry Creek Falls is always a favorite destination for our hiking club.  Parking, as reported can be problematic, especially on weekends.  Laurie, our local Duvall guide, recommended that our group both carpool in, and park on the trail-side of the road at angles to let more folks enjoy the trail. 

The hike is short with little elevation gain, and the falls are quite pretty most of the year.  With good conversation, the 2.5 miles to the falls go by quickly.  Of course, if you are not paying attention, it is easy to take the wrong turn to Monroe, if not Albuquerque.  Old logging roads, with side trails, abound.  However, the path is well worn, muddy, but easy to follow.

Since our visit in the fall of 2016, some signs have been added along the way--we guessed by a young Eagle Scout.  On the in, we chose the muddier, lower trail, on the right at the junction below the hill. This route is more open though it passes a couple of old wreck cars.  It also includes a stream crossing with a log that was difficult for the young lab in our party.  Ellie wasn't about to cross it by herself, so her owner, Gary, carried her wiggling to the other side.  While Gary didn't quite stick the landing, it was still a nice demonstration of balance and concentration, but not one he wanted to repeat on the way back.  

The lower trail makes a less dramatic entrance to the falls, approaching from downstream.  Still, the volume of water crashing down was impressive for a little creek.  For a moment, we thought perhaps the luck of the Irish might be with us when we spotted a little green man on St. Patrick's Day.  Turns out he wasn't a leprechaun, only a cheap garden gnome.   We also missed out on the pot of gold.  However, we snapped some lovely pictures and headed back, taking the upper trail.   A couple of creek crossings are required on this route, too, but with some encouragement, we convinced Ellie to splash through on her own.

We were back at the car by noon, so grabbed tasty burgers in Duvall at  Pickle Time.