I took these pictures a week ago. Last Saturday, we helped Jeff set up our booth at market, hung out at there for awhile, and then Bracken and I headed over near our neck of the woods with some friends. We went to Sweet Creek Falls, a place I hadn’t been to since before Bracken was born, and I place I truly love. It’s one of my most favorite places, actually, and going there made me realize how much I had missed it.
Many years ago Jeff and I had a magical day there. We’ve been there many times, but that one day in particular always stands out in my mind. I remember that day being extremely hot and we wanted to escape the heat at our place for just a bit so we went to Sweet Creek Falls and sat in front of a waterfall. It was so cool and refreshing, it felt heavenly. Hard to describe what a respite it was on that day, but I can still feel it. The really cool part was getting to watch a salmon work on jumping up the waterfall! I’ll always remember that.
This was Bracken’s first visit to Sweet Creek Falls, but he told me: “I remember this place from when I was in your belly!” That made me smile and I don’t remember going there while I was pregnant, but nonetheless Bracken loved it there and felt it was familiar somehow. We had a rainy picnic and then started out with layers because of the rain, that were quickly shed once we got warmed up from hiking. We spotted crawdads in the water which Bracken was very excited about, and admired view after beautiful view. Just when you think one spot is breathtaking, you hike a little farther and come upon yet another breathtaking place. (Bracken did a very silly happy dance for us and though I tried to pick just one favorite picture to share, I really loved the whole series.)
Every time I’ve gone there, I’ve seen rock temples in certain spots along the trail, so now it’s tradition to make ones when we pass those places. I made one and spotted quite a few others. Seeing rock temples was new to me when I first moved to Oregon and I fell completely in love with them from the start. Maybe that sounds silly, but I really do adore rock temples.
Sweet Creek Falls feels a bit like stepping into a hobbit wonderland to me. It’s a magical place and I don’t intend to let so many years pass this time before I visit it again. For those of you who have never been there before, if you ever get the opportunity, I’d highly recommend it.
What a beautiful, magical place. Seeing moss covered trees brings sweet memories from visiting Oregon, the greenest place I’ve been to 🙂
Bracken is one very special being. Happy to hear he still remembers from before he was born.
Yes, ” stacking rocks”. The best!