Deception Creek is generally a reliable shoulder season hike where you can count on solitude. The major bridge across Deception Creek at about a half mile in, pictured below, is really an engineering marvel, with the carved approach steps and criss-cross log supports at both ends of the bridge. The bridge is quite tall above the creek and only has a single open railing (no barrier below the railing), so while the construction and views are lovely, it could be challenging to cross for small children or those afraid of open heights.
Today there were several blowdowns to navigate at about .7 and 1.8 miles in. They necessitated going over, under and around, and one downed tree had a impressive root footprint the size of a walk-in closet. Small, intermittent snowfields across the trail started sporadically at about 1.5 miles and become solid at about 2.2 miles. Soon after, it became a bit challenging to follow the trail, especially with the recent warmer temperatures which had melted out former footprints and just left faint traces. By the time I reached the one-railing bridge at 2.8 miles, the snow was 2-3 feet deep, including on the bridge, and I decided that bridge was a good turnaround point today. The flat riverside glade in another mile or so (a lovely lunch or camping spot) and the falls just beyond that would have to wait for another time.
The forest features many old-growth trees (cedar, Douglas fir, and western hemlock) as well as lush moss-covered forest floors and many bunches of deer fern, still flattened from recently emerging from the snow. Just a few colorful signs of spring were noted, particularly a trio of just-emerged skunk cabbage in a small bog. Didn't see another soul out on this partly sunny Saturday.
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