Perry Creek — Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024

Arrived at Trailhead at 930am on a gorgeous fall morning and got the last non-parallel parking spot in the lot. Trail in great shape. Was a bit concerned by prior trip reports from last year talking about a hornets nest but never saw or heard anything of the like. Stream crossing this time of year was very easy.

Colors on the way up were nice thru the valley. Nothing too exciting in the forest between the falls and the ridge, save for many large old growth trees in the lower portions. Went up past the initial viewpoint at the top of the ridge to the small knoll near Mt. Forgotten.  The scene surrounding the small tarn on top was surreal, resplendent in fall colors. The way down thru the valley made me realize how beautiful big leaf maples can be. I left the waterfall at 2pm heading down, and I think I timed it about perfect in terms of lighting. Got back to the car at 330. If you can, at this time of year, try to be walking downhill from the falls at this time of day. Wow.

Amazing fall hike, no need to head east to see the larches, way more colors here. Logbook at the Trailhead indicated a total of 12 groups today, I saw most of them at points throughout the day but with 5 miles of trail it was mostly solitude. Will be making this hike a fall tradition.