Hiked Downey Creek August3
with my old buddy Paul. It was a beautiful sunny day. I would recommend this hike to anyone as the trail is relatively flat with minor ups and downs as one hikes along the contour of the mountain. The trail follows along Downey Creek most of the time a couple hundred feet above the stream which is actually more river like than creek like. The trail itself is very comforting underfoot as it is mostly carpeted with pine needles. The forest is cathedral like with huge ancient Western hemlock and Western Red Cedar. As one hike hikes along, The understory changes from a Mossy floor to sword ferns to Salmonberry, Devils club and Hucklberry shrubs. The trail is interspersed with several streams flowing off of the mountain to Downey Creek. As one travels along,
Pockets of lush vegetation are passed, evidence of an underground aquifer.
The sense of quiet and peace Is soothing and calming has one walks along. We encountered no other hikers and we hiked nearly to the end of the trail which is about 6 miles long. After about 5 miles we descended to Downey Creek and a small campground where we turned around and headed back after eating our lunch. As I said beer, Downey Creek is more like a small river than a creek which is a beautiful,clear Boulder strewn stream. I have been hiking my entire life , I am 65, and this trail is one of the finest I'ved been on. It had recently been maintained, Thank You WTA. Arthur
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