Tripping the Leaves Fantastic, Silver Falls State Park 10/27

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BurnsideBob
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Tripping the Leaves Fantastic, Silver Falls State Park 10/27

Post by BurnsideBob » October 27th, 2014, 8:50 pm

Tripping the Leaves Fantastic at Silver Falls State Park, Oct 27, 2014

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Opening Photo—South Falls.

A sunny morning brought us to Silver Falls State Park, Susan’s first outing since early September. We wanted a mellow hike with good scenery, so we chose the South Falls Loop returning via the Maple Ridge Trail, about 3 miles with excellent tread.

The recent wind storm did very minor damage at the park, and there was a lot of fall color everywhere.

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Trail to South Falls

We had seen a fire truck in the parking lot. We soon found the crew—a cliff rescue training drill was in progress at South Falls:

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I volunteered to be the dummy in the litter—well qualified as I am—but the crew turned me down.

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South Falls From Below the Lip

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Behind South Falls

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Tranquil spot on Silver Creek

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Big Leaf Maples

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Backlit Leaves

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Mushrooms on log at Lower South Falls.

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An Airy Fern Garden

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Susan on the Maple Ridge Trail

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Vine Maple

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Back to the beginning!

At the visitor center a large poster was displayed that showed life-size wing spans of many birds:
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While the fall color won’t last too much longer, the falls are primed with the recent rains. The smaller falls like Winter are flowing well so a really juicy storm well get them roaring. So when the next big one comes, you know where to go. Just come on up as the rain slows.

Edited 11/9 to fix photo BBC code.
Last edited by BurnsideBob on November 9th, 2014, 5:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I keep making protein shakes but they always turn out like margaritas.

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Splintercat
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Re: Tripping the Leaves Fantastic, Silver Falls State Park 1

Post by Splintercat » November 3rd, 2014, 5:58 pm

Wait! How'd I miss this report, Dave..?!? Almost made it there on Sunday, but got a late start and spent a bit too much time (if that's possible) at Butte Creek. I might still try to sneak down there before the last leaf drops at Silver Creek. I had my eye on the North Fork, but your shots of South Falls a pretty enticing..!

Thanks for posting!

Tom :)

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rainrunner
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Re: Tripping the Leaves Fantastic, Silver Falls State Park 1

Post by rainrunner » November 9th, 2014, 4:21 pm

Thanks for the trip report.
I didn't make it to south falls on my recent hike, but now looking at your pictures, I wish I had.
The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir

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