Madrona Crest from Arroyo Trailblazer hike

We were still without our Fearless leader "Pat" for today's hike. He's still recovering from a sinus infection and shoulder issue. Marjan stepped up again to lead us on today's adventure.

12 of us met at the SENIOR CENTER for our carpool rides to ARROYO PARK. The last time I'd been to Madrona Crest was with Group 1 in 2011. You can read about that day's hike HERE.

The Chum were spawning!

Here's a video with a brief view of the Salmon and then looking farther up the creek. Look for the Salmon near the right shore of the creek.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCHaRbcxAq0

We hiked up the trail and connected with the Hemlock trail.

There were many big leaf Maple leaves on the ground and lining the trails.

We went a short ways on the North lost lake trail before joining the lower Salal trail.

The weather was perfect for today's hike. The sunlight played peek a boo through the forest canopy.

There were many areas where there were large boulders of Chuckanut sandstone.

Instead of heading on up to the Crest at the trail junction we went out to the North Lost lake trail again to make it just a bit longer in distance

Now up to the Madrona Crest viewpoint for lunch.

A wonderful Madrona tree beside the trail.

From our lunchtime perch we had a view of the hills just beyond the freeway which we could hear very clearly. Oh well.......

We also had a nice view of Mt. Baker in the distance.

 

Time to head back down the trail.

Pam one of our hikers knows her plants, birds and geology. I like to hike near her and try to soak in some of her knowledge. She explained that the moss in the photo below is Step moss and that it was a three year old. Each year they grow up a step. I thought it was fascinating information.

Step moss

Here's a macro shot of some Step moss. I thought they looked like miniature trees.

We rejoined the Hemlock trail and then headed down the Chuckanut falls trail.

Hopefully it won't be another 5 years till I return to Madrona Crest. It was a beautiful fall day to be in the forest.

Endomondo stats -

total miles hiked - 8.9

minimum altitude - 95 feet

 maximum altitude - 1483 feet

total ascent - 1791 feet

 total descent - 1699