Back Looking for Giants

OK, admittedly it has been too long but it's time to get back to our roots of finding trees and capturing history.

When researching the film Dreams in the Wilderness I heard about a "big tree that 6 people could hold hands and barely reach around". Needless to say, I was a bit skeptical. I've had it on my list for two years to go check out but being I haven't come across a descent big tree in a long time, I just didn't do it.

Well, I gave myself a little Veteran's Day gift and got off work about 10:00, then headed up I-90. There is some great old growth up there, even between the two elevated highways in the picnic area.

To my surprise, the big tree is there. In fact, I think it should be called the Humpback Giant. It measures out at 29' 6" at the base, about 9' 5" in diameter and 229' tall. It even still has it's original. Not sure why the loggers left it, it is only about 100 yards from the railroad grade with stumps all around. Maybe they didn't want to cross the stream (most of the logging is on the east side of Humpback creek)?

There, told you how to find it! There's even a nice campsite by it with a fire ring. Have fun! I did.

A New Trail in the Middle Fork?

Many of us have followed the boot path up to Kamikaze Falls on the South Slope of Mt Teneriffe but DNR has consistently posted signs saying you shouldn't go there (and we all listen, right?). But now the DNR has constructed a nice trail to the falls and it is well worth it.

Park at the school bus turnaround then follow the road. At about 1.2 miles there is an obvious side road, you will see the trail as you start up that road. Just follow it to the falls. (and just when I thought DNR was run by Darth Vader they go and do something cool like this. OK, another chance).

Can you follow this to the top of Teneriffe? Yes, you can but don't count on it being easy. This is the old Mailbox Peak trail times two for steep and not maintained. At about 2,800 feet is the toughest part, a little scramble up some rocks which is easy when dry, a bit scary with ice. But who can complain about something new to try with 360 degrees of beautiful view and about .1% of the crowd on Mt. Si.

Now DNR just needs to construct a parking lot!