Leon Turnbull Photography

When I checked the weather forecast on Friday morning, it said it would start raining by 8AM on Saturday. I checked it again on Friday evening,  and it now said 7AM. Heavy rain. I really really wanted to get up to the Big Waterfall (at least) before it started. Preferably, I wanted to get back across the creek before it started. If the rock was wet and slick, it would be a lot more tricky to cross the creek. So I prayed, Lord please hold off on the rain until I cross the creek. After that, have at it.

I set my alarm for 5:45AM. I did not sleep very well. I don’t know why, I guess I just could not get comfortable. And worried about getting back across the creek. I did not want to wake up so early, but I wanted to beat that rain. It was not even cloudy yet, but I knew the rain was coming. It took an hour to get packed up, and then I started the big ascent up the mountain.

The crazy narrow side trail (the Six Inch Trail) to the Big Waterfall was lined with poison oak. It was completely unavoidable. Well, that is rather unfortunate. (understatement of the year). This trail never had poison oak before, from what I remember. The Big Waterfall is 144 ft. high, the biggest of the drops on this magnificent creek. I did not spend much time here, just took my photos and continued on up the mountain, still wanting to beat that rain. I stopped at the two waterfalls above this one to take more photos, and finally arrived at the creek crossing. Still not raining. I was able to jump back across without even getting my feet wet. That was interesting. (another understatement). I filled up my water from the creek and continued on.

I expected the rain to start any minute but it did not. It was after 10AM when I felt the first sprinkles. By this time, I was only five minutes from my car, but the deluge did not even begin until I got back on the freeway. The weather was perfect for the entire hike down to the river and back out. Thank you Lord! It was a short, safe, and fantastic journey to one of my favorite places in the North Fork American River drainage.