Skykomish

 Where are we going asked Meeks as we loaded her into the car? North, to the land of green.

We went on a vacation to visit our daughter and her fiance in Seattle since they recently moved there and we hadn't seen them since 2019. While visiting, we rented a cabin, BiFrost, in Skykomish and explore some of the trails and history to this beautiful region just west of Stevens Pass on Hwy 2. 

First day, we explored the quiet neighborhood where the cabin is located. We found a couple of trails leading down to the river. One trail had a public area beside the river with a picnic table. There were numerous blackberry bushes loaded with ripe berries just waiting to be picked!

Second day, we took a drive to see the sleepy town of Skykomish and to hike to Deception Falls.

There were just a couple of families out exploring the falls too.

Third day, we headed in direction of Stevens Pass to hike Iron Goat trail.

We started at Martin Creek trailhead and trekked the gentle grade down; this was once a railroad bed. While family chatted, I enjoyed the lush, green plants. 

We read the numerous interpretive signs that tell about the many tunnels once used and the 800 people (mainly Japanese immigrants) that built the railway. My father would have loved this hike. The present day railroad bed is parallel to Highway 2, which follows the valley and river.

The moss and ferns are beautiful. Yup, truly the land of the green, even in this summer's drought.

We hiked over this truss bridge. Meeks did well here!

After exploring the tunnels, we headed back to the connector trail with a couple of long switchbacks to the upper trail. From there we took the upper trail back to the car with Nari leading the way.

There is more to explore! Those adventures will have to wait for future visits. Along with seeing the progress of BiFrost. Maybe a visit back to this region in 5 years.

Seattle is fun!

Next visit, we will have to pick a region west of Seattle to explore and learn about its history.