Waterfalls and Wildflowers

Some days are just meant to be epic.

We had been getting much-needed rain here in the high desert and on a one day reprieve, we decided to make a run for the hills before we start getting socked again this for the rest of the weekend (yay!).

I have lived here in the alpine desert for a decade now, yet it still doesn't fail to amaze me how there are creeks, lakes, waterfalls, and forests all around. Inspired by a photo I saw on Facebook of a cascading waterfall only accessible by foot via a trail called Hunter Creek, I knew I had to go. So I dragged willing friends (who had to be bribed with brunch first) to six miles of hiking round trip with fairly decent ascents, technical switchbacks, a couple creek crossings, and overall, a wide variation of terrain. If you haven't been, I suggest you go ASAP while the waterfall is still spilling out with unrestrained gusto, the wildflowers are in bloom, and while it's not yet stifling hot out.

I'll stop with the blabbering now and share with you the amazing scenery that day. And in case you are already talking yourself out of going because six miles sound too difficult to deter you, I'll start with the pictures of what awaits you to visually entice you that all the work is definitely worth it.

Tips for Dressing the Part

1 If you go, remember to pack at least one warm layer, and if there is any chance of rain at all (see last photo above in the series), it is important that you have some sort of rain protection packed, too.

2 I love the Omni-Wick found in Columbia outdoor apparel. What it does is it wicks away sweat and keeps you dry. In case you get rained on, it's not guaranteed to keep you dry, but the moisture will evaporate fast enough. Cotton, will never ever do either of those, and for that reason, I can't think of any justification for wearing cotton on the trail ever (no, not even socks.. actually, especially not socks). And personally, if something does not promise any wicking capabilities, I don't bother with it.

For spring hiking, especially, I like wearing a long sleeve wicking shirt that I am able to roll the sleeves up of when it starts getting too warm. I also tend to go with shirts that cover my neck since my body runs cold. The one I had on has a quarter zip that helps me do my own climate control depending on how I'm heating up. Some of the Columbia apparel will also have built-in SPF (some 30, some even up to 50) protection which comes in handy, although to be honest, I'm not sure how one can test if it works or not.

3 I wore Columbia pants to this hike which proved astoundingly lightweight and water repellent. I felt myself sweat in a few occasions, but I can vouch that the quick-dry properties of the pants worked, well, quickly, before I could even start muttering complaints. They also have a stretch in them and have beautiful articulation in the knees so they never restrict motion for those ascends or for jumping from rock to rock. And lastly, kudos to Columbia for making petite-specific pants!

4 Proper hiking shoes are a definite must for this hike, especially since there are stretches of the trail that is purely rocks. Grip and ankle support will make you more comfortable and safer. At the very least, you should have a pair of trail runners on.

5 Water, at least 2 liters, and snacks for when you get to the waterfall! And this hike feels better done with friends, so drag them along!

#adventure #renotahoe #hiking