July 31 - Kings Creek Falls (Lassen National Park)

Final day in Lassen National Park. Technically, I still have Friday and I was planning on hiking Ridge Lakes on Friday but my body is telling me "it's enough" so I'm ready to enjoy this last day.

The plan is Kings Creek and then hike from Hat Creek to Paradise Meadow.

Another early start leaving the hotel at 6:30.

On the drive, I see a doe munching on some leaves in the forest not far from the road. I look over and there's another doe trotting across the street. No need to slam on my brakes like the other day but definitely need to be on alert.

I arrive at the Park and head directly towards Kings Creek. But along the way, I see a fawn. I stop and look from Mom but cannot find her. 

I move on around a curve and there's a doe with a mouth full of leaves. I stop, roll down the window, aim the camera and then she takes off. I'm thinking that's Mom but could be just another doe. But an awesome start to the morning.

I arrive at the TH around 7:30. I'm the only car there. Should note that it's cloudy this morning which wasn't in the forecast but I think it'll burn off. Gives me some shade for a while anyway.

The trail is 2.8 miles RT with a 492 feet of gain on the return.

I start down the trail. The trail is thru a burnt section of forest and it flat at the start - well basically for the 1st mile before there is a big drop in elevation. 

Soon after I start, I spot another doe. She skeptical but holds her ground.

All the burnt trees give the trail and eerie feeling especially early in the morning but there's lots of birds flying around including woodpeckers and Stellar Jays. 

There are also lots of flowers around especially along the streams. Probably a great butterfly trail with sun and a little later in the day. 

Along the way, I'm also passing a few small waterfalls that are beautiful!

Just before the "drop", the trail comes to the edge of the waterfall. 

The trail splits with a one-way downhill and a one-way uphill. I follow the downhill and it's slow going at least for me.

I finally arrive at the viewpoint and it's so worth the trek.

I could take a path down to the Falls but I'm happy with the view I have.

After a short break, I start up the trail. (Note: I have not seen or heard anyone yet).

I reach the split and take the one-way uphill 

a very steep (w/ steps) trail right next to the creek. 

I'm a little nervous but start my way up. Lots of breaks to enjoy the waterfall and fast flowing creek. There are other smaller falls on the way up.

Unfortunately, there is a couple that can't read and go down the "uphill", I let them by.


I make it to the split and enjoy another little waterfall before continuing back to the trailhead. (I see one other couple on their way down.)



Stop for the Stellar Jays I saw on my way down to the Falls.

When I get back to the parking, there were only 2 other cars there and it's just after 9am. 

Awesome experience!

Time for part 2.

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