Walking in Majestic Forests Enlivens the Beat of my Heart

Reciprocal Nature prompt for April: majestic forests.

I have a lifelong connection to trees. I grew up in the deciduous forests of New York State. Our homestead was situated in mountain woods. We didn’t have much as far as adequate shelter. But our trees provided the ultimate playground.

I could shinny up sturdy silver birches. A dogwood beckoned me to climb its branches. Its leaves gave off an energy that made me happy. White blossoms every spring let me know the woods were alive. I climbed all kinds of trees. I was the ultimate tomboy.

But sometimes my weight on a dead branch broke it off. We plummeted to the hard ground. I’d lay paralyzed, unable to move a muscle. Until feeling gradually seeped throughout my body.

I pretended I was a tightrope walker on bowed trees. I could hang upside down from branches like a trapeze aerialist. I swung on thick grape vines like Tarzan. My brothers and I constructed shelters from fallen boughs. We collected squaw wood for campfires. Slanting sun rays could be searchlights.

There was always something new to discover roaming our woods. Wildflowers pushed through rotted leaves in spring. Then the forest floor was a riot of color. There was a rich loamy earth smell. When the canopy of a tree matured I could see waves of energy streaming from them. It resembles a heat wave on a road in summer.

The forest was never silent. Breezes swept through leaves like violin strings playing. Woodpeckers hammered on trunks. Song birds filled the air with music. Rain drops pattered like snare drums. A flowing creek babbled around obstacles. Even snowflakes have a soft sound if you listen closely.

A forest is full of life. Skittering sounds might be salamanders, toads, box turtles, frogs, snakes. Colorful mushrooms decorated rotten tree trunks. Moss and lichen found homes on bare bark. Deer, raccoons, mice, rabbits raised families in its midst. Trees give us oxygen. I breathe easier among them. Their presence uplifts my mood.

Take a walk with me to one of my favorite forest hikes

The Columbia River Gorge is located near Interstate 84 in Oregon. The Eagle Creek trail follows a spectacular cliffside with views of the Creek’s slot canyon. A cool fog often lingers above the rushing waters. There are many small and large waterfalls along the footpath.

Tunnel Falls is our destination 7 miles up the track. We will walk behind the thundering water itself. Leaving the tunnel there is a sturdy wire hand rail. It helps hikers negotiate the narrow path along this section. Not recommended for children or those afraid of heights.

After leaving the carpark, the trail meanders through an easy wooded section.

It gets fairly dicey when we walk beside a sheer cliff with views of Eagle Creek canyon far below. Choose your steps carefully. Pay attention. There are no handrails here.

You can breathe easier after passing that section. The track goes through a forest area again. We pass many waterfalls which delight the eye.

Take time to enjoy the turnouts which provide scenic vistas of the Columbia River.

The terrain steepens and we hike past beautiful mounds of wildflowers clinging to the hillsides.

You can hear the thunderous cascade of water before you see Tunnel Falls itself. Round the bend and it comes into view.

When we get past Tunnel Falls a rushing stream provides a good place to eat lunch on handy boulders.

If your feet are hot and sweaty, remove your boots and soak those tired toes in the cold water.

The trail evens out as we hike alongside the stream. Wait, there’s a beautiful spider’s web highlighted by water droplets.

We’re hiking in a forest again. Feel the cool breeze against your skin. Relish the welcome shade on this warm day. Do you see fleeting movement ahead? Stand still. Don’t utter a sound. There’s a young deer. How special that we get to see him, a rare treat. They usually hide from man.

There’s a viewpoint ahead. Let’s follow the footpath to see what’s waiting for us. Oh, Mt. Hood is clearly visible. It’s the tallest peak in Oregon. I’ve climbed it many times. Let’s stop for a snack and take in this sight.

It’s getting late. We must turn around and retrace our steps. It’s been a terrific day. Just before we reach the carpark we discover a nest of tiny bunnies to the side of the trail. What was their mother thinking? She’s probably off in search of food. The babies don’t move at all. She’s taught them well.

Driving the old Columbia Highway, we stop to view another majestic waterfall.

Hope you’ve enjoyed taking this forest hike with me in the Columbia Gorge.

This post was written in response to Nature editor Sahil Patel’s prompt: majestic forests.

William J Spirdione writes an enchanting piece about an old squirrel. An animal you are sure to find in any forest.

Lisa Precious / Smiley Blue reminds us to look up towards the light for inspiration, especially in hard times.