Frozen Franklin Falls

Today I went to Denny Creek and Franklin Falls in Snoqualmie Pass, WA.

It was nothing short of a winter wonderland. From the first step out of the car to walk along the (closed for winter) forest service road, the air was crisp and cool. The sun decided to make an appearance today, so each and every snowflake that had fallen and iced over in this alpine area was sparkling like glitter.

Clouds passed through the mountain peaks above and rustled little crystals of ice and snow from the trees as I walked through the snow-packed forest. I came to some points where previous hikers had pushed the snow’s limits a little too far, and I was reminded of just how deep the ice beneath me was. I wasn’t too worried, though, because I was wearing my microspikes - a lesson I learned back when I first hiked Snow Lake.

Quiet, aside of my crunching footsteps, I proceeded through. Along Denny Creek, crystal clear and cold as ever, all I could think about was going down and sticking my face in it and taking the most refreshing gulp of my life (intrusive thoughts luckily did NOT win this time, thank goodness).

This was a hike that I will remember for a while. It brought me peace. It elevated my mood. It reset my brain. I feel blessed to have shared this winter day among the spirits that walk these woods.