From the middle trailhead of the Goodman Creek – Eagle’s Rest  hike, eighteen of us, ready to brave the elements, set out with undampened  spirits.  Under moisture-filled grey skies, we hiked up the slope through a second-growth Douglas  firs forest.    Our attention is soon focused on avoiding the many mud puddles.

In the swamp area, just before the Ash Swale Shelter, we gingerly crossed the slick wooden walkways.  We rested briefly at the shelter, then worked our way up to a paved road.  Picking up the trail on the other side, we were soon breathing harder as it became progressively steeper.  A few Snow Queen plants could barely be seen among the leaf and needle filled trail edges.  After a number of switchbacks, we reached the solid rock top.

It was great to stand out in the open!  Clouds half veiled the surrounding hill tops and Lost Creek Valley.  The first hikers up could partially pick out Mt. June to the south east.  Soon it was hidden by clouds remaining unseen by later arrivers.   Seats were found on the rocks, lunches enjoyed  and a droll joke told by Gary Waugaman lent  a nice finale.

The cold air and impending rain drops prompted us to get a-movin, so down we strode at a lively pace, slowing a bit at the muddiest stretches as they had become “slips and slides”.    Richard lurked at some of the slickest patches waiting for a terrific photo shot of a falling body but was not rewarded.  Going down, it was easier to look around to capture the beauty of groups of “rhodies” with their leaves glistening from the rain.  The vibrant yellow-green color of the moss covering the leafless vine maple’s multi-trunks presented a fascinating variety of graceful forms.  Cameras were clicking . 

Back at the trailhead, the seven five-milers departed and the eleven nine –milers  continued down the Goodman Creek trail.  We enjoyed a different scene.  At first the trail seemed to plunge down a side canyon, the bottom obscured by a beautiful orderly forest.  The trail moved in and around the terrain and –NO MERCY,  more ups and downs.   Along the way, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Goodman Creek.  At one place, we crossed the creek on a log bridge flattened on the top.  Well, two of us waded across.

Finally we reached the bottom where an arm of Lookout Point reservoir sneaks in to meet Goodman Creek.  A huge log footbridge crosses over it.  Then the trail re-enters the woods, contouring  according to the terrain and coming out to the trailhead at highway 58.

A highlight for Linda and me was meeting a young mother and father with their  son , maybe a seven year old.  We observed them from afar, huddled together.  When we came up to them, the boy proudly extended his cupped hand for us to see.  He held a perfectly formed baby salamander, not more than one and ½ inches long.  EXQUISITE!

In the final stages of the hike and while waiting for the shuttle cars to return, we endured a steady light rain –who cares, we all had a great time.    Jane Flewelling.