Our hikes and trips

Inspiration: Scared of rattlesnakes at hikes near Spokane, we shifted directions back to the Central Cascades to cover Lake Serene. But halfway through the trail, under the direction of our wise ol’ man, we took the Bridal Veil Falls trail.

Photo credits: Anitha

Description of the trail: This hike was surprisingly hard for us (casual hikers) mostly because of low maintenance of the trail. The first two miles were pretty flat but the last half mile was “half mile from hell” reaching the majestic Bridal Veil falls.

The trail was full of wild flowers and wild mosquitoes :). This is a trail our group had difficulty doing but definitely created sweet memories about all the tough times and decisions we made. The waterfall was huge and easy to go upclose. For those interested, the trail to Lake Serene is much rockier and steeper which is why we decided to do Bridal Veils instead.

Hike talk: “Good Telugu, who draws the line? ”, Spirit of Gattaca, Return by 4.

One learning from this trip: Destination doesn’t matter, journey does.

Inspiration: A sunny weekend. This was our kickoff hike for this summer’10.   

Photo credits: Anitha

Description of the trail: This hike was surprisingly close. The cougar mountain has a lot of trails and we chose one combination of those so that it stays easy and pretty.

The hike had a random incline and decline which was quite interesting. This is a trail our parents could easily do. The waterfall was small but accessible, which allowed us to sit and spend some great time there. This was like a local version of Hoh rain forest.

Hike talk: Gilli Danda, Summers at grandparents’ villages, racing with the snail, horses.

One learning from this trip: a great hike can be just next door. 

Inspiration: Anitha found this hike. We love waterfall hikes since Franklin falls hike, they have a nice background music of the water flowing that's pretty meditative.

Photo credits: Pallavi (for first) and Anitha (for the rest)

Description of the trail: It starts with high transmission power lines but then immediately converts into a very woody trail. The flora has a lot more variety than on the trails near north bend.

The hike has a gradual incline until lower falls which was gorgeous btw. It got only slightly steep towards middle falls. The river was adjacent to to the trail for most part until lower falls which was really nice to see and hear.

Hike talk: Cinema Paradiso, "Are you having a good time in your life?", Photography to develop visual thinking, Body building, Nasal breathing, Sleep, DSLRs

One learning from this trip: don't believe the weather forecast and waste a pleasant weekend sitting indoors.