We finally managed to schedule a week off from work! We kicked it off with a hike the little guy could enjoy with us... a short jaunt up to Franklin Falls.

Heading out
The trailhead sports a very visible marker...

The little hiker
He was pretty excited to get going... and he even wanted his own walking pole.

Well-maintained
The trail is very well maintained, and a favorite for families with kids.

Denny Creek
The views along the creek are pretty awesome at times, and the cool water makes for a comfortable hike, even on a warmer day, like the day we went.

Fun rocks
The early part of the trail makes the creek very accessible, much to the little guy's delight!

Clear water
The water in the creek runs clear and cool.

Cold!
Denny Creek is glacially fed, Which makes for some pretty cold water! There's a lot to enjoy along the creek as you make your way up to the falls... and we stopped a lot to take advantage of that.

Smiling big
The little guy had a great time playing on the rocks in the creek bed!

Old Pipe
This old pipe from the mid-to-late 1800's - a log with a hole drilled through it, wrapped in wire for strength and covered in tar, is a reminder of times gone by. There are areas still serviced by these types of pipes, though.

High bank
A recent slide made for a pretty thin place to walk, with a steep bank... the little guy did fine

Big bridge
The little guy realy liked the bridges that took us over the various streams and watery areas... they kept us safe and dry, and protected the area from us trampling on them.

Heading up
This portion of the trail really provides great views of the creek from above!

Big Cedar
This is a pretty big cedar tree!

Getting a ride
At the high point of the trail, the little guy wanted a break, so I put him in the backpack carrier.

The Falls
The first real view of the falls... the little guy LOVES waterfalls!

Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls are the last of 3 drops the stream goes through... farther up the creek, there are two other drops, although at 80 fee, these are the largest. You can walk to the base of them, and the cool misty wind is almost cold! They're pretty impressive close up.

I-90
The falls are between - and under - I90's Westbound (which you can see in this picture) and Eastbound Lanes... hundreds of thousands of people drive by with no idea they are there.

My two favorite people
Posing with the falls.

Franklin Falls
We took a last look at the falls, and then headed back.

Closed!?!
We went up to the Pass to grab lunch at the Family Pancake House in the Pass, and noticed that it was closed... bummer.

On the digger
The little guy thought the digger sitting under the awning was pretty cool.

Ken's has a new name
Everything changes! (Sigh) Ken's now is called 'Country Pride'. Same menu, different name. Oh, well, it had good food, anyway.

 

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