Even with all of the people passing me, this part of the hike was gorgeous. Dense trees from the top of the hill down to the bottom of the ravine. I had entered a forest with all of the layers of nature that I love. As I admired the rocky ledge and hollowed out tree trunks and all of the surrounding shades of green, I turned the corner and was greeted by a spectacular waterfall.

The trail was stunning and ever-changing. I walked along packed dirt, kicked up loose sand, weaved around puddles of water, tripped on rocky terrain, crossed streams while balancing on wobbly rocks, and climbed on basalt rock formations as the water cascaded between the massive boulders.

Just the drive, with the layers of pine trees climbing up the mountain in front of me, and the snow-capped volcano shrouded in a ring of clouds jutting to the sky above them, was enough to put a smile on my face and remind me what I love about this area.

I opened my eyes and was surrounded by deep red shades of mahogany and rust, browns resembling milk chocolate and cinnamon, and hints of black brushed in long upward strokes along the trunks.

An easy hike on a rainy day where we found mossy trees, lacy lichen, grass growing in the middle of the river, and a glassy pool surrounded by silence.

This short, flat, wheelchair accessible trail offers mountain views and birdwatching.