As we congregated at the Big Creek trailhead, I suggested we switch the hike to Baxter Creek and see the big chimney. After some agreement and disagreement, we decided to do both the chimney and Mouse Creek Falls. First we're going to look for the big chimney. Sherri had been in the area many times and was skeptical of its existence. So off we went, up Baxter Creek Trail for about 15 minutes and then off trail where I remember it being. When we saw it, it was stunning. A huge chimney, bigger than life. It was part of the lodge built by Crestmont Lumber Co, right next to Big Creek. After a few photos we head back to trailhead and the journey to Mouse Creek Falls gets underway.
Big Creek Trail was a lumbering railroad bed and quite easy hiking. We made stops at Midnight Hole and what we earlier thought was Midnight Hole. A bit farther upriver is Mouse Creek Falls. The Mouse Creek enters Big Creek in a big way. On the way back, Sherri points out a natural rock formation known as the blockhouse. There is a scramble route to it but not today.
A Rhododendron in bloom!
Wendy brought the big gun today
The real Midnight Hole
Mouse Creek Falls enters the turbulent Big Creek
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