Wedventure 3.0 took us to the Silver Falls Loop Trail along the Ohanapecosh River in Mt. Rainier National Park. We hiked this trail as a family five years ago when Amber was a baby on my back, and it was amazing how much was the same (big trees, pretty waterfall, quality trail) and how much was different (zero kid-carrying, no Jeff, lots of climbing and jumping and running, wearing masks when we passed people). It was one of those rare outings where everyone was energetic, engaged, and excited about all of the details. This hike fulfilled my vision for our Wedventures. As a parent, there are dozens of things I do for and with my kids that aren't actively FUN for me specifically, but hiking with my kids (when everyone is cheerful) is my total zen zone. Best Wedventure so far!
The girls climbed every rock and stump they saw. We spent nearly 2 hours completing the 3 mile loop due to all of the stop-and-climb.
Generally I'm pretty easygoing when it comes to kid risk-taking in nature, but I must admit that this rock had me a tad nervous. Rose helped Amber scale the side and I didn't know if they were going to go tumbling off the back down the steep hill.
Soft springy moss coated nearly every surface!
Amber ran up mid-selfie.
At the halfway point in the loop, we met up with the river and climbed down to play for a while.
The water was deeper and faster-flowing than I had anticipated, and Amber's rock-jumping and climbing had me totally stressed. This was the other moment in our adventure where I was actively worried about kid safety.
Jay and Rose spent lots of time using rocks to sharpen sticks into spears.
Amber slipped and soaked her shoes in the water, but it didn't phase her one bit. She simply peeled off her socks and shoes and kept playing, climbing, and collecting rocks without missing a beat. I was very relieved that she didn't have pockets in her shorts, or else she would've tried to bring a pile of rocks home. Instead I was able to convince her to throw the into the river.
Spear-crafting.
When it was time, Amber pulled on her wet socks and shoes without batting an eye. I counted my lucky stars that Rose didn't get her socks wet, because she is not quite so easygoing about her footwear.
They insisted on climbing all of the rocks right next to the deepest part of the water. We were perched between two waterfalls, so a few feet downstream was the bigger waterfall. I think I said "be careful" a hundred times in 15 minutes. The phrase completely lost its meaning after the fifth repetition, but my motherly instincts would NOT allow me NOT to say it over and over as my children teetered on the edge of the river.
Seriously, Amby! That's the official big Silver Falls rushing away behind her!
Just breathe, Mama. That water is WAY deeper and swifter than it looks. Even though on nature expeditions I usually let the kids lead and don't force them to leave until they're satisfied (daylight permitting), I eventually herded them back to the trail to give my mom-stress a rest.
Climbing back up to the trail, with Rose way up front in the lead.
Silver Falls viewpoint. We shared this viewpoint with two other people, so we were masked.
Quick unmasking for a selfie!
The Ohanapecosh River dropped into a slim mossy crevice after the falls.
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Amber in her natural habitat.
As much as we always want Jeff along for our adventures, during this hike I realized that having outings with just one parent is special in its own way. When Jeff is with us, all four of us are constantly vying for his attention. When it is just me with the kids, I am more "at one" with the kids because I'm not competing with them for my husband's attention! Hah, how's that for an admission? I still love (and very much prefer) having Jeff come on adventures when he can, but it feels good to find that silver lining when I have to fly solo, which allows me to fully engage with my kids on their terms without hunky husbandly distractions. A sliver lining at Silver Falls--how appropriate!
Her pre-jump stance was on point!
One last tree-trio-hug!
I am training them well.
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