Nature has a way of catching you off guard, stopping you in your tracks, and making you take a good look around you at the wonders She's offering you. In the many years we've been hiking and camping, we always seem to experience this, and one of the most intense experiences came when we visited B. Creek, in British Columbia.

Now, the name of the creek is withheld because we made a promise to the locals that we would never reveal the location of this stunning little cascade. They'd had more than a few problems with irresponsible hikers going in there and drinking and causing major destruction; they weren't too happy when we asked about going there. However, after several minutes of discussion, we were finally granted permission - but only on the condition that we didn't tell anyone where this place was located.  We agreed, and we've never broken our promise.

B. Creek is bordered on either side by high, steep hills loaded with different kinds of foliage.  There are two trails, but they're so obscured by leaf litter and deadfall that you're scrambling more than you're actually walking, so you really feel the burn when you're climbing.  When we were there, we were both stunned and deeply concerned at the dryness; even the sphagnum moss was so dry it literally crackled if you stepped on it.  When we realized there was no spray coming off the waterfall, though, we knew things were bad...

It had already been a very bad summer due to drought conditions. There were fires all over the place, several creeks had dried up - some locals we talked to said they'd never seen some of the creeks dry in their entire lifetimes, and they were in their 70's and 80's. 

Once we found the main trail that led up to the waterfall, we were able to stop and catch our breath and take a good look around us.  Tall hemlocks and spruce trees grew among all the deadfall (and there was a lot); the creek itself gurgled and chugged over the rocks just under its surface as it made its way down to the lake it feeds.  Old, long-dead fir trees pockmarked with woodpecker holes near their bases contrasted with huge, fallen tree trunks bleached almost white by the sun and the weather.  Orange and green sphagnum and other mosses grew in tight patches next to each other and close to the banks, where the moisture from the waterfall spray kept them alive, while ferns and other large-leaf plants competed with each other and the surrounding berry bushes for space, light, and water.

When we reached the top of the trail, we saw a narrow wooden bridge straddling the 50-foot waterfall, with the "viewpoint" area on the other side of the fall. As we slowly made our way across the bridge, we couldn't help but feel amazed by the beauty surrounding us, and subdued at the intense dryness of the earth. Even at the viewpoint, just a few feet away from the waterfall, there was no spray...

We continued on past the viewpoint, following a virtually invisible trail that led to the spot where the picture above was taken.  The "dam" was built out of carefully measured and fastened logs many years ago - in the 50's, I believe it was - and it was built high enough to create a small but reasonably deep plunge pool at its base.  Hubby actually stripped down and went right into it while I sat on the rocky "beach" and kept an eye out for other humans.

We spent a good hour at B. Creek, soaking up the heat-released fragrance of the earth and the trees, splashing around in the creek, and just taking in the feel of the land around us.  We'd have stayed longer, but I caught wind of a bear coming by, so we had to leave.

Sometimes, the best places to be are the ones that are the most difficult to get into. You just never know what you're missing until you find yourself at the top of a waterfall, surrounded by a diverse forest, a man-made plunge-pool, and the intoxicating aromas of Mother Earth...

We hope you enjoyed this little side trip, Campers.  With the summer camping season already started, we hope this little trip has helped you get excited about getting out and finding new places to explore.  Just remember:  Always be sure to pack out whatever you pack in, and always respect where you are.

Have a great weekend!