In March of 2016, I visited Tumalo Falls for the first time, only to find the gate closed for "construction." Undeterred, I gathered my gear and hiked
over two and a half miles up the road to the trailhead. Along the way, I found no signs of construction anywhere, which still leaves me wondering
about the true reason for the closure.
To reach the falls, I had to forge my own path through two to three feet of snow along the creek. Before sunset, cirrus clouds drifted overhead, and an
airplane contrail was torn apart by the jet stream, creating a stunning backdrop for the sun's pink light. I spent a few hours immersed in the
snow before starting my hike back. By that time, my legs and feet were numb, and I endured sharp pain all the way to the car. The experience was
worth it, and the unexpected five-mile hike made this shot even more special to me.
