CHARLES LATHROP PACK EXPERIMENTAL FOREST, WA:

There’s always a first, and today marked a wonderful milestone! This morning, I embarked on my very first solo hike, filled with excitement and anticipation. I woke up early to enjoy the beauty of Bashel Falls in Eatonville, Washington, just after the sunrise. This invigorating hike spans approximately 5.7 miles with an elevation gain of ~669 ft, reaching a top elevation of 1,117 feet. I arrived at the Bud Blancher Trail off Center St E in Eatonville, knowing the Little Mashel Falls Trailhead was only about 1.5 miles away, ready for an adventure!

Once on the trailhead, I could hear the sound of cars slowly drifting away, as the sound of rushing water grew more vibrant. The trail was well groomed and pleasantly quiet at this time of day. The few hikers I encountered were incredibly friendly, adding to the warm atmosphere. My adventure began with a visit to the Upper Mashel (Tom Tom) Falls, followed by the breathtaking Middle Falls, and finally the beautiful Lower Falls. Upon arriving at the upper falls, I eagerly removed my pack and settled onto a log, savoring the beauty around me and enjoying a quick snack. There’s something magical about the blend of birdsong, the gentle breeze, and the rush of water. As I made my way to the middle falls, I was greeted by a spectacular view, which made the slight technical hiking through the mud absolutely worth it. Then, I took my last turn toward the lower falls, ready for whatever the trail had in store for me. Not knowing the nature of the descent and subsequent ascent likely worked in my favor, as my legs were a bit spent by that point. I returned to the trailhead feeling accomplished and grateful, with the whole excursion taking about 3 hours.

I feel incredibly fortunate to call the Pacific Northwest home, where I can revel in the breathtaking landscapes. The waterfalls are absolutely magnificent, and the hike was a delightful adventure, featuring a charming path with wonderful surprises like babbling creeks along the way. Best of all, it’s all just a short drive and hike from where I live!

Hiking has an incredible way of quieting the noise around us and allowing our minds to focus on a thought or a series of thoughts, giving those ideas the space to flourish. Today, I was reflecting on a book I’m currently reading (The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle) while enjoying the beauty of the trail. As I hiked, I reminded myself to “be present” and “enjoy the moment.” Although my mind occasionally wandered between the past and future, I quickly found my rhythm. With each step, I embraced the trees, rocks, and sounds surrounding me. Tolle’s insights that “nothing happens in the past” and “nothing happens in the future” resonate deeply—the present is where life unfolds. Applying this mindset to my hike was refreshing. While I felt excited about reaching the falls, I realized that every moment leading there was just as important. As I descended to the lower falls, instead of fixating on the ascent back, I focused on the joy of the journey itself. I discovered that by being intentional with each step, carefully navigating the path, I could fully immerse myself in the present, knowing that the falls awaited me, and I would savor those moments “in the moment” when I arrived.

I’m choosing embrace the present and all it has to offer. Focusing solely on the future or the end goal can overshadow the beauty of the journey itself, which is filled with valuable experiences. Reflecting on my life, I’ve achieved some remarkable milestones, but it’s the stories and lessons learned along the way that truly resonate with me. The end goal is just a stepping stone, while the journey is where all the excitement and growth happen.

-Ken

• Eatonville, Washington 46°50′57″N 122°16′21″W
• 5.7 miles | 669 hiking elevation | ~3 hours
• 45 degrees with overcast