Trails traveled: Maxwell Falls Lower Trail, Cliff Loop Trail, Difficulty: Blue, (Moderate)
Out-and-Back, Loop, 5 miles round-trip, 1,161ft elevation gain
Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Weather: Cloudy, Overcast

• Waterfalls
• Wildflowers
• Cliffs
• Overlook
• Busy
• Stream

This was an easier “blue” hike. The overall altitude was lower and the elevation gain was only 1,161 feet. It was a nice hike to Maxwell Falls, which as you can see above are slowing to more of a trickle as the summer comes to a close.

The worst part of the hike was how busy it was. There were a lot of people on the trail, at least for the first mile or so. Once you make it to the falls, there was fewer people, but I had to go a little “off trail” to find some solitude. Even then there was a constant stream of voices, people talking as they hiked, which is fine.

On the way back to the car, the cliff loop to “avoid” the traffic to the falls was a nice diversion. Especially at the top, when you can scramble over to some rocks and look out at all the valley, and nearby hills surrounding you. That part of the hike was my favorite. It was also the most productive in terms of my writing/poetry.

My oldest told me I should go for a hike, while they are away, and she asked me to paint one of the wildflowers I find. I have a few options… which one do you think I should try to paint, or possibly sketch with pencil or pastels. It has been a little while since I got creative with my art supplies. Trying something new always requires some risk.

Let me know which one I should try to replicate below in the comments.

– Jason