Cycles Big & Small … The Deep Forest

Leaving this overlook, we proceed into the dark woods; The sound of rushing water is a waterfall that can be seen in the distance. We learn about geologic and plant cycles by opening Rumpie drawers in the rocks. We see a cougar, but there is no need to fear. A community of Rumpies is here to protect and guide us. A family of bears is perched on a cliff overlooking the bear cave. The Rumpies invite us to go inside the bear cave … and we do.

Upper Bank - Above the Flood Plain

The visitor continues up the trail as the season slowly turns to early winter. On an upper bank, in a wooded hillside, the visitor encounters a family of bears surrounding their den. Interpretive panels explain bear habitat and describe for the visitor the journey down the slide into the cave.

The Bear Cave

We slide down twists and turns through a whoosh of sound and lights to the home of hibernating bears. In their home, we find interactive exhibits that help us learn about the plants and animals that live in caves and/or underground.

Tall Timber on the West Slope

We continue up the trail into the deep forest of the coast range. A cathedral like landscape of 300 to 600 year old trees is a good place to see an elusive cougar.

Peaks in the Coast Range

We continue up the trail to the peak of the Coast Range where both the ascending and descending trails are visible.