Fisher Creek-Deception Valley Nude Hike

Overlooking the Deception Creek Valley
from the east side of Mount Sawyer

Just got back a few hours ago and I’m happy but tired. So this description of my hike will have to wait for a couple of hours until I refresh and get something to eat.

Well, it’s been more than a couple of hours . . . actually the next day as I got involved in naturist forum exchanges about the future of nudism that have me a little hot under the collar. But I promised myself to note down my nude experiences just in case someone else would take benefit from them and also get out and enjoy this wonderful lifestyle. So my report of Fisher Creek . . .

This is the route that intrigued me the last time I was exploring up in the Tonga Ridge area . . . the back road that connects to the end of the Tonga Ridge Trail and a spur of the Decption Creek Trail. The FS road end a few hundred feet further down from these trail junctions at a blocked wooden bridge over Fisher Creek. The last time I was up there, I wondered just where the road went after it crossed the creek because obviously, if it is physically blocked from vehicular traffic then it would make great nude hiking territory beyond.

There is a huge moat of dirt and a deep, impassable ditch
in front of this bridge. Cars can go no further so off it was hiking.

I parked and since I’d driven the entire FS road nude I was ready for the hike. Even so, testing the bridge carefully with my walking stick just in case the warning sign that said “Transportation Neatwork abandoned because of drainage stability” meant the bridge might collapsed on me. It didn’t . . . and I found out later that is was extremely stout construction underneath. I headed off to explore the disued dirt road ahead. Where it would take me I had no idea but that’s have the fun of hiking, isn’t it. Besides, it is pleasant to be able to hike without any thoughts that you might encounter someone else. This road was off the beaten track and I certainly wouldn’t be surprised by any cars, would I. I liked that and just strolled slowly, enjoying the sun on me.

Road scars heal slowly. The topo maps I checked showed that this road didn’t go far and those topos were dated years in the past. So I assumed the road had been abandoned a long time ago and that the topos only reflected the ending at the bridge. As far as I knew the road could indeed go somewhere and the scars of past tire compactation evidence of slow revertion.

The vegetation is retaking the road but how long will the tire ruts resist?
More importantly, how much more idylic can it get but to stroll naked down this verdant land?

Quiet, and peaceful and I feel luxurious soaking it all in. Unfortunately, those maps were correct. The road ends a couple of hundred feet further on in what looks like and ancient landlside tha once took out the remainder of this road but is now claimed completely in thick, impassable brush. I took in the signs of a few old fire rings . . . deadend camping sites. Then turned around to head back. I could have been disappointed, but I couldn’t be . . . it was worth even the little walk. There was still a brindge and a creek to investigate. Still, I dawdled and took my time leaving this little secluded deadend.

Fisher Creek is not as lively as some of the others in this area like Deception but that is to be expected this close to it’s headwaters. Still, the cold water does so pretty cascades over the multi-colored rocks

I have a penchance for creeks and love to get up close to them. It wasn’t easy as there was no easy way down to the banks except the scrambled down through thick brambles and blackberry thorns. Scratched myself up a little before carefully stepping out onto a slippery granite boulder in the swift water.

The Tonga Ridge geology is made up of a different batholith than the more common stratas of Deception and Surprise valleys. There is more oxidized iron and other mineral content in the granite whereas to the east just over the Straight Creek faultline the granite is chaulier grey and higher in quartzite. The minerals make for a lot of color in the boulders within the creek and I only wish that I’d had my rock hammer with me to collect some samples.

Off I go from boulder to boulder to explore the creek

You get some idea of the different minerals in these boulders when looking up close.

I spent the better part of an hour exploring the creek and even attempting to work my way upslope in hopes of finding an easier route to Fisher lake than the one off Tonga Ridge I found last year.

I got quite wet in the process but fortunately I’d left the backpack in a safe location while I played in the creek. Again . . . it was fun . . . and I am careful.

Lots of places to find a place to sit and enjoy the sun

Every nudist does it. You just cannot bring yourself to end the day and get dressed. I waffled and delayed. As the sun worked it’s way toward the ridge above I found a log near my car that was still out of shadow. Precious sunlight.

The drive back takes almost an hour . . . maybe a little more. Even though there were several vehicles at the trail juncture a quarter mile up, I drove nude and purposefully left my clothes out of easy reach. If anyone was there, they’d just see me and that’s that. I was going to enjoy my nudity for as long as I could. I waved at a party just getting in. I doubt they noticed . . . they looked bushed. As the road weaved up and around the northern face of Deception and Mt Sawyer the sun blared fully into the car and I made numerous stops to get out and enjoy a few more minutes of it on my skin.

I don’t know what it is. Am I becoming addicted to sunlight?

Driving back down with clothes out of reach

Rooster Rock Nude Beach Under Water (snowmelt)

The sign at the entrance to the Clothing Optional Area of Rooster Rock State park on the Columbia River east of Portland MSN MapPoint here

Well, I’ve always enjoy a good nude rain hike so I don’t suppose the fact that it was raining should take away from a visit to Rooster Rock.

That, and the fact that the mighty Columbia River is running a mite high? LOL . . . thar ain’t no beach exposed at all. Got to the end of Buffalo Trail . . . the one from the stairs . . . wading through knee-deep, mucky water most of the way and was rewarded with a mere foot or two of wet sand that WASN’T under water. Hmmm . . . tides? Swollen river? Just that time of year?

I’ve just been educated by someone who knows . . . it’s snow melt and the river is at it’s highest in June and will have receded enough for some great sunning by August.

I remember the flatness of the beach from last year and wondered if it were possible to make it out to Sand Island (those two little islands in the distance) but I must have hit one of those depressions I remember cause when the water got up to my chest and I didn’t seem close enough, I gave up. The water isn’t exactly warm enough yet for that kind of exploring.

All the area you see under water on out to Sand Island is normally exposed, flat sand

Exploring, I did and it wasn’t pleasant. Pervs all over the place towards the back trails . . . gave me the willies (no insult meant to the Willementans).

The newly installed and dedicated bench just down from the entrance. A place to change before you have to head up for the car.

The staff of the park are GREAT! Spent some time chatting with them and they are so friendly with great, positive attitudes. During my walk-about in the back area I noticed all the beer cans and bottles tossed into the bushes. I’m going to try and make this next beach cleanup. Hopefully . . . the river and weather will relent and gives us back the beach by then.

Rooster Rock Nude Beach Under Water (snowmelt)

The sign at the entrance to the Clothing Optional Area of Rooster Rock State park on the Columbia River east of Portland MSN MapPoint here

Well, I’ve always enjoy a good nude rain hike so I don’t suppose the fact that it was raining should take away from a visit to Rooster Rock.

That, and the fact that the mighty Columbia River is running a mite high? LOL . . . thar ain’t no beach exposed at all. Got to the end of Buffalo Trail . . . the one from the stairs . . . wading through knee-deep, mucky water most of the way and was rewarded with a mere foot or two of wet sand that WASN’T under water. Hmmm . . . tides? Swollen river? Just that time of year?

I’ve just been educated by someone who knows . . . it’s snow melt and the river is at it’s highest in June and will have receded enough for some great sunning by August.

I remember the flatness of the beach from last year and wondered if it were possible to make it out to Sand Island (those two little islands in the distance) but I must have hit one of those depressions I remember cause when the water got up to my chest and I didn’t seem close enough, I gave up. The water isn’t exactly warm enough yet for that kind of exploring.

All the area you see under water on out to Sand Island is normally exposed, flat sand

Exploring, I did and it wasn’t pleasant. Pervs all over the place towards the back trails . . . gave me the willies (no insult meant to the Willementans).

The newly installed and dedicated bench just down from the entrance. A place to change before you have to head up for the car.

The staff of the park are GREAT! Spent some time chatting with them and they are so friendly with great, positive attitudes. During my walk-about in the back area I noticed all the beer cans and bottles tossed into the bushes. I’m going to try and make this next beach cleanup. Hopefully . . . the river and weather will relent and gives us back the beach by then.

Photo: Lower Scenic Falls, enjoying the sun

Photo: Lower Scenic Falls, enjoying the sun

The Scenic Falls area is becoming one of my favorites areas for a quick nude hike. The falls are close to the trailhead . . . a matter of a ten minute easy stroll from where the car is parked and on the four visits I’ve made this hiking season I gave yet to see anybody in the area.

Where you see me sitting, enjoying the sun, I’m overlooking the glory of the cascading water and the roar of it’s 100-150 foot drop. Right in front of me! And yet no body seems to ever come this way! If I feel the need to stretch my legs I can either go down to the creek bed and be reckless (in the nude of course), or I can set off over probably 80 acres of open woodland . . . all without taking a stitch of clothing with me but the shoes and my hat. What freedom that is to be able to walk around totally naked and not have to bother carrying a pair of shorts to put on or deal with a backpack.

Photo: Lower Scenic Falls, enjoying the sun

Photo: Lower Scenic Falls, enjoying the sun

The Scenic Falls area is becoming one of my favorites areas for a quick nude hike. The falls are close to the trailhead . . . a matter of a ten minute easy stroll from where the car is parked and on the four visits I’ve made this hiking season I gave yet to see anybody in the area.

Where you see me sitting, enjoying the sun, I’m overlooking the glory of the cascading water and the roar of it’s 100-150 foot drop. Right in front of me! And yet no body seems to ever come this way! If I feel the need to stretch my legs I can either go down to the creek bed and be reckless (in the nude of course), or I can set off over probably 80 acres of open woodland . . . all without taking a stitch of clothing with me but the shoes and my hat. What freedom that is to be able to walk around totally naked and not have to bother carrying a pair of shorts to put on or deal with a backpack.

Photo: Me at LARC Last Year

Was checking out the LARC website, getting ready for enjoying their great sunning lawn when I came across this picture of me taken last year at LARC during the 2004 Buff n Shine Auto Show Open House. I.of course, just enjoyed the sun and one of the new (at the time) Dune prequels. Didn’t even realize my pictures had ever made it to the website.

LARC is one of my favorites places to go and relax in total peace of mind. The grounds are great, the folk friendly and one of the best sunning lawns I have ever seen anywhere.

You owe it to yourself to check this place out . . . the Lake McMurray exit on I-5 and along State 9 . . . Mapquest directions here.

Nude Hike Possibilities: Captain’s Point

3 miles one-way, moderate gravel road, remote and in full morning to early afternoon sun. Take water, binocs or camera and little else. This is an easy nude hike. Topo here

Looking north towards Captain’s Point

Captain’s Point is at the end of a seldom-used looging road above the Marten’s Creek Valley beyond the Iron Goat Trailhead. The logging road is approx 3 miles one way with moderate slope. The road for the most part hug the east slope on the way up . . . making this an ideal early morning hike to take advantage of the sun. All the way you are presented with open vistas of the valley below and when you reach the end of the road at Captain’s Point you can look out over the Skykomish Valley way below and spectacular Mt. Fernow to the southwest.

Birds abound, including grouse. Early on, there are opportunities to check out old construction equipment still on the road . . . including a crane perched crazily on the road.

The road is sometimes gated . . . and sometimes that gate is left wide open with seemingly abandon. The last time I hiked this road, we were startled by a beat-up car heading down . . . nothing official, I’m assuming someone up there exploring. For the most part, this area is seldom visited. On subsequent hikes I haven’t seen any indication of activity. This makes this gravel road a great place for a nude hike with plenty of sight distance to cover up if wanted. You won’t be surprised on this route!

To get there, take the turnoff on Highway 2 to the Old Cascade Highway (FS #67, N47 43′ 5.81″ W121 13′ 53.24″) and continue up 2.3 miles to FS #6710 (N47 43′ 11.31″ W121 11′ 10.61″). Continue up this FS Road, avoiding the potholes in the lower section, for approx 1.4 miles to the Iron Goat Trailhead (N47 43′ 46.93″ W121 12′ 24.27″). Take a toilet break here if necessary.

FS #6710 continues past the trailhead. Continue up another 2 miles to a junction or Y split in the road (N47 44′ 52.35″ W121 10′ 52.89″). You will just be able to see a one lane concrete bridge over the stream to the right. This is the fork you need to take. Continue for anothe 1/4 mile past the bridge and park to the side where another logging road T’s.

Now is the time to get naked but do it inside you car and apply bug spray now because this close to Kelly Creek the biting gnats swarm for warm bodies. Once on the road this is no longer a problem. The hike is straight ahead with 7 road switchbacks amid spectacular views. Enjoy.

Photo: Me at LARC Last Year

Was checking out the LARC website, getting ready for enjoying their great sunning lawn when I came across this picture of me taken last year at LARC during the 2004 Buff n Shine Auto Show Open House. I.of course, just enjoyed the sun and one of the new (at the time) Dune prequels. Didn’t even realize my pictures had ever made it to the website.

LARC is one of my favorites places to go and relax in total peace of mind. The grounds are great, the folk friendly and one of the best sunning lawns I have ever seen anywhere.

You owe it to yourself to check this place out . . . the Lake McMurray exit on I-5 and along State 9 . . . Mapquest directions here.

Nude Hike Possibilities: Captain’s Point

3 miles one-way, moderate gravel road, remote and in full morning to early afternoon sun. Take water, binocs or camera and little else. This is an easy nude hike. Topo here

Looking north towards Captain’s Point

Captain’s Point is at the end of a seldom-used looging road above the Marten’s Creek Valley beyond the Iron Goat Trailhead. The logging road is approx 3 miles one way with moderate slope. The road for the most part hug the east slope on the way up . . . making this an ideal early morning hike to take advantage of the sun. All the way you are presented with open vistas of the valley below and when you reach the end of the road at Captain’s Point you can look out over the Skykomish Valley way below and spectacular Mt. Fernow to the southwest.

Birds abound, including grouse. Early on, there are opportunities to check out old construction equipment still on the road . . . including a crane perched crazily on the road.

The road is sometimes gated . . . and sometimes that gate is left wide open with seemingly abandon. The last time I hiked this road, we were startled by a beat-up car heading down . . . nothing official, I’m assuming someone up there exploring. For the most part, this area is seldom visited. On subsequent hikes I haven’t seen any indication of activity. This makes this gravel road a great place for a nude hike with plenty of sight distance to cover up if wanted. You won’t be surprised on this route!

To get there, take the turnoff on Highway 2 to the Old Cascade Highway (FS #67, N47 43′ 5.81″ W121 13′ 53.24″) and continue up 2.3 miles to FS #6710 (N47 43′ 11.31″ W121 11′ 10.61″). Continue up this FS Road, avoiding the potholes in the lower section, for approx 1.4 miles to the Iron Goat Trailhead (N47 43′ 46.93″ W121 12′ 24.27″). Take a toilet break here if necessary.

FS #6710 continues past the trailhead. Continue up another 2 miles to a junction or Y split in the road (N47 44′ 52.35″ W121 10′ 52.89″). You will just be able to see a one lane concrete bridge over the stream to the right. This is the fork you need to take. Continue for anothe 1/4 mile past the bridge and park to the side where another logging road T’s.

Now is the time to get naked but do it inside you car and apply bug spray now because this close to Kelly Creek the biting gnats swarm for warm bodies. Once on the road this is no longer a problem. The hike is straight ahead with 7 road switchbacks amid spectacular views. Enjoy.

Fremont Solstice Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2005

c Alan Berner / The Seattle Times

The description that went along with this picture in the Seattle Times went “Nudity has become so old hat at the festival that a woman wearing just a purse and shoes hardly draws a glance.”

Mmmmmm . . . is Seattle finally changing. Last week the WNBR and cops behaved . . . this week the Fremont parade and nudity was an expected, accepted and integral part of the festival.

I went down there. Almost didn’t because there must have been close to a 100,000 people enmasse’ wandering around having a great time. And like the scene of this nude woman walking nonchalantly down the street, everything was copacetic. It was cool and I didn’t see anyone getting upset or bothered by the nudity.

Everyone was behaved as well and we had representatives from several nude clubs and resorts answering questions and enticing people to at least give the nudist lifestyle a chance. I thought it was very positive. My only regret was that I didn’t have the opportunity to go at it nude like so many others . . . but next year for sure.