Journalist By Nature: Lower or Old Salmon River Trail

Selecting the extremely popular Lower Salmon River trail hike drew sixteen hikers to the trailhead at Zig Zag. This level, easy five miler is a great family scene as well as an attraction to photographers and bankside fishermen. Approaching the parking area we observed a rock climbing basic training session on a short rock slab across from the river. When asked why here, the climbers replied it was close to town so adequate for a quick climb to break the routine of the work day.

Tracking downhill from the road to the trail we all commented on the extensive greenery of the scene. An early, warm spring seems to have encouraged extra growth so that ferns were taller, mosses deeper and oxalis more prevalent. Despite heavy foot traffic, the rampant greenery crowded the trail in spots and softened the hard edges of little bridges. Boulders frozen in their downhill travels were covered with soft green moss, evidence that they were gathering rather than rolling as the old adage suggests. Geranium robertianum or Stinking Bob as the invasive species is known locally, has taken a solid foothold in the forests here, pretty in its dainty lavender coloring and fringed leaf but crowding out native plants.

Golden salmonberry

Oregon grape, foxglove, dogwood-looking bunchberry, and golden salmon berries already fruiting dotted the green landscape with color. Trilliums have come and gone but have been replaced by white-blooming oxalis. The delightful sound of water rushing over boulders accompanied us throughout the hike and the aerating water contributed a fresh scent to the forest air. Sunlight began streaming through the fir trees once the morning clouds evaporated in the rising temperature of the day. An occasional picnic table and a couple of quick touches on the road were the only reminders that we were close to a population. Otherwise, the sense was one of being deep in an ancient forest, mammoth-girthed trees stationed frequently along the route as a reminder of the age of this land.

Ancient Douglas fir

Tightly clustering around a picnic table after two or three miles, we shared lunch and jovial conversation together. A blue-tarped fisherman's shelter sat half hidden in the undergrowth at the shoreline as a testament to the special place someone liked to cast a line. Other hikers were out on the trail too, soaking in the pleasant views and sounds of nature. Returning as we had come, we agreed this was one of the most satisfying trails in our portfolio. Pick a mid-week, sunny day and find a peaceful time on the Salmon River.