This is a special place for me, as I always reflect about the Press expedition who named this portion of the Elwha River "Goblin's Gates," because some of the rock formations looked like Goblin's faces. I've read, that since that time, 1890, some of the faces have fallen into the river. In the winter of 1889-1890. During the fall of 1889, the year Washington became a state, the Seattle Press newspaper called for "hardy citizens . . . to acquire fame by unveiling the mystery which wraps the land encircled by the snow capped Olympic range." This call was answered by James Christie, who volunteered to organize an expedition if the Press would finance it. The Press Party consisted of six men (one of them left the expedition early; five completed the trip) whom the Press described as having "an abundance of grit and manly vim," four dogs, two mules, and 1500 pounds of supplies. This group entered the Olympics in December 1889, one of the harshest and snowiest winters in the Peninsula's history.
Lake Crescent is 624 feet deep. It's also known for its brilliant blue waters and amazing clarity (Olympic National Park) As a child I remember driving around lake Crescent's twisty road with my Mom & Dad, secretly hoping we wouldn't drive off the road into the lake. Having picnic's and camping were part of my earliest recollections. I can recall my Mom telling me to wait for an hour before I could go swimming. I spent my 20th Birthday at this same spot, diving off the dock into it's frigid waters, surfacing, whilst hollering how cold it was to my friends. The scene before me was mesmerizing as it had not changed since my childhood. The morning I shot this photo it was a quiet morning with no one around but myself. It was a time to reflect about my childhood memories, and the great times spent here . "Each year I return, it's like visiting an old friend."
Spirit Falls is a scramble down a steep moss covered talus slope. It's not an easy go as there really isn't a trail or signs to follow. As I made my way down to the river I could hear the roar of the falls. It's only 33' high, but it's a monster. Two kayakers have drowned going over the falls. It's a beautifully dangerous area.