About a year ago, my friend Dustin Naef read about a waterfall in the Castle Crags area named BurstArse Falls. Supposedly, the name refers to what you have to do to get there. Well, a few days ago, we set out to find this waterfall and found the name to be true. The first part of the hike was not too bad, although a little steep. After the initial climb, the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail for a couple of miles, which is a very nice walk along the side of a hill passing by a couple of natural springs along the way. Our map indicated that we should cross the creek, continue for a few hundred yards to a sharp switchback, and at the point of the switchback, veer off the main trail toward the waterfall. It sounded simple enough. Except when we got to the switchback, there was nothing but steep cliffs in the direction of the water. We looked over the edge and realized that this was the route to our destination. Yikes! But, having already walked two and a half miles to get to this point, we decided to give it a go. We made it down the forty feet or so of steep crumbling rock and found paradise.

As it turns out, we had reached the upper falls. A little way downstream, we reached the lower falls.

 

The experience is definitely one I will not soon forget. This lovely, secluded spot was just the right place to be on an unseasonably hot April afternoon. We decided that instead of attempting to go back up the steep cliff, we would attempt to follow the creek downstream to the place where the trail crosses it. While it was less harrowing than the cliff, the footing was unsure and precarious in many places. But, the creek and the forest were beautiful and we were the only people there that day. There were many little spots that just beckoned us to stop and take in the peacefulness of it all.

And so, the adventure continues. Every day I am grateful that I gave up my regular job in order to pursue my dreams. And even on days when my footing is unsure and the ground beneath my feet is a little unstable, I welcome the experience and relish the opportunity to share it with you.