How I did it: My wife did most ot the planning.  We pulled a trail out to the trail guide.  First off, when they say good for elementary grade school children, they mean grade school children raised in the woods by wolves.
All our kids were home from school and the USAF.
We had a 2 mile descent to the arena of the falls.  About 3/4 of the way there was an old cementary we visited and paid our respects.  The trail in to the area o of the falls was fairly steep.
The water was refreshing.  We tried climbing up to one of the, but it was slippery and unsafe. (We later read that this is what causes most of the accidents at falls.)
After getting cooled off we headed back up to our car. (That sounds easy, but remember we descended for 2 miles to the get to the falls.)
15 minutes into our trek out of the woods (not far by the way) we came upon a bear.  Yes, a bear!.  It was actually quite amazing.  However, we couldn't get over the fact that we wanted to go where he was.  Panic ensued.  My wife called 911 to get the forest ranger.
The boys wanted to get closer. My daughter was calm. (Later, I discover she was scared.  Just stalled waiting for the next thing to do.)
My wife gets advice from the part ranger.  It helps a little but still very worried.  We wait for the bear to move.  (Remember it is their home., we are the visitors.)  After a bit he moves on, btw, no pictures, she was afraid it would enrage the bear.
About 20 more minutes of careful marching.  Bear number two!!  Much bigger than the other bear, which was not a cute cub.  It hangs around the path longer almost as if keeping a watchful eye on us as we continue up the trail.  (Remember up the trail.)
I figure that it is best to stay about 20 paces in front of the family as the trail is curving up the ridge, to act as a look out.  We were travelling at a good pace.  There was a cliff to out immediate left, So that seemed safe like walking along side of a building.  Not 10 feet in front of me a bear comes down from the sky. Tumbles into the path, Somersalts over and hops to its feet.  It gives the look, "I meant to do that!."  And the bear scurries off into the brush.
That was it!  Enough nature!  We just put our heads down and beat feet to the car.  Bears are rappelling out of the sky!  There is no reason to wait for the next siting.
Later, people were amused but amazed.  They have been hiking for years and never saw a bear.

We will do it again.  Not soon! but again.  It was great family time.

Lessons & tips: First off never let your wife pack a back pack for you to carry.

1. The kids (young adults) can carry their own water.
   
2. Judge the distance, short trip does not require 2 bottles for each person with ice to keep it cold.
   
3. Again look into the backpack before you agree to carry it.
   
4. Take a whistle.  It will scare the bears.  Or enrage them.  (I so wished I would have taken a picture.)
   
5. Choose an easy trail for your first hike.  There was nobody out there with us. (Well except for the bears.)

Resources: Check the internet.
Get a trail map before you go at visitor's center.

Jul 23, 2009, 05:42PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer