Sagittarius Viking
Mindful exploring, through the eyes of a viking daughter.
A Zen-Minded Thanksgiving Week, part 3
I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, this is what it is to be happy.
― Sylvia Plath
The third, and last part of my Zen Minded Thanksgiving Week, a beautiful hike along the McCloud River in northern California. (Here is the first, and the second part of the series.)
The McCloud River is probably northern California’s most scenic waterway. It features three amazing waterfalls, along a 4 mile well maintained trail. It’s a super easy hike, part of it is even paved.
One of the most unique things with this place is that each waterfall have their own trailhead, parking lot, and clean restrooms. You could just drive up to one of the trail heads, and simply enjoy the waterfall, if you’re for some reason unable to do the 4 mile hike.
There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.
― George Gordon Byron
The lower fall have a wonderful swimming hole. It’s very popular during our hot summers. The swimming hole, and the trail can be crowded during spring/summer. I’ve done this hike many times, and last week was the first time I didn’t see a single soul, until after the hike.
The water was ice cold, but my dog couldn’t resist jumping in, time after time. She’s crazy about water, and a great swimmer. McCloud River Trail is a serene place, where the most exquisite nature is easily accessible for everyone. It’s very suitable for meditation, especially this time of the year. Have you been there? If so, what was your experience? Is it a place you would like to visit?
Happy Friday!
Love,
Ms Zen
PS. I just came back from another road trip last night (Nevada and Lake Tahoe.) I’m home to do some laundry, and repack my bags for a weekend trip later today. I promise to get back to everyone as soon as I can. I really appreciate your visit, emails and comments here!
Absolutely beautiful! I am going to see if I cna get my family to head out here soon! How far is Mcloud River from the Bay Area?
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Thank you so much! You would enjoy it. It’s a 4,5 hour drive from San Francisco. There’s so much to see nearby. If you do visit, make sure to have lunch, or dinner at Yak in Dunsmuir (it’s on the way, 30 min form the falls.) It’s a very special place, rated among the best in the country. It’s been on several food shows. Organic, and local food made from scratch.
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Did not know all these facts about the area. Will definiltey try and stop by over the holidays. Thank you for the info.
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Lovely images
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Thank you so much! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
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Who was McCloud river named after? Don’t say it-McCloud!! 😀
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Lol, it was named after the pioneer Ross McCloud 😉
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Ah THAT McCloud!
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Yes..
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😂
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Looks beautiful. I especially love waterfalls, I’d visit there in a heartbeat!
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Thank you Eliza 🙂 Waterfalls are magical 🙂
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Loved the pictures, and your dog too!
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Thank you so much!!
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Beautiful waterway and I especially love the photo of your dog enjoying the water.
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Thank you Regina 🙂 Both of us had a great time! I’m happy you enjoyed the photos.
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Gorgeous! I was in McCloud once about 20 years ago. Time to go back and soak up the beauty!
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It always a good time to go there 🙂 Happy New Year!
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