The trail is well worn. The forest is thick with moss-covered pine trees creating dark shady areas. A cool wet breeze pushes down the stream. Hiking alongside the water is stimulating visually as well as to the touch. The summer sun shines, but without much effect due to the thick overstory. Your body acclimates as you exert energy on the mildly elevated hike.
Small gorges tunnel water swiftly, creating white bubbles, complementing the blue silty glacial tones in the water. Fallen trees hang over the stream—high winds or heavy snows felled them in years past. Now moss clothes them in vibrant greens.
A quick slip into the stream, at spots, could have a violent ending. It loses elevation quickly in multiple places as it runs through narrow rock embankments. Caution should be used. The fallen trees are inviting to stand upon to have a better view, but are dangerously slick.
The temperate rainforest climate is reminiscent of Southeast Alaska. Cool in the shade and warm in the sun with a damp air. Virgin Creek in Girdwood, Alaska is a perfect short hike, and long stay if you bring along a camera and tripod to capture images of the moving stream.
The trail is well worn. The forest is thick with moss-covered pine trees creating dark shady areas. A cool wet breeze pushes down the stream. Hiking alongside the water is stimulating visually as well as to the touch. The summer sun shines, but without much effect due to the thick overstory. Your body acclimates as you exert energy on the mildly elevated hike.
Small gorges tunnel water swiftly, creating white bubbles, complementing the blue silty glacial tones in the water. Fallen trees hang over the stream—high winds or heavy snows felled them in years past. Now moss clothes them in vibrant greens.
A quick slip into the stream, at spots, could have a violent ending. It loses elevation quickly in multiple places as it runs through narrow rock embankments. Caution should be used. The fallen trees are inviting to stand upon to have a better view, but are dangerously slick.
The temperate rainforest climate is reminiscent of Southeast Alaska. Cool in the shade and warm in the sun with a damp air. Virgin Creek in Girdwood, Alaska is a perfect short hike, and long stay if you bring along a camera and tripod to capture images of the moving stream.
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