I know I had previously walked up to see the old dam on Cascade Creek, but I can’t quite remember when I did. I’m positive it’s been more than 10 years, most likely more than 20, and quite possibly not since I was in high school (25+ years). Curious about it, I decided to take Rowan there for a our conditioning outing this afternoon.
Connor had agreed to help someone change a tire, so we dropped him off and headed to the end of Cascade Creek Road and the Cross Trail trailhead there.
Instead of turning off along the cross trail, we followed a well-worn path parallel to the Cascade Creek for a little ways before reaching the old dam.
I think the dam was put in during the WWII era naval days, but I’m not sure what for – I think it may have been used as a water source, and maybe for power generation. Whatever its original intention, it has not been used for that for a long time.
I would guess the dam is about 15 feet high, and whatever reservoir used to be behind it has been completely filled by rock.
I did want to explore up the creek, but did not feel like getting my feet wet today, so Rowan and I continued up the well-worn trail that went up into the forest on the Gavan Hill side of Cascade Creek.
I was curious if the trail more or less stayed parallel to the creek and might allow relatively easy access to different sections, but this did not turn out to be the case.
I am pretty sure the trail continues up Gavan Hill to the ridge line which would eventually connect in with Gavan Hill trail. Although I have not yet taken this route myself, I have talked to others who have.
We followed it uphill until it clearly was turning to go more directly uphill instead of gaining elevation side-hilling up above the water course.
On our way back, we passed a group of Mt. Edgecumbe students and a recreation staff member who were making their way past the dam. They appeared to be heading upstream with supplies for a small fire and picnic.
Connor saw the Red-winged Blackbird around Finn Alley this morning.
