Roosevelt Elk

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On Labor Day we drove with friends to Gold Bluffs Beach, part of Prairie Creek State Park, to hike in on Miner's Ridge Trail and see the forest. Gold Bluffs Beach is also where the trail to Fern Canyon begins. Both of these trails link up with others that will take an intrepid hiker inland to the Prairie Creek Ranger Station. Roughly an 11 miles loop, it's fun to begin in the early morning, pack a lunch, and come out again, tired but happy at the end of the day. Redwoods, Sitka Spruce, many species of ferns, trillium, Clintonia, and a host of other plants and trees are easily viewed from the trails as well as beautiful creeks and a few waterfalls.

I love going out to this beach because it's where a herd of resident Roosevelt Elk live. They are such majestic creatures and I never tire of looking at them. This is the first time, however, that I saw a baby up close. Usually they are hidden away in the bushes. This little guy (girl?) looked up in curiosity when I gave it a whistle. Lucky me!