Enchanting Teneriffe Falls

Teneriffe Falls (Kamikaze Falls)

North Bend Area

It was an overcast rainy day in Tacoma, and I knew I had to get out. Although, cuddling up on the couch and having a Netflix marathon sounded relaxing. I try to never let weather get the best of me and my adventures. The rain never hurt anyone, but snow, that's another story for another time.  My hiking partner and I wanted a place that was beautiful, but wouldn't be to long. So, we decided on Teneriffe Falls in the North Bend area. When we first arrived we discussed summiting Teneriffe Mountain which would have only added a little over 2 miles to our trip.

The hike starts off very easy, because you are on an old logging road, it's nice and wide. Great for families and bigger groups alike.  As you get closer to the lower falls you will get to a serious of switchbacks that open you up to the views of North Bend. Although, it was cloudy it was still an enjoyable view. The trail to the lower falls is still maintained very well, but if you want to go up to the upper falls be prepared to work for it. Especially, when it's raining, it could be easy to lose your footing. You can't be afraid to get dirt under your nails. I've never been a huge waterfall fan, but these falls were pretty amazing, not sure why TLC sings about not chasing them.  When we got to the upper falls, the sky decided to open up and start pouring. The trail to Teneriffe summit would not have been easy in the pouring rain, this trail is not maintained and was already getting extremely muddy. I did watch a fellow hiker take a tumble on the way down. I will be returning to summit in the near future.

I did want to make a note to those "newbies" to hiking. It isn't a good idea to come unprepared, you never know when weather is going to change. Hiking in shorts and cotton on a day that could turn could be a very bad idea. No one wants to be the person who froze to death on a trail as easy as Teneriffe. Always be prepared with WATER, snacks, jackets, and a small emergency kit. I just use a small REI Flashpack for my day hikes, and trust me it has been there when I needed it. Mother Nature has no rules, and there has been plenty of times that I was thankful for my extra jacket and my water.  Another question that has been going through my mind is why do people hike in fashion boots? This cannot be comfortable.  Moral of the story, always be prepared.

Until the next adventure.