Thanksgiving is a special time in America. Having enjoyed our visit to Washington State, we made the decision to repeat our time there this year. Last year, we stayed in a Cabin on the foothills of Mount Rainier but my in-laws have now moved south to an area around Riffe lake. Their house is idyllic nestled into the deep evergreen forest of Washington. The house is equal distance between Mount Rainier and St Helens. The nearest town, Mossyrock, is 20 minutes away and further provisions require another 20-to-30-minute journey. Their residence is adjacent to Riffe Lake a large reservoir which curves around the valley. The reservoir was created in the 1960’s by Tacoma Power and there are several submerged villages under the water.
The area has many features that are brilliant for photography. In 2017, the authorities lowered the reservoir level by 30 feet as there were worries that a seismic event in an area with several active volcanoes could lead to catastrophic flooding. Consequently the shoreline has exposed many trees that were cut down to make way for the original reservoir. The remnants of the tree trunks are stripped down and the roots are exposed. When exploring the shoreline these cut down trees look like alien beings which are ready to walk away. The word triffids comes to mind as one moves around the lake shore getting close up to these tree trunks.
Adjacent to Riffe Lack is Swofford Pond which is an oasis for fishing and wildlife. The road passes the shores of the pond and provides a scenic view of the area. On one side there is a bank from the start of green mountain and forms a scenic border to the surrounds of the pond. Everyday I passed by Swofford Pond and everyday I grew to love the area even more.
Riffe lake feeds into Mayfield Lake which in turn is another reservoir. This lake has several camping areas and the main boating town of Mayfield is at the southern head of the water. Whilst a popular boating resort in the summer months, during the winter the place is deserted which adds a degree of charm with the piers empty of boats. In Mayfield there is an island providing views up the lake with a miniature lighthouse that must be popular in the summer months.
The reservoirs and the pond around Mossybank are picturesque and there are many trails to explore. I will be back again to enjoy another view of the area. Whilst I was visiting, there were many residents that I came across whilst I was traveling around the area.
This is my second visit to Washington for Thanksgiving and I post a picture of my sister and brother in law together with Sandy enjoying our Turkey dinner.
If you are interested to read about my previous visit to Washington on 2022 then please follow the link below.
