The DC branch of the Highlander Clan chose Fern Falls as their first "adult" hike of the summer. It did not disappoint! The hike begins at Fern Lake Trailhead and is 2.7 miles (one-way) with a 745' gain to an elevation of 8,800'. The first 1.7 miles, which I blogged about here and here, leads to The Pool. In place of the gorgeous Fall leaves in those pictures, however, were many bright and colorful flowers. This picture of The Pool shows the drama of the Fern and Spruce Creeks converging with the Big Thompson River.
The trail to The Pool is fairly easy, but the remaining mile beyond becomes rocky and steep. The reward is great, though, as Fern Falls is 60' high and cascades through a forested gorge, over huge boulders and fallen trees. It is so loud that it's difficult to communicate without shouting, and its rushing water creates a fine mist which refreshes the fortunate hiker.
Dr. William Workman of Denver named Fern Falls, as well as Fern Lake and Fern Creek, for his third wife, not, as one might think, for the many bracken ferns that grow along the lower part of the trail. An avid fisherman, Dr. Workman built Fern Lodge in 1910-1911 and made the area popular by inviting hundreds of visitors to stay in his lodge and explore RMNP.
