May Creek Falls / Reiter Foothills Forest Trails

BIG DARK IS OFFICIALLY OVER! Fake spring has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. It's sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and 70 degrees each day on the weekend in mid-March. Everyone knows this won't last, because it is of course, false spring, and we'll be back to rain and cooler temps very soon. As such, everyone simultaneously jumped out of their puffy winter coats and into their hiking pants. Forget the Vitamin D pills today, we all can just get outside! 

Near the beginning of the trail

And get outside they did. We initially planned on going to Wallace Falls State Park to do the Wallace Falls trail. We knew it would likely be busy but we tried anyway. We aimed to get to the parking area of the trailhead around 10-ish. As we approached it was obviously we were already too late. There were signs a few roads away saying "WALLACE FALLS PARKING FULL". We continued on towards the trailhead because who knows, maybe someone left. Then we saw cars parking on the side of the road almost a half mile away from the parking lot. Not a good sign. Once we got to the parking lot...it was indeed full. And there were several cars circling around for a spot. We became engulfed in the circle dance of looking for a spot for only a brief moment before a State Park employee told us all to leave "There's no parking here!!". Well that sucks. We just drove in from Seattle.

 

Thankfully we're in Washington on Route 2, nonetheless. There's good hikes EVERYWHERE. We saw there was another trail not even a half mile away called May's Creek Trail so we headed over there. It's a really small parking area off of a short road near Gold Bar, WA.  There were maybe 7 or 8 other cars there, but if there wasn't we'd be a little weirded out parking there, it seemed almost like private land. And it wasn't marked well as trailhead parking either. There wasn't even really a trailhead sign. It's obvious that this is not a frequently traveled path! There are no bathrooms on site, FYI. Luckily I went at the Wallace Falls trailhead parking lot before we were pushed away.

Not far into the hike the trail crosses a logging road. Don't take the road, the trail continues beyond the road.

Reading previous reviews of the trail, it seems that there has been upgrades and that it used to be a bit sketchier in the past. Oh well, we enjoyed it!

This is a logging area. Thankfully there are areas designated to not be cut.

Interestingly enough, I can find VERY little information on the trail. I only found it because it was on AllTrails as being near Wallace Falls. In fact, it's one of the only sites I can find on google that mentions May Creek Falls Trail at all. I guess we found a cute gem of a jaunt? Other sites call it the Reiter Foothills Forest Trails. The Sky Valley Vista Trail is part of this whole system as well. So whatever it's called...it was cute.

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Hellbent Brewing

Hellbent Brewing Company is situated in the Lake City neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It’s recognized for its expansive and diverse beer selection, typically featuring a mix of styles from hop-heavy IPAs to robust stouts and refreshing lagers, catering to a broad spectrum of beer enthusiasts. It's a 21+ taproom that is extremely dog friendly. In fact there was a dog off leash running around upstairs. That's a bit much but hey. 

Pretty chilly evening, but we're still outside!

Hellbent's award-winning brews are a testament to their commitment to the craft. Their Seattle Sunshine, a hazy pale ale, boasts of bready malts and a symphony of hops, earning it the Platinum "Best in the Northwest" title by SIP Magazine in 2020. The Dang! Citra IPA, with its citrusy tropical hop aroma, and the Red Patina Amber Ale, a medium-bodied ale with hints of caramel and toffee, have both clinched accolades at the Washington Beer Awards. And for those who love a classic, the Northwest Pilsner is a nod to the traditional, with a slight twist of Northwest hops.

I had 100% Fresh Hop IPA, Dog Parade Starts Here! Hazy IPA, and Juicier and Juicier Hazy IPA. My GF had several in a flight and a Mossback Monk Belgian Tripel. Overall a pretty good trip! I definitely had more than I should have considering we had some hikes planned for the weekend!

I guess I'm a hazeboi. Another hazy at Hellbent

The brewery has made a name for itself not just through its beer but also through its welcoming and relaxed environment. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a casual and friendly place to enjoy high-quality craft beers. The interior usually offers ample seating with an upstairs and downstairs area. 

 Upstairs has more seating.... and pinball! There is also a fairly large outdoor area with picnic tables on gravel and another area with synthetic grass. The décor often reflects a warm, homey, semi industrial aesthetic, making it an inviting space for socializing and relaxation. There are TVs throughout the taproom in case you wanted to watch the Mariners lose their chance at the World Series. (too soon?).

Chicken Puffy Tacos??? WHY NOT?!

In addition to their brews, Hellbent is known for hosting a rotating lineup of food trucks, offering patrons a variety of culinary options to pair with their beers. These might range from local favorites serving up gourmet burgers and fries to exotic cuisines offering unique and flavorful dishes. Mexicuban Food Truck was there during our visit. Fluffy Tacos? Yeah they have them, and they were pretty good too!

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Audacity Brewing

Nestled in the charming town of Snohomish, Washington, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in the world of craft beer after hiking the Heather Lake Trail—Audacity Brewing! This family-owned sanctuary of brews emanates an adventurous spirit and a willingness to take bold risks, embodying the essence of audacity in every sip.

An upstairs bar to overlook the brewery

 Inspired by the Pacific Northwest 

Audacity Brewing is not just a brewery; it’s a homage to the Pacific Northwest, respecting the rich brewing traditions of the region while pushing the boundaries of conventional brewing. Being in the epicenter of diverse flora and fauna, it’s a place where the lush landscapes of Washington meet the refined art of brewing, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. They were all out of the Belgian Quad we both wanted to try but we still had some great brews. (They also said there was a barleywine coming out soon... #BiL).

Family-Owned and Operated 

Walking into Audacity, you feel the warmth and intimacy that only a family-owned establishment can offer. It’s a place where passion for brewing intertwines with familial values, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming and genuine. Every guest is treated like a part of the family, welcomed to share stories over a beer... or two. The upstairs interior is for 21+ adults only, which creates a nice barrier for those who'd rather imbibe without children around.

A Symphony of Flavors  

Audacity’s small-batch production philosophy allows them to explore a plethora of styles and flavors. The selection here is ever-evolving, a rotating symphony of innovative and quality brews, ensuring that every visit offers a new flavor experience. It’s a paradise for those who, like me, love to venture into the unknown territories of taste! I ended up getting the Greed Island, Audax Strategem, and Blanc Bines IPA, while my GF got Petiliste Ruze, and Czech amber lager, and Enksy, a Patersbier. All in all, a great first impression. If we hike in the area again, which we will, we'll be back for sure.

Comfy upstairs seating area 

 Sustainability: A Core Philosophy  

Audacity Brewing embodies a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. They have intertwined sustainability with their brewing process, ensuring each step is taken with the utmost consideration for the environment. By donating spent grain to local farms and repurposing spent hops for compost, Audacity is not only reducing waste but is also contributing to the ecological cycle of the local environment. Their meticulous conservation efforts, such as collecting water through their heat exchanger for brewing and cleaning, showcase their dedication to preserving the natural splendor of the region. It’s a seamless blend of ethical brewing and environmental consciousness, a testament to their resolve to make a positive impact on the planet. How awesome is that! I can get behind that. A brewery back in PA, where I used to live, used their spent grain for brunch. I'm almost positive...

A Tapestry of Stories  

 The taproom at Audacity is more than just a place to enjoy great beer; it’s a tapestry where stories are woven, and experiences are shared. It’s a hub where locals and visitors converge to create memories, a place where every individual is a thread in the vibrant fabric of Audacity’s community. There was unfortunately no food truck outside, even though we were starving. That would've made the trip truly complete, but they did have small snacks to tide us over. Per their website, they do occasionally host food truck events. I suppose just not on a late Sunday afternoon.

We had the upstairs to ourselves!

 A Commitment to Local Impact 

Audacity feels a deep responsibility to leave a lasting, positive imprint on society. They are not just brewers; they are nurturers of community spirit, supporters of local small businesses, and advocates of regional sourcing. Every initiative is a step towards creating a more cohesive and supportive community environment.

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Hidden River Brewing

 

I'm an old man apparently and got my hand in the picture.... view from the house and deck from the sitting area by the creek.

Hidden River Brewing is a craft brewery and taproom located in Douglassville, Pennsylvania. The brewery is housed in a historic 'haunted' stone building known as the Brinton Lodge dating back to the 1700s.

Brinton Lodge, located in Douglassville, Berks County, is a centuries-old architectural gem with a rich, eclectic history. Situated in the rural area west of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, this structure dates back to the 18th century. Initially a modest farmhouse built by the Millard family—who were among the region's first settlers and bought their land from William Penn—the property has evolved dramatically over the years.

In 1796, ownership transitioned to the Kirlin family. They diversified the property's use by producing ammunition for the War of 1812. During this period, the Schuylkill River Canal was constructed through the land, and there were whispers that the property was a hidden station on the Underground Railroad.

Fast-forward to the early 20th century, the Wittman family, affluent entrepreneurs connected to the iron trade in Philadelphia, took over. They transformed the humble farmhouse into a grand 28-room mansion. Later, in the Prohibition era, Caleb Brinton, a hotel magnate from Reading, turned the mansion into an exclusive men's club, welcoming only the elite and well-known.

Most recently, the site functioned as Covatta's Brinton Lodge Restaurant but has since been converted into Hidden River Brewing Co., a craft brewery and brewpub. Additionally, the venue offers spooky candlelit ghost tours each month, adding yet another layer to its fascinating history. The establishment now stands as a preserved piece of local heritage for the community to explore and enjoy. I can't say we did the haunted ghost tour, but the inside of the place is fascinating. 

I never grabbed a picture but I love the coziness of the different rooms inside the house as well, they don't just have a great outside. Nothing like going there to find out it's not very busy and getting to sit near one of the fireplaces inside!

Nothing like a beer by the water outside!

Hidden River derives their name from the nearby Schuykill River, no the water in the picture above is not from the main river, but a small offshoot stream. Schuykill roughly translates to "Hidden River" in Dutch, hence the name! Now you know, because I didn't at first!

Hidden River Brewing is known for their creative and experimental beers, using locally sourced ingredients and unique brewing techniques. They offer a wide range of styles, from traditional Belgian farmhouse ales to modern IPAs, stouts, and sours, but do tend to focus on more hop-forward beers. In such, I'd say...they make some of the best IPAs...specifically hazy IPAs in Pennsylvania. But that's just my opinion..man.

In addition to their beer, Hidden River Brewing also features a taproom that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their brews. The taproom has a rustic, farmhouse feel, with a bar made from reclaimed wood, exposed brick walls, and antique furnishings. There is also a cozy outdoor patio area with seating for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks in the fresh air. When its nice out you can sit down by the water as well!

They do have a small food menu and occasionally have food trucks Fridays and Saturdays as well!

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Cushwa Brewing

In the saturated world of craft beer, Cushwa Brewing Co. in Williamsport, Maryland, stands out as a beacon of innovation and passion. Not to be confused with Williamsport, Pennsylvania where there are other great breweries such as New Trail. 

Established by a trio of friends with diverse backgrounds, Cushwa has quickly become a favorite among beer enthusiasts, myself included! I shamelessly use and enjoy using the Untappd app. I found out about Cushwa by searching highest rated breweries within 70 miles. Cushwa was right on the border of that. It is an easy straight-shot down I-81 from Harrisburg, PA, so why not? It's a nice little one hour trip to a great brewery. 

I can't properly explain why, maybe it's the focus on NEIPAs, stouts, and fruited sours, but Cushwa reminds a bit of Ever Grain in Camp Hill, PA. My all time favorite Central PA brewery. They've done collaborations before so I'm not totally off on that one!

Cushwa's Founding and Philosophy 

Garrett Chambers, Marcus Thomas, and Scott Coleman, each with a unique professional background, founded Cushwa Brewing Co. Their collective journey from home brewing to establishing a successful microbrewery is a testament to their dedication and love for craft beer. They chose Williamsport, a spot rich in history and community spirit, to bring their vision to life. The founding ethos was simple yet profound: create exceptional beer and foster a community around it.

The Art of Brewing at Cushwa: A Symphony of Flavors

At Cushwa Brewing Co., brewing is not just a process, but an artistic endeavor that celebrates the rich tapestry of flavors. Their reputation for New England-style (Hazy) IPAs has made them a standout in the craft beer market, but their mastery goes far beyond. The brewery’s offerings are a testament to their innovative approach, where traditional brewing methods meet creative exploration.

 

Sitting at one of the long communal tables facing the bar area. They do have normal seating for those that want to sit alone or away from others. I always want to be away from others, but since we day drink it was very quiet, LOL.

 

A unique highlight in their portfolio is the Electrofruit series, a testament to their prowess in crafting kettle sours. These monthly offerings showcase Cushwa's ability to infuse traditional sour beers with imaginative, vibrant flavors, creating a sensory experience that’s both refreshing and unique. The Electrofruit series, along with their other diverse offerings like the robust and flavorful Rambo imperial milk stout, illustrates the breadth of Cushwa’s brewing capabilities. Each beer is a reflection of their commitment to quality, innovation, and a desire to offer a multifaceted beer experience.

They technically don't offer flights but you are able to order 2 small pours at a time. The small pours are like 5-6 ounces if I remember correctly. 

A Hub for the Community 

Cushwa isn’t just a place to enjoy great beer; it’s a community hub. The spacious, light-filled taproom invites visitors to relax and connect. This sense of community extends to collaborations with local businesses, like the successful venture with Rad Pies, offering a delicious pizza experience right inside the brewery and expanding their beverage options to include local wines and ciders reflect their commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. I can attest to Rad Pies! They are pretty darn good and having them glass-cased inside the brewery is the ultimate plus.

 

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Bissell Brothers Brewing - Portland, ME.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company is a well-known craft brewery located in Portland, Maine. It was founded by brothers Peter and Noah Bissell in 2013. The brewery has gained recognition and popularity for producing a variety of innovative and high-quality beers, particularly in the New England IPA style. They are known for their flavorful and hazy beers that appeal to a broad range of craft beer enthusiasts. So obviously...I had to go, right? I'm not from Portland, but I have a sneaking suspicious that Bissell are one of the best breweries in the city. If I were lost in the vacuum of space (pun intended) I'd love to be floating around with a can of Swish!

This was actually my main destination for the day. We got to explore South Portland and areas around there a bit after we got into the area, but that was only pretext to getting to Bissell!

Bissell Brothers have been influential in the craft beer scene and have contributed to the growing popularity of the New England IPA style, characterized by its hazy appearance, juicy and fruity flavor profiles, and lower bitterness compared to traditional IPAs.

 

Fresh Swish on draft. We made it to the motherland!

 

Core Beers

Some of the core beers produced by Bissell Brothers include:

The Substance Ale: This is one of their flagship beers, a New England IPA known for its hazy appearance and juicy, tropical fruit flavors.

Swish: A Double IPA with robust and bold flavors, featuring a variety of hop notes. They had this on draft when I was there. So glad it was 'in season'!

Baby Genius: A Session Ale with a lower alcohol content, suitable for easy drinking.

Lux: A Rye Ale with distinctive malt character and balanced hoppiness.

The other beer I had when I was there was Reciprocal, which was a great IPA as well. I enjoyed it so much I bought a 4 pack to take on our journey throughout Maine. Oddly enough, the cans were really hard to get through. Totally different product. Odd. Oh well.  I was also lucky enough to try  Betwixt & Between With Coffee an American Barleywine and Forces Realign, a bourbon barrel aged stout. MAN they were good.

Location and Facility

The brewery is housed in a modern facility that often features a bustling taproom and outdoor seating area. Visitors can enjoy fresh beers on tap, purchase cans to go, and sometimes partake in brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process. The brewery's location in Portland allows it to be a part of a vibrant and diverse food and beverage scene, often collaborating with local food trucks and other businesses. It's right near the Portland airport..sorry...Jetport... too, so even if you are just passing through the area, its a great and quick place to stop before heading to your destination!

Sittin upstairs at Bissell Brewing with a view of the all of the gear

Distribution

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company's beers are typically available in cans and on draft in various locations within Maine and sometimes in limited distribution outside the state. They are especially popular in the New England area, but their reputation has also earned them fans across the country. There are definitely cans floating around on the gray market somewhere...

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Birthday at Acadia National Park

Heck of a Birthday

Our first of MANY National Park trips of 2023! Before we do our roadtrip to Washington state to move to our new home in Seattle, I wanted to go to Acadia National Park. I'm not much of a "thing person" and don't have a lot of material possessions. I have my laptop and my music gear. That's all I need. 

I've never been to Maine, or New England proper besides Boston, so I wanted to visit before moving house all the way to west coast! And so the deed was done. Flights booked. Hotel booked.

 It's one of the highest acclaimed National Parks on the entire Eastern region so I HAD to go. We flew in from PA and landed in Portland, ME and spent the rest of the afternoon there, as well as Bissell Brothers brewing. The next morning we drove the three hours to Bar Harbor where we stayed at the Atlantic Eyrie Lodge for several nights. It was super affordable and a good choice for us, as they had a great free breakfast which was perfect for loading up before tackling some hikes and sights for the day. The lodge also had some great views of Mt. Desert Narrows / Frenchman Bay as well as Bar Island and the famous Bar itself. 

 

Coffee on he balcony of this beautiful morning. Bar Island in the background. You can see the sand bar starting to form as low tides pulls in. A cruise ship is docked off to the center left.

First Impressions

I had no idea why it was called Bar Harbor before we visited the area, but quickly realized it is related to the sand bar that cyclically connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island! I do mean, cyclically! One can only visit Bar Island at low tide, as the sand bar is completely submerged with water during high tides! It is imperative that you know the tide times so you don't get inadvertently stranded on the island for several hours until the next low tide! So cool! 

I told you! Seriously! Don't get stranded on Bar Island!

 From our balcony at Atlantic Eyrie we could sip a morning coffee and watch the development of the bar and make a run downtown to walk across it! Once it just barely started to show itself, we just HAD to hop in our rental and park downtown to get a chance to cross the bar. It was super cool, and so was Bar Island. 

Thankfully, Atlantic Eyrie and Bar Harbor is literally MINUTES from the entrance of Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island, which is where 90% of the park, along with Bar Harbor is located. Did you know Desert in this case is pronounced closer to the word DESSERT than the word DESERT as it has French roots? Mt. Dessert Island just sounds...delicious. Which it is...just...visually delicious. 

Park Loop Road / Ocean Path Trail 

Sand Beach! Definitely not the best beach weather, it was in the mid-50s and off and on raining this day. In the distance you can see parts of where the Great Head trail is.

Our first day we arrived on Mt. Desert Island we did some general exploring of the National Park along the Park Loop Road. Ocean Path trail right off of Park Loop Road was a good introduction to the sights to be had.

 

Don't look down, and don't fall off these rock cliffs!

 It starts around Sand Beach and ends shortly after Otter Point Overlook with sights of Otter Cove. We enjoyed straying from the path and hobbling over the jagged rocks along the trail. 

 

I love the trees out here

I'd be happy with just seeing everything we saw from this path! Coastal Maine is insane! 

The sea was angry that day my friends

 

We also went to Thunder Hole along the Ocean Path which is a 'must do' at Acadia. Waves crash into an erosion carved rock inlet. Depending on the tides and the surf it will crash into the rocks just right making a thunderous roaring sound. We heard some decent ones but never heard any thunderous sounds. Oh well, according to people there, it doesn't always work out. 

Jagged Little Coast

Playing on the rocks at Acadia

Jordan Pond / Stream Path

We picked another easy hike afterwards and did Jordan Stream Path. The beginning of the trail has a great view of The Bubbles over Jordan Pond!

There's the bubbles in the background!

 

I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I am TERRIFIED of heights so a lot of the hikes here were off limits for me especially Beehive. I'm sure it's an awesome hike, but anything with that much open exposure to heights....yeah no way. I'm working on it though... I won't give up. 

Two bridges!

Rushing Stream

After that hike it was already getting fairly late and we were tired from our early morning of driving in the Portland, ME so I finished the Park Loop enjoying the sights along the way. We got back to Bar Harbor and went to Side Street Cafe for some eats before capping off the night. 

And a nice sunset treat from our balcony

 

Bar Island

Well here it is. The elusive sand bar connecting Bar Island to Bar Harbor. People actually drive their vehicles out here sometimes. This isn't advised because....cars HAVE been caught on the bar at high tide. Goodbye car?

When we woke up the next morning we had some delicious breakfast and went back up the room with an extra coffee to get ready for the day. While sitting out on the balcony we saw the sand bar starting to form to connect Bar Harbor with Bar Island.

View from the 'top' of Bar Island. You can see Bar Harbor up here.

 

 Low tide was just about starting. We decided to take a few hours out of the day to explore the sand bar and Bar Island because...why not? What an insanely unique experience. Bar Island is actually managed by the National Park Service and is now part of Acadia National Park so even more of a reason to go! Make sure you know your tides! 

 

Well hello there!

Nowadays it is very easy to know when low tide and high tide is, but it's essential to keep it in mind. If you lose track of time. YOU WILL get stranded on the island!

 

Go explore! In a few hours this will all be underwater again!

 

Great Head

Walking along Sand Beach to get to the Great Head Trailhead. The Beehive is in the background.

The Great Head trail was probably my favorite hike we did on the trip. Like I said, I'm TERRIFIED of heights. This provided a great hike, with some definite elevation, some exposure to heights, but just enough, and not too much to make my knees turn into spaghetti and have my brain shutdown. 

Hey look, Sand Beach. Weren't we just down there?

 

I will say, there was a large rock face that you had to climb up with almost nothing but exposure to your back. I powered through it, and had to crawl for a short period to make it, but I made it. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Normal people, including my GF would have no trouble hiking this, but I think I did well all things considered, LOL.

This wasn't even the steepest rock face...head on up to continue the trail..

 

There were several more little rock scrambles to do which were quite fun, all with rewarding ocean and cliff views. I love those trees that grow along this rocky coastline as well. So cool. 

There's the Beehive again as we climb higher!

Views from the trail

 

Piles of rocks

 

Okay okay last one

Jordan Pond House

There's a good chance I'll never get back to Acadia after this trip so we tried to be very diverse in our hikes an experiences. One of the classic historic things to do is to grab a popover with jam and tea at the Jordan Pond House.  That's all we wanted...actually I planned on getting a beer...although I do love tea as well. We waited FOREVER. For late May, it was SO busy. We literally probably waited an hour. Not even to eat a full lunch. 

Yeah sorry didn't get any pictures of the Pond House. Only this graffiti in the bathroom.....

 

Was it worth it? Not really. But the popovers were good. And I was able to grab Lunch IPA by Maine Beer Co. so it all worked out in the end. We ended up sharing a Mac and Cheese too, not that we planned on getting anything else, but we waited so long it felt like we should load up on more food. Service was pretty terrible as well. I don't blame the servers. I never blame the workers. I blame management. They seemed super understaffed. 

Rest of the Night

We wrapped up the night by going to Lompoc Cafe in Bar Harbor. I got a delicious hot honey fried chicken sandwich and a really great IPA by Belleflower Brewing out of Portland, ME! I overheard some workers talking about how bad 2023 was going to be while we were here. They were mentioning that Bar Harbor was insanely packed with tourists and it wasn't even peak season yet. I hope they survived the season in one piece.

Barn Hex IPA

Cadillac Mountain 

A view of Eagle Lake from Cadillac Summit Road

 The next morning we woke up at 4am to watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, Acadia's highest peak at a little over 1500 feet. Wait. No we didn't. The only time I see the sunrise is MAYBE in the winter. I value my sleep. We got to the top of Cadillac Mountain at a reasonable 0930 in the morning well after the sunrise, and well after my first coffee. But if you're not like me, go see the sunrise. It's one of the "things to do" at Acadia and is one of the first places in the US to see the sunrise!

 

Good morning from the top of Cadillac Mountain!

However, if you really wanted to see the sunrise up here, you could, and there's a little gift store up top that has drip coffee for your sunrise energy benefits. While you can hike all the way up, we chose to drive. You can drive all the way up Cadillac Mountain and enjoy the summit, even those with limited mobility which is nice! Once I rid myself of my fear of heights, especially exposed heights, it would be a fun hike to come back and try. 

Word of warning, you need a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Mountain from May to October. You will not be allowed on Cadillac Summit Road without one. While in line to drive up, we saw numerous people get turned away. People who thought that having a ticket or pass into the park was enough. Nope, gotta reserve your spot. This is becoming increasingly more common as National Parks get busier and busier. I'm personally fine with it. Humans are the number one cause of destruction in national park areas.

Day Mountain

 

View from Day Mountain

This was a nice quick less than 2 mile hike with some cool views!

Anemone Cave 

As I may have mentioned...I love finding the little lesser known, unique, and cool things to do at parks, that isn't just a straight up grueling hike. Anemone Cave was just that. It's not really advertised by the national park as a trail, or something you can do, but I found it on AllTrails. It really can only be accessed at low tide, otherwise it would be too filled with water and too dangerous with the crashing waves. So remember your tide charts again, just like Bar Island!

We made it inside the cave! We sat and just hung out for a bit until other people showed up. Those rocks in there....SUPER slippery.

 

The cave is known for its unique geological and biological features, including the presence of sea anemones and other marine life in tide pools within the cave. It offers an experience of observing the destructive power of the sea along Acadia's shore. Visitors can witness the impact of waves that have bored into the cliff over time, creating a dramatic natural space.

 

Look at that awesome pink color on the rocks.

 

 

We parked at the little parking area at Schooner Head Overlook at followed the trail for a bit. Many people go looking for the cave but don't find it. It is fairly difficult, but you do have to do a decent scramble down rocks to the shoreline. It was a pretty decent scramble up and down but totally doable. Wear good shoes, because those rocks and the cave itself is super slippery. I almost fell a few times in the cave.  It was a super cool experience though! Don't stay too long and trap yourself in there at high tide. People have died in this area. 

 

Bass Harbor Head Light 

 How could we not go to a lighthouse?? Parking is extremely limited and you can't park on the sides of the access road. We had to leave and come back to park, but we made it. It's a short little hike over and down some rocks to see the lighthouse. You can't go inside, but its a cool historical sight nonetheless!

From there we headed over to the Ship Harbor Trail which was right down the road. 

Ship Harbor Trail

The Ship Harbor Trail in Acadia National Park is a tranquil and scenic 1.3-mile loop trail, perfect for families and casual hikers. It takes you through a lush forest, offering a peaceful woodland experience and showcasing the area's diverse plant life. 

 

The trail eventually leads to a rugged coastline with beautiful ocean views, where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze (and boy did we) and maybe spot some wildlife. A highlight of the trail is the tidal pools along the shore at low tide, rich with marine life, providing an engaging and educational experience, especially for children. This easy-to-navigate trail is a wonderful way to experience Maine's coastal and forest landscapes together in a trail. 

 

 Some guy on the trail from like...Vermont complimented me on my Other Half Brewing shirt so that was nice.

From there we headed to Flying Mountain to do the Flying Mountain Trail

Flying Mountain / Valley Cove

Cool views from the top of Flying Mountain!

 

Our last hike of the day was the Flying Mountain Trail, a very modest mountain climb with some cool views of the water and landscapes below. You can out and back the trail or you can opt for a slightly longer hike and do a loop by combining with the Valley Cove Trail. We did this option because it took us down to the shore of Valley Cove for some cool sights as well! 

 

Valley Cove shoreline

 The walk back from the cove along the Valley Cove trail is forested and fairly uneventful. And that wraps up our hiking on Mt. Desert Island. 95% of the National Park is on Mt. Desert Island, but a small part is actually across the water to the east on the Schoodic Peninsula. We decided to head over there for our last (half) day in the area. 

Schoodic Peninsula

Our last full day in Maine and last HALF day at Acadia :(. It's been such an awesome and beautiful adventure, and what a birthday! From Bar Harbor the Schoodic Peninsula is roughly an hour and 15 minutes away (47 miles). We spent the drive admiring the sights, occasionally stopping to look at the sights along the way. 

Waves pounding the rocks at Schoodic Point

 

We spent a decent amount of time at Schoodic Point at the end of the peninsula. There's a lot of jagged rocks to climb along and view the coastal sights. It's generally less busy over here too which is nice. I feel like the waves along the coastline were a bit more violent over here too which made for a good show. We got hit by a few of the splashes!

 

Woops! Hit by waves

 

From there we did the Schoodic Head Trail. Our last trail at Acadia. We parked in a little circle parking lot off of Schoodic Loop Road. We then had to take the Alder Trail to get to the Schoodic Head Trail. The Alder Trail was fine... you walk along a grass path and then a very dense tree root section for a while. You get to Ranger Cabin Road which is gravel and walk a short distance then meet up with The Schoodic Head Trail. 

 

 

It was a fun and beautiful hike, with a lot of fairly steep rock faces to climb up to get to the top. But that's just about all of Acadia isn't it. It was a great last hike to cap off the week. 

 

Views almighty!

 

 

Yeah..more rock faces to climb up along the way!

 

Now we have to head back to Portland. But first..... a trip to Maine Beer Company. 

Maine Beer Company

No it's not near Acadia or Bar Harbor but it was a MUST stop on our way back from Acadia. This goes against everything this site is about but...we sat...inside. It was around 95 degrees out. Sorry guys. That just ain't comfortable.

Dinner for Dinner. Finally got my hands on MBC's Dinner DIPA. Lunch is good. Dinner is great.

And then we went back to the hotel and woke up in the morning for our flight back to PA. What a fun time. We will take several more short trips this early summer but our next BIG trip.... we're moving to Washington. Check out the PA - WA road trip.

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