Viewpoint Beach: A quick get away

Trip Dates: July 4th-5th 2020

​by Line

​​In October last year, before baby W was even born, I booked campsites on the Berg Lake trail for August. For a while it seemed like we would not be able to go, but now it is seeming more and more likely, so I figured it was time for a test hike. Viewpoint beach is such a great location for a quick get away with kids - both the drive and hike is pretty short. We wondered though if it would be too busy on a beautiful July weekend. The parking sure was busy and we got pretty worried if we would be able to find a campsite or physically distance. The hike in was also pretty busy until the lower falls. We found many people inconsiderate as we would step into the bushes and many would then pass us without making an effort to even step to the other side of the trail. It was a tiring and somewhat stressful procedure with two hiking kids, so we were happy to climb up the steep trail to the much less busy East Canyon trail. Here we enjoyed looking for berries and pine tree tips for snacking on. N hiked all the way without any trouble or complaining.

The beach was somewhat busy, but we still easily found a spot for our tent and had amble of space for playing. Baby W started trying to eat the rocks right away and the big kids were busy throwing rocks and digging in the sand. An unlucky mom and her daughter were washed a ways down the river while attempting to ford to the other side. Luckily people were able to help them out and many offered to help out with dry clothes. Good thing everyone was okay.

On the way out we chose the East Canyon trail instead of the lower falls trail. It was a lot less busy and we had a much better time letting the kids run free while looking for berries and pine tips. Close to the parking lot we came across a snail trying to cross the trail. F put her boot in front of the snail, but it was determined, so we observed it as it slowly made its way over the muddy boot.