CHS 2 Hike - West Fork Foss Lakes

6. Erosion: Fluvial Processes – Rivers & Water

“Water finds a way.”

Water is a powerful sculptor of landscapes, constantly eroding and transporting sediment to reshape valleys, canyons, and floodplains. Rivers carve through mountains, meander across plains, and create stunning waterfalls, all while depositing and redistributing materials across vast distances. The movement of water is integral to shaping Washington’s landforms, from mountain headwaters to the great river basins. This hike will highlight the ongoing work of rivers in shaping the land, exploring dramatic water-carved landscapes and the forces that continue to shape them.

June Hike: West Fork Foss Lakes (to Copper Lake) - 8.6 (+2) miles, 2568 ft gain

This hike traces the West Fork Foss River as it carves through a rugged valley, its waterfalls and cascades revealing the relentless work of water in shaping the land. The trail passes multiple waterfalls, demonstrating how running water sculpts the landscape over time. The lakes along the route were formed by glacial activity but are now actively shaped by fluvial processes, with streams and outflows continuing to erode their surroundings.

Additional information on other geology themed hikes can be viewed here: CHS 2025 Hiking through Deep Time - https://tinyurl.com/mr2su9jb

TBD