This is a short there and back hike along fire trails in the Stinton Cascades Nature Reserve. There are many trails weaving through the various sections of reserve but for this one you start from Gardiner Road.
As you turn off Brookton Highway onto Gardiner Road there is a property immediately on your right with a dirt layover which is the perfect place to park. Walk along Gardiner Road to the edge of the property where you will find the trail head.
The trail heads steeply downhill through Jarrah Marri Forest, alongside the property line. At the bottom turn left to follow the fire trail along the gully on the eastern edge of Stinson Creek. You can also continue up hill along the fire trail perhaps looping around the top of the valley and back towards the cascades but we didn't try that trail.
The fire trail is somewhat degraded in places and even though there had not been rain recently there was a good amount of mud to negotiate - which adds to the fun. The fire trail passes a flat rock but we continued on to the cascades and enjoyed picking our way across the large rock face discovering whirlpool holes overlooking the green pond at the bottom. In mid- September there was still a good flow of water glistening in the sunlight as it cascaded down the rock face - enough to make the rocks slippery so take care.
We wandered further downstream coming out at the pond and then looping back on to the upper trail before returning.
This time we stopped off at the first rock face for a closer look.
The trail had various wildflowers which added to the appeal although they were scattered and not in great abundance.
Then we headed back up the steep hill to return to the cars - all up we wandered around for just under an hour at a leisurely pace and with time to explore the rock faces.
To read more blogs go to:
I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak Boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.
Comments