I had an idea to revisit a giant tree I had previously seen down Cowee Creek. Cowee Creek is out the road, just past 37 mile, before the pavement stops. I saw it last before the snow came. By the way, I believe the original spelling of the area is Kowee, coming from Auk Tlingits Chief Kowee who was the best known Tlingit chief at the time Juneau was founded. (More on this found on Ann Chandonnet’s 2003 article in the Juneau Empire: Chief Kowee Shaman, chief and guide.)
I texted my friend Keagan Walker for some company. He was down.
I didn’t have doughnut holes but did stop by the University of Alaska Southeast cafeteria to pick up a falafel sandwich before driving out there. You need your tree climbing energy. There has been way too many adventures without doughnut holes recently.
On the way out the road we stopped by the sea cliffs, just past mile 31 to persuade some other friends to not climb rocks and instead climb this tree with us. Timmy Woo, Seth Classen and Nolan Horner said yes. The more company, the better.
Just past the road sign that reads Kowee Creek at 37 mile is the place to park. The rest of the group was in Timmy’s car right behind Keagan and me.
The five of us headed on the path down the creek wearing mostly cotton because we like to live life on the edge. The sun was shining, no clouds were in the sky. Just a mile or two down the trees opened up to a swampy grass area. We jumped over the large puddles of snow melt. (Timmy was anticipating a short walk to the sea cliffs so he was wearing sandals.) The massive tree is there. Everyone just stood and stared.They had the same reaction I did when I first met this incredible tree.
As I started climbing on the first branches the rest of the group remained standing. I guess they needed some encouragement. “Are you guys coming?” They quickly joined.
Halfway up the tree, I could start feeling the swaying of the trunk in the chilly wind. Snapchat Altitude filter showed 75 feet but that thing never seems right.
Continuing up to the top, the trunk was getting a little too skinny to feel comfortable with the gusts blowing super hard. As much as I love to climb trees, I don’t want to die. Timmy and Seth had no problems with that.
Coming down actually seemed to take longer than going up. I guess descending is always more difficult. The whole tree was longer than any rock climb pitch I’ve done so far.
At the top you can see all the way across to the mouth of Cowee Creek. Last time I barely made it up halfway.
On the walk back in the woods I kept feeling the warmth of summer. The greens are returning and the air smells like life again. Spring in Juneau is really exciting. Another winter survived.
• California-born and Alaska-bred, Gabe Donohoe has taken photos daily for the past five years. He is currently a student of the University of Alaska Southeast’s Outdoor Studies program. His photo archives can be seen on www.gabedonohoe.com. “Rainforest Photos” photo blog publishes every other Friday in the Empire’s Outdoors section.
Nearing the top of the tree. The mouth of Cowee Creek view while still holding with the rest of my body. (Photo by Gabe Donohoe)
Front to back. Nolan Horner, Seth Classen, Timmy Woo, and Keagan Walker head down Cowee Creek trail Monday April 16th, 2018. (Photo by Gabe Donohoe)
Keagan, the human flag pole on road sign Kowee Creek. (Photo by Gabe Donohoe)
