Another big NP day! This time, Kings Canyon! This park was tucked down past one of the most scenic drives I’ve had so far! That, mixed with a stunning hike, makes King Canyon definitely in my top 5 National Parks. Was also lucky enough to bump into a wide cast of critters, squirrels, chipmunks, Hawks, even a mama bear and her 3 cubs (was a little tense, never meet your heroes).
The hike was to Mist Falls! Quite a few of the trails in the area are long, multiple-day kind of hikes, but Mist Falls is easy enough to reach in one day! Started a bit late and was starting to get a little dark on the way back to the van, but we made it ez pz. The Mountain views were the best part, especially with the setting sun casting pretty shadows on everything.
Our plant focus is the Greenleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula)! A little different from the Pinemat manzanita we found in Crater Lake! The green-leaf Manzanita is still in the heather family, but this one grows more shrub-like than a mat. I really liked the dark and smooth leaves. It is one of the most widespread manzanitas, spreading even as far as Mexico. The plant provides food for deer, birds, and other small critters. As for humans, it can be used in a tea to help with constipation.
I did not need to go far for the next park, which was right next to Kings Canyon. Next post will be Sequoia National Park!
The Fools Journeys 
Leave a comment