My seasonal stream is fed by
runoff from the surrounding forest. The watershed is maybe a couple thousand acres. During peak flow, it runs at 53
acre feet per day. For at least 6 months, it stops completely. The first 3 shots were taken in April 2012 a few weeks before it stopped for the summer. There are times when it is 50 times larger. During winter rains, the cascade toward the river valley 150 ft below is quite dramatic, but not rare. Hundreds of little seasonal streams
feed the Nanaino River. There's 3 on my neighbor's place. Most
people don't see them as a landscape feature worth developing. They dry up during the nicest weather. There are no fish.
I intend to build some stone steps and a viewing platform with strong railings. The ground cover of Oregon grape and salal are slippery when wet. It's quite dangerous to approach these steep sided little valleys when the flow is high. One slip and you could be swept away on a very bumpy ride to the river.
In summer, the area is more moist than the surrounding dry slopes. Morning and evening sun get in, but the tall forest to the south blocks mid day sun. It's the perfect spot for a picnic. The viewing platform will be designed mostly to accommodate summer entertaining and viewing of the forest garden that will be planted. Berries will dominate. The idea is to have them close at hand for immediate consumption. The area is too small for it to be a major cash crop area.