Day 2 at DEWA: Tumbling Falls Trek & Nature-Inspired Art

Let’s just go ahead and say it—sometimes park rangers fib. Not on purpose, of course. But when Ranger Anna told us the hike to Tumbling Falls was “easy,” she must’ve meant easy for mountain goats. (Okay she actually said moderate but I heard easy)

Our group tackled 3.2 miles of hills, roots, rocks, and surprise inclines on our way to the falls—but wow, was it worth it. The sound of cascading water, the cool mist in the air, and the look of accomplishment on everyone’s face when we reached the top made every step worth it. (Even the sweaty ones!)

Yes, we arrived to lunch a whole hour late, but our incredible team still had warm food waiting for us. Recharged and refueled, we dove into an ecology lesson with Ranger Anna, and this time we got to be the experts—sharing grade-level feedback to help shape future education programs for students across the country.

Our creative brains kicked in after that with a fascinating drawing lesson from John Muir Laws, using animal skulls as inspiration to explore form, symmetry, and storytelling through sketching.

After dinner, we brought the outdoors to canvas in our Manet and Monet art session—blending impressionist techniques with our impressions of the park. And the best part? Ranger Anna joined us for the entire session, brush in hand.

We are closing the night with a showing of Out There: A National Park Story—a film that has inspired us all summer long.
Feet sore. Hearts full. Tomorrow, we explore again.

​ #STEAMinthePARK #TumblingFalls #RangerAnnaForever