Akaka Falls

We take our guests to Akaka Falls. Today was our third trip. The falls are 440 or so feet in height and I learned that it is classified as free-falling rather than cascading. It doesn't bump along the rocks as it falls. One interesting biology note about this falls is that it is home to a species of Goby that lays its eggs above the falls. The eggs wash over the falls and out to sea where the fish mature. The fish return to the falls and climb the rock cliff to reach the top so they can lay eggs to continue the cycle. Something like salmon with a much more impressive return to the home habitat. If I remember the sign correctly, the Goby has a suction like apparatus on the belly that helps it stay secured to the rock as it climbs. Believe it or not!

There is more to the hike than the chance to see the falls. The trail moves through some beautiful terrain with plenty of photo opportunities. Here is may favorite shot from the hike.