Shirakami Sanchi & Anmon Falls

On our way back from Lake Juniko we planed an overnight stop in Anmon Falls. Anmon consists of three falls and is on the outer edge of the World Natural Heritage Site, The Shirakami Sanchi. The road from the western coastline back through the forest to the falls was absolutely ridiculous in that it was a one and a half lane road, gravel, minimal guard rails, blind corners, long and winding, and without signs. Thanks to the GPS we were able to remain confident that we were heading a generally correct path, but if we would have missed a turn...we probably would have driven off into the middle of the forest and had to backtrack our way out.

The drive was full of photo ops. This one was about the standard view from the corner of a switchback. Making it even more interesting was the eerie fog that loomed at the treetops.

We even came across a monkey sitting on a guard rail along the road but by the time we were able to stop the car, grab the camera and lean out the window, it had scurried off into the forest.

Finally making it to the trail leading back to the falls, we donned our rain gear, grabbed a map, and headed back along the trail. Walking along the trail we couldn't help but notice the snow that remained in the area. While it was tucked away in a valley, there was more than enough sun hitting it and one would expect it to be completely melted this late in the summer. While we were talking about it I noticed the origin of the snow, high in one of the hills. Look closely and you'll notice the tunnel running through an arch of snow below. While this is a very small one compared to the larger masses of snow along the trail, it made the walk back to the falls a little tense considering the amount of rain we were getting at the time and the relatively warm weather.

All in all, the walk back to the falls was well worth it, even though the rain was making every effort to get on the camera lens. We were only able to reach 2 of the 3 falls because they had the path to the 3rd roped off...presumably due to avalanche danger or the trail being washed out.
Below, are just a few pics of the falls and the trail leading to them.

The first of the falls

The second falls

Crossing the stream heading up the trail

Together at the base of the first falls

Discouraged by the weather, we decided not to camp there and instead headed back to Misawa. From what we could tell though, the campground looked pretty nice with the tent camping area close to the river and the full compliment of Japanese camping facilities.