I hit the Indian River Trailhead around 5pm, intending to go all the way to the falls to spend the night there. This past winter brought a great deal of snow to Sitka, from what I have heard. This was evident along the trail as well. The plants were not nearly so far along as I have grown used to seeing them this time of year. The first patch of snow I saw was not too far beyond the second bridge.
Most years there is no snow at all along the trail.
Just below the falls there was a large snowbank which went all the way across the river. Shortly after I reached the falls, three search and rescue people along with a SAR dog arrived. They were looking for a young woman who had gone out on the previous Tuesday and was due back that morning. The helicopter was a part of that search. I later read in the paper that they had found the missing party camping with friends.