tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72739887549413050682024-02-19T00:33:36.463-08:00Cascadia Hiking Camping and Hiking in Cascadia Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-5137339020360776922012-12-10T18:26:00.000-08:002016-04-24T19:39:53.143-07:00Hardesty Trailhead to Ash Swale Shelter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old-growth Douglas-fir along the Goodman Creek Trail</td></tr>
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The area around Hardesty Mountain is home to quite a few miles of multi-use trails. It's close proximity to Eugene makes the area trails popular to both mountain bikers and hikers. But like most other trails in western Oregon during fall and winter you likely won't see many people, if any. I got to the trailhead fairly late, around 10 am and there was one other guy there who was riding his bike. The route that I wanted to take was from Hardesty Mountain to the Ash Swale Shelter. This route uses the Hardesty Trail (3469), Goodman Creek Trail (3461.1) and the Eagles Rest Trail (3461). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardesty Trailhead from the parking lot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the Hardesty Trail</td></tr>
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If you plan on spending a few days in this area backpacking I would suggest being dropped off. Leaving a vehicle at this trailhead that also functions as a rest stop along Highway 58 would probably lead to your car being broken in to. That being said if you're just out for a day hike definitely bring valuables with you or leave them at home. You will only follow the Hardesty Trail for .2 miles until you reach a well signed junction. The Goodman Creek Trail is an easy walk through an incredible native forest. Massive Douglas-fir line much of your hike along the trail. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodman Creek Trail junction with the Hardesty Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old-growth Douglas-fir along the Goodman Creek Trail</td></tr>
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You will follow the lower section of the Goodman Creek which is now part of Lookout Reservoir. Shortly after you after you leave the reservoir behind you will come to come to a bridge crossing of Goodman Creek. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodman Creek when it is still part of Lookout Reservoir</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge crossing of Goodman Creek</td></tr>
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Though you are now within sight of the gravel Goodman Creek Road the trail has a very wilderness feel to it. The forest is incredible along this small tributary of Goodman Creek. There is even a very small waterfall near a crossing of this stream. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washed out crossing of a small stream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small waterfall at a stream crossing</td></tr>
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After this small stream crossing the trail will climb steadily, but easily climb until you reach Ash Swale Shelter. As you near the crossing of Goodman Creek Road you will notice a change in the forest cover, from old-growth to maybe 30 years old. When you reach Goodman Creek Road you will follow the road almost straight ahead of you and then look left less than 20 yards up it. You will see the start of the Eagles Rest Trail. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The short road walk heading back towards the Goodman Creek Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Douglas-firs along the Eagles Rest Trail</td></tr>
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The forest the remainder of the way to the Ash Swale Shelter is unremarkable, but still fairly pleasant. There is a few more recently logged areas, so it's interesting to see how different an area can look after it begins to recover. As you near the Ash Swale Shelter the trail becomes creek like in quite a few sections. You will know you're very close once you reach the first wooden boardwalk. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red tree with peeling bark is a Pacific Madrone ( Arbutus Menziesii) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First boardwalk before you reach the Ash Swale Shelter</td></tr>
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Because of the work of awesome volunteers and the Forest Service the Ash Swale Shelter is in great shape. The floor is gravel and it was fairly wet, but there wasn't any puddles so it could definitely keep you mostly dry if you needed to stay the night. There isn't a stove, but there is a fire pit near the entrance. I would like to come back and camp for a night to clear the blackberries that are starting to crawl over the sides and back. Being that the area is surrounded by a lot of slow moving or standing water during late spring and early summer in would surely be mosquitoes hell. I had plans for dinner so I didn't make it to Eagles Rest, but I'll be back for that. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash Swale Shelter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the Ash Swale Shelter</td></tr>
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If you're looking for a day hike/ride or a short overnight trip, the Ash Swale Shelter is a worthy destination. If you're riding in this area make sure to watch out for deliberately placed piles of debris. These trails, like most shared by mountain bikers and hikers have had their share of conflict. What do you think about trails that are shared with mountain bikes? </div>
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<b>Directions from Eugene: </b>Follow Highway 58 east for 21 miles, the trailhead is on the right. <br />
<b><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 900 feet <br />
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<b>Hike Distance:</b> 11.7 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 1,600 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light, saw one other person. Though summer is very busy. </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 3 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None </div>
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1922550">Hardesty Trailhead to Ash Swale Shelter at EveryTrail</a><br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com043610-43846 Willamette Hwy, Willamette National Forest, Lowell, OR 97452, USA43.851302945914391 -122.6620960235595743.845577445914394 -122.67196652355958 43.857028445914388 -122.65222552355957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-81601952258001065052012-12-07T11:33:00.000-08:002015-04-26T19:41:55.109-07:00Multi-Use Gem: Larison Creek Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native forest along Larison Creek </td></tr>
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Recently I've had the craving to hike around Oakridge, I'm not sure if it's the incredible forest, or the food and beer at <a href="http://www.brewersunion.com/pub/index.php" target="_blank">Brewers Union Local 180</a> after the hike. But I've been twice in a week. The first hike was a lower portion of the <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/12/middle-fork-willamette-trail-sand.html" target="_blank">Middle Fork Willamette Trail</a> and the second was Larison Creek. For those who don't know Oakridge is a mecca for both hiking and mountain bike riding. I like to do both, but prefer hiking. This time of the year you will likely find yourself alone on the trail, whatever your mode of transportation. The Larison Creek Trail starts off where Larison Creek is part of Hills Creek Reservoir, though this changes quickly to a more native setting. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larison Cove </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over a small stream near campsites along Larison Creek</td></tr>
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This December has been great for checking out all different forms of Fungi. Normally the larger parts of the forest capture my attention first, but some of the large or large displays of Fungi have had me spending a lot of time looking down. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi along the Larison Creek Trail </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi along the Larison Creek Trail </td></tr>
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The trail closely follows the north bank of Larison Creek for most of the walk except for when it climbs to the edge of a clear-cut that is rapidly regrowing. This valley is home to many impressive trees. Mostly Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western redcedar, but there are also quite a few sugar pines. Which in this type of forest they are fairly rare. You can also spot them by their massive cones. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoe of choice: Vibram FiveFingers Classic, next to a sugar pine cone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself next to a large Douglas-fir with massive burl along the Larison Creek Trail</td></tr>
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The Larison Creek Trail can be explored on horseback, bike or your two feet. If you wanted an easy nearly all downhill hike you could start at the upper trailhead along FR 101. But this involved driving on a few miles of gravel roads. The trailhead of off FR 21 is paved up to the parking area. There are some great campsites that I'm sure are fairly busy on a summer weekend, but this time of the year one could stay for days and likely not camp near anyone. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dense forest along the Larison Creek Trail </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite along Larison Creek Trail </td></tr>
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As more snow falls in the high Cascades low elevation trails become more attractive for those who love to hike year round. The lower 3 miles or so of the Larison Creek Trail should remain snow free for most of the year. But as always check the <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/10/useful-weather-sites.html" target="_blank">weather</a> before you head out. This trail goes for 6.3 miles one way, we only hiked about 4.25 miles one way. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlin looking back at the sun peaking through along the Larison Creek Trail</td></tr>
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<b>Directions from Oakridge: </b>Follow Highway 58 east for 2 miles turn right onto Kitson Springs Road,
Follow for .5 mile turn right onto FR 21, Follow FR 21 for approximately 3 miles turn right at the well marked entrance.
<b><br /><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 1,600 feet <br />
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<b>Hike Distance:</b> 8.5 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>600 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light, saw one other person </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 1 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com2National Forest Development Road 21, Willamette National Forest, Westfir, OR 97492, USA43.687301385409 -122.4409532546997143.684430885409 -122.44588875469971 43.690171885409 -122.43601775469971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-41768645029783356642012-12-01T15:24:00.001-08:002015-04-26T19:42:17.375-07:00Middle Fork Willamette Trail: Sand Prairie to Pine Creek<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many small stream crossing along the lower Middle Fork Willamette Trail</td></tr>
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Most Oregonians are at least somewhat familiar with the Willamette River. It runs through the largest cities in the state and was once a major thoroughfare for goods. If you live downriver from Eugene the river you know is probably fairly wide and nasty looking. This isn't the case at all with the Middle Fork Willamette River. The Middle Fork Willamette trail meanders for nearly 35 miles from Timpanogas Lake to Sand Prairie Campground. Often forgotten by hikers, bikers and equestrians it offers solitude without being far from Oakridge. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Fork Willamette Trailhead just downriver from Sand Prairie Campground </td></tr>
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My friend and I had planned on starting our hike at the northern terminus of the trail at Sand Prairie Campground, but it was sadly gated off and we didn't want to block the gate and possibly get a ticket. Knowing that there were many access points we continued south along FR 21 about half a mile and spotted a side road with a trailhead sign. The parking area had a few campsites set up in it and there were a few large puddles, but nothing that stopped us in a fairly low clearance car. As always along western Oregon trails in autumn water often fills any low areas. Which isn't really a problem, unless you mind getting your feet wet. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek were the trail should be along the Middle Fork Willamette Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes of choice: Vibram FiveFingers Classic</td></tr>
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The trail follows the Middle Fork Willamette, but not directly on the banks at all times. Often you will find yourself walking through areas that have been selectively logged and not really replanted. There are towering Douglas-firs (Psudotsuga menziesii) throughout these selectively logged areas. This creates an almost meadow like feel to parts of the hike. Also along the trail you will find a few relatively small sugar pines (Pinus lambertiana) and ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa), which aren't often found in this area. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selectively harvested area along the Middle Fork Willamette Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas-fir towering above the forest </td></tr>
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Despite the fact that this trail runs near FR 21 which is fairly busy, road noise wasn't an issue more than once along our eight mile out and back hike. There were many small spur roads that crossed the trail normally these roads lead to campsites. Not surprisingly no one was camped along the trail. There was quiet a few good access points to the river and if it was summer we would have likely spent a lot of time swimming and exploring the river. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Fork Willamette River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite along the Middle Fork Willamette Trail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Normally I find myself looking for hikes with incredible vistas, but this hike with it's beautiful river <span style="font-size: small;">definitely <span style="font-size: small;">impress<span style="font-size: small;">ed</span> me.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">There was also an impressive <span style="font-size: small;">display</span> of <span style="font-size: small;">fungi along this hike. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi on an old growth Douglas-fir</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi along the Middle Fork Willamette Trail</td></tr>
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Whether you hike or bike this is a great trail any time of the year! <br />
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<b>Directions from Oakridge: </b>Follow Highway 58 east for 2 miles turn right onto Kitson Springs Road,
Follow for .5 mile turn right onto FR 21, Follow FR 21 for approximately 12 miles turn right at the well marked entrance.
<b><br /><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 1, 600 feet <br />
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<b><br />Hike Distance:</b> 8 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 150 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 1 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1908691">Lower Middle Fork Willamette Trail at EveryTrail</a><br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0US Frst Service Road 21, Willamette National Forest, OR, USA43.593819465174207 -122.4560165405273443.58231896517421 -122.47575754052734 43.6053199651742 -122.43627554052735tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-89181906932550920332012-11-22T21:01:00.001-08:002015-04-26T19:47:16.584-07:00Santiam Wagon Road: Mountain House to House Rock Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally I'm somewhat apprehensive about hiking on old roads, especially ones that run parallel to a modern road. But I also love to hike any longer trails in the area. The full length of the trail portion of the Santiam Wagon Road is approximately 21 miles, running from Fish Lake to Mountain House. Some of the trail is still on drivable road, but thankfully much of it is only open to non-motorized transportation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge across the South Santiam River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Santiam River </td></tr>
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The hike starts out at a small pull out next to a gated bridge across the South Santiam River. The trailhead would hold about 5 cars, but I wouldn't expect to see many other people. Shortly after you cross the bridge you enter into an almost pure stand of Red Alder. I'm not sure what kind of disturbance caused this early successional forest, but it's beautiful. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dense Red alder (Alnus rubra) line the trail </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and Red alder (Alnus rubra) leaves cover the Santiam Wagon Road here </td></tr>
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After crossing a couple of step across fords you will notice the forest cover has shifted to an old growth Douglas-fir forest. Shortly after seeing a few impressive Douglas-firs you will come to a stream crossing that will require you to get your feet wet. After several days of heavy rain it wasn't more than half way up my calf. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many small fords on the Santiam Wagon Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old growth forest along the Santiam Wagon Road</td></tr>
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The only downside to this beautiful old growth setting is that you can still hear some road noise from Highway 20. This disappears around the 2 mile mark. Not having done my homework on where I was hiking this time, I wasn't even aware that House Rock Falls existed, but when I saw an arrow pointing towards the falls I had to check it out. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign to House Rock Falls along the Santiam Wagon Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Rock Falls along the Santiam Wagon Road</td></tr>
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Not having ever been to House Rock Campground I was definitely impressed by their riverside campsites. It's on my list of car camping spots for this upcoming spring. Though there wasn't a bridge across the South Santiam River one could ford it near the campground with relative ease. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Rock Campground from the Santiam Wagon Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Rock Campground in the background, South Santiam river in the foreground </td></tr>
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House Rock was used by travelers to keep out of the rain. It was a pretty massive rock and there was some dry ground under it, but there was also two small streams running under. Far from being one of four roadhouses along the Santiam Wagon Road, it served it's purpose as emergency shelter. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry to House Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two streams run under House Rock</td></tr>
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Sadly the trip back to the trailhead seemed much faster than the walk in. As I was crossing the bridge across the South Santiam river a light rain began to fall, it was a great end to an incredible hike. This would be a great hike to do in reverse after setting up camp at House Rock Campground. </div>
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<b><br />Directions from Sweet Home: </b>Follow Highway 20 east for 25.5 miles,
turn right into the small parking area. The turn is just after a gate along Highway 20. </div>
<b><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 1,424 feet <br />
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<b><br />Hike Distance:</b> 5 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and back with short loop to House Rock/House Rock Falls </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 300 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 1 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1880473">Mountain House to House Rock Falls at EveryTrail</a><br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com352855 Santiam Hwy, Willamette National Forest, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA44.404664500998635 -122.2784113883972244.404310000998635 -122.27902838839722 44.405019000998635 -122.27779438839721tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-86750920621696683012012-11-15T17:23:00.000-08:002015-04-26T19:48:18.077-07:00Echo Basin: Hike Among Ancient Alaska-CedarsOnly being about 70 miles from home the Old Cascades region has quickly become one of my favorite areas in Oregon. Now that winter is setting in, most of the great hikes will be covered by snow. This is bad for hiking but opens the area up to low impact snow camping and snowshoe trips! The majority of the hikes in the Old Cascades are fairly short and often climb mountains. Some of my favorites are <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/07/vistas-and-wildflowers-hiking-cone.html">Iron Mountain</a> and <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/09/willamette-national-forest-crescent.html">Crescent Mountain</a>, these would be substantially more difficult in heavy snow, but with proper planning could be done. Knowing that little snow had fallen and on the advice of one of my professors at Oregon State, Caitlin and I decided to hike Echo Basin before any more snow had fallen. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echo Basin: Rain falling </td></tr>
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Heavy rain had been falling most of the drive to the trailhead, so we had decided to park at the plowed Hackleman Old Growth Grove trailhead about .2 mile west of FR 055. When we arrived FR 055 was mostly free of snow so we drove to Echo Mountain trailhead. The gravel road was in fairly good shape, except for a small stream running across it shortly before the trailhead. The trail almost immediately begins a fairly steep( and slippery) accent up an old logging road, complete with an old metal cable. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sitka alder lines the old logging road</td></tr>
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Not long after your ascent you leave the second growth forest for an incredible area with large true fir as well as massive Alaska-cedar. The area is open and provides you with some awesome vistas even on a rainy day. The trail was somewhat difficult to find in the open because trail side Sitka alders and willows bend onto the trail under the weight of snow. If you have ever hiked the <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/07/vistas-and-wildflowers-hiking-cone.html">Cone Peak/ Iron Mountain loop</a> you will have seen a few much smaller Alaska-cedars, the ones at Echo Basin are incredible. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge crossing is the start of the loop portion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself among a few of the Alaska-cedars</td></tr>
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The trail switchbacks to the north before cutting south along a meadow, fairly high in the glaciated bowl. Snow was melting fairly rapidly because of the heavy rain, so it made this portion fairly treacherous. More than a few times Caitlin and I both fell through the snow, thankfully it was only about 24 inches deep in most places. There are a series of bridges that I'm sure are necessity both for protection of the fragile meadow and to keep your feet dry, but in the snow they were difficult to spot. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairly steep section lined with Sitka alder</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short bridge across a small stream</td></tr>
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Without having a general idea where the trail went it would have been nearly impossible to find in the meadow section. Once the trail traverses a portion of the glacial cirque it returns to the forest among some impressive Alaska-cedars. Shortly after re-entering the forest the trail will lead back to the bridge where the loop started. Return the way you came from here. <br />
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<b>Directions from Sweet Home: </b>Follow Highway 20 east for 37 miles, turn left onto FR 055(signed for Echo Basin), follow for approximately 2 miles to well signed trailhead. <br />
<b><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 4,150 feet <br />
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<b><br />Hike Distance:</b> 2.2 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Loop, with short out and back portion </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 700 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 2 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0National Forest Development Road 055, Willamette National Forest, FOSTER, OR 97345, USA44.405641761096739 -122.0938110351562544.39997026109674 -122.10368153515626 44.411313261096737 -122.08394053515624tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-36495701539029928862012-11-08T13:36:00.001-08:002016-04-26T19:34:37.015-07:00Farm Well Campground: Fremont National Recreation Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry to Farm Well trailhead and campground</td></tr>
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The Fremont National Recreation Trail is roughly 135 miles long and travels from Yamsay Mountain in the north to Oregon/ California boarder in the south. There are a few small gaps in the trail currently, but a thru-hike is definitely possible. I have been wanting to hike the entire length for a while now. I have a 30 day break from school coming up so snowshoeing a good portion of it is definitely possible. On this trip I wanted to figure out how well marked the trail is and to see if it would be easy to follow under a few feet of snow. And of course because it was nearly a three hour drive from Eugene, we had to camp, oh no!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The well that gives Farm Well it's name</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite for the night at Farm Well campground and trailhead</td></tr>
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We weren't all that sure what to except from the Farm Well campground, because I couldn't find any photos of it. We were pretty excited that it was a fairly 'primitive' spot. Having one pit toilet and no running water. The forest was a mix of Ponderosa Pines and Western Juniper, most being fairly small. The campsite we picked had a few rounds left by the Forest Service and there was also several slash piles nearby, this made collecting wood unnecessary. Though it's not use to me currently, there is a fairly large usable horse corral located at the campground<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Corral at Farm Well Campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pines on the edge of a meadow near Farm Well Campground along the Fremont National Recreation Trail </td></tr>
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From the campground we only walked about a mile in either direction because of limited daylight. If you're camping and want to day hike Hager Mountain would be an approximate 12 mile hike, round trip. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponderosa Pines along the Fremont National Recreation Trail</td></tr>
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It turned out that most of the trail markers were at least 6 feet above the ground and in areas without, there was orange tape around trees with 'trail' written on it. This trail would likely be easy to follow, in this area anyways. I can't wait to get back out on the Fremont National Recreation Trail. If you need a good base camp for Hager Mountain, Farm Well is a good option. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping warm on a chilly night at Farm Well campground</td></tr>
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<b>Directions From Silver Lake: </b>Follow County Road 4-12 for 6 miles, turn left onto FR 2916, follow for 6 miles, large sign will be on your left. </div>
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<b>Elevation: </b>5,068 feet<br />
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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<b>Water: </b>None<br />
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<b>Bathroom: </b>One pit toilet <br />
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<b>Trash: </b>Pack it out<br />
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<b>Usage: </b>Moderate, 3 other campsites were occupied. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com2National Forest Development Road 2916, Fremont National Forest, OR, USA43.02639 -120.978168843.0205865 -120.98803930000001 43.0321935 -120.9682983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-40918051556989328062012-11-05T10:24:00.002-08:002012-12-06T11:33:28.113-08:00The Composting Adventure Pt. 2: Green Silverware from Ecnow TechMy mom and I went to lunch yesterday, something we haven't done in a while amidst all of the hustle and bustle of our equally busy lives. We didn't go anywhere super fancy, in fact, we took our food to go and ate in the car. But this post isn't about our lunch, (though if you haven't ever been to <a href="http://www.cafeyumm.com/locations.html" target="_blank">Cafe Yumm</a>, you should try it) its about the silverware that came with our to go lunch. While stirring up my yumm bowl I noticed two things:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0PLQ08WRgpCVxa3CVwo8kDMQutFEewPd1TdQWgv_MLK6hpVvD282S3f_mVjcyJBdlExQflH8qieFeFkQShfInc_-nkoI4UAiFVxmXzkNVnufFx2YYIcAr33jp9zKQi8ahvLeFlx8wqQ-/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0PLQ08WRgpCVxa3CVwo8kDMQutFEewPd1TdQWgv_MLK6hpVvD282S3f_mVjcyJBdlExQflH8qieFeFkQShfInc_-nkoI4UAiFVxmXzkNVnufFx2YYIcAr33jp9zKQi8ahvLeFlx8wqQ-/s400/IMG_1051.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecnow Tech Forks from Cafe Yumm: Made in Oregon & Compostable!</td></tr>
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My fork was made in Oregon. This alone would have been awesome, but the even more exciting discovery came from the back side of the fork. It was COMPOSTABLE! Made by <a href="http://www.ecnowtech.com/" target="_blank">Ecnow Tech</a>, these forks are just part of a line of food service products that are not only made from recycled materials, but are compostable, made up of vegetable oil, cornstarch, and pea starch, according to the website.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzsA_RMrGqaC6dvj4VEzFw0JvFL5ZzUJe4xZop2QQ0hQuHjGsXJ1YNPdc1BkUUiWAliiKLYJuRreqxGzziq_cIJNQz9tMCyBm7QI0oVeBZpRj_imjprQh28FDiojmazSqiS0oJVQFhvc-/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzsA_RMrGqaC6dvj4VEzFw0JvFL5ZzUJe4xZop2QQ0hQuHjGsXJ1YNPdc1BkUUiWAliiKLYJuRreqxGzziq_cIJNQz9tMCyBm7QI0oVeBZpRj_imjprQh28FDiojmazSqiS0oJVQFhvc-/s320/IMG_1055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top tray of our Worm Factory 360</td></tr>
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Our <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/03/creepy-crawlies-composting-adventure-pt.html" target="_blank">worm bin</a> has been up and running for some time now, and after coming across a compostable FORK I was dying to put this sucker in the worm bin. When we were done eating I asked my mom if I could have her fork. She laughed at me and handed it over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4lEWKxhFHmPS7fq8zepSv4TC62qs1zLFY1kl6lpLwcPciWQVHixoxBXQQjgFtkv-dOAVDqzjP4DwUUJolLJ0t56PTfhiHHGGQGVwb2CtjVNoPGuPza-9z4qGsKESStsWgOknrdp3iyX2/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4lEWKxhFHmPS7fq8zepSv4TC62qs1zLFY1kl6lpLwcPciWQVHixoxBXQQjgFtkv-dOAVDqzjP4DwUUJolLJ0t56PTfhiHHGGQGVwb2CtjVNoPGuPza-9z4qGsKESStsWgOknrdp3iyX2/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut up & whole forks</td></tr>
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Using conventional vermiculture wisdom, the smaller the pieces of the organic material you put into the worm bin, the quicker the worms will process it. So, I took one of the forks and cut it up with a pair of scissors, using said wisdom, leaving the other fork whole. The other fork was left whole for a somewhat childish reason on my part. I could make it be composted faster, but I thought it would be fun to see how long it took for the worms to compost a whole fork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ64PVCXqibBlsMU9ITZP_5OB-hLWUm5kC5nlJ1IuSobGHhsc9XS8fgzsPE3nRmkZP8FU8ZzHdUTC7WT4TlhXMjOz3and_G3_oXUF_RY45yLYwRoHIo1E0WJHX8X6iJc2KuS6K516KkDj/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ64PVCXqibBlsMU9ITZP_5OB-hLWUm5kC5nlJ1IuSobGHhsc9XS8fgzsPE3nRmkZP8FU8ZzHdUTC7WT4TlhXMjOz3and_G3_oXUF_RY45yLYwRoHIo1E0WJHX8X6iJc2KuS6K516KkDj/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" width="320" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE-vMwlGto3c2g6pKTICCyyBZ_5AkR7nr0wR0_TDwUpuGFi5KqGE2WpNDQCfMHpRoZmsRb_HkLNp_TG70JYLCzy2XCObB9bGQCE0kTukINoRxd_4-oWpaZz2FYhD3jjv_U_ULAMYO2o2L/s1600/IMG_1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE-vMwlGto3c2g6pKTICCyyBZ_5AkR7nr0wR0_TDwUpuGFi5KqGE2WpNDQCfMHpRoZmsRb_HkLNp_TG70JYLCzy2XCObB9bGQCE0kTukINoRxd_4-oWpaZz2FYhD3jjv_U_ULAMYO2o2L/s320/IMG_1062.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We currently have a repurposed yogurt container on the counter, that acts as the storage bin for kitchen scraps before we place them in the worm bin. We have cut down on our waste and are on our way to having some gorgeous compost for next spring. Keep your eye out for further updates on the composting of our forks!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WORMS!</td></tr>
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</script>Caitlin Cramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358449971035679828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-72675327573900194112012-11-01T22:24:00.001-07:002016-04-24T19:43:00.627-07:00Alder Springs Trail: High Desert Beauty Along Whychus Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttEQMLQhei8/UIynT-Cl1II/AAAAAAAAFts/vL7ha7ODa6s/s1600/IMAGE_E25A4BA1-7DAB-4D90-A80A-2F7C1AC03A92.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttEQMLQhei8/UIynT-Cl1II/AAAAAAAAFts/vL7ha7ODa6s/s640/IMAGE_E25A4BA1-7DAB-4D90-A80A-2F7C1AC03A92.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After coming across the Alder Springs trailhead on my map of the Crooked River National Grassland I thought it would be a good day hike that was relatively close to Sisters. After looking up some information about the area I realized that the trail is part of the proposed Whychus-Deschutes Wilderness. I was excited but a little skeptical. Given the proximity to both Sisters and Redmond I thought that it couldn't possibly have a true 'wilderness' feel, but I was wrong. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alder Springs trailhead </td></tr>
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From that start of the drive down the rough dirt road to the trailhead I had the feeling that this hike was going to be an isolated place. There was only one other car at the trailhead and after a few minutes I wasn't sure where the other hikers disappeared to. My plan was to hike to the end of the trail were it runs into the Deschutes River. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alder Springs trail heading down to Whychus Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whychus Creek canyon </td></tr>
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Prior to descending to the banks of Whychus Creek you have incredibly beautiful sweeping vistas in all directions. Once you near the bottom of the canyon the forest transitions to a smattering of Ponderosa Pine, Red Alder and Western Juniper. Fire is of critical importance for the high desert of this area and there are many signs of it's frequent presence both new and old. Despite frequent fire the forest is still home to many living trees. <br />
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Only about one mile in you will come to the beautiful and quite cold Alder Springs. There are quite a few campsites just after the ford of Whychus Creek. It was about knee deep and not very swift. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd sign for a wilderness study area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ford at Alder Springs </td></tr>
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Though there are many trails that cross the creek the most obvious one is what you will need to take. Campsites abound from Alder Springs until you reach the Deschutes River, which also has great camping. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite shortly after the ford of Alder Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite along Whychus Creek</td></tr>
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Shortly after passing the campsites near Alder Springs the trail will climb slightly giving you impressive vistas both up and down the canyon. As you approach the confluence of Whychus Creek and the Deschutes River there is a stand of Ponderosa Pine that mark the end of the maintained trail. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alder Springs trail above Whychus Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the confluence of Whychus Creek and Deschutes River </td></tr>
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The campsite just passed the end of the maintained trail was my favorite of the trip. The beautiful canyon walls, Ponderosa Pines and rushing river make for a perfect campsite. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite along the Deschutes River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deschutes River just downriver from Whychus Creek</td></tr>
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It was easy to spend quite a while sitting on the rocky out cropping in the Deschutes enjoying the relatively warm sunshine on an other wise chilly day. Sadly I eventually had to return the way I came. This is a perfect day hike or short and easy backpacking trip. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Juniper beside Alder Spring</td></tr>
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<b>Directions from Sisters: </b>Follow Highway 126 towards Redmond for 4.6 miles, turn left on Goodrich road, follow for 7 miles( at the 7 mile marker) turn left onto Road 6360, follow for 4.1 miles, turn right at Alder Springs sign, follow for .8 mile. <br />
<b><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 2,600 feet <br />
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<b><br />Hike Distance:</b> 6.2 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 600 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light, 2 other people </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 1 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None</div>
<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1849239">Alder Springs at EveryTrail</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Alder Springs Trail Head Rd, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA44.4296431 -121.352581444.4069651 -121.39206340000001 44.4523211 -121.3130994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-14835314130262132922012-10-28T09:47:00.005-07:002012-10-31T19:36:14.694-07:00What to do with Pumpkin Guts: How to Dry Pumpkin Seeds, How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds, & Create a Compost FeastI have an announcement!!! The leaves are FINALLY turning yellow. Hooray!!!<br />
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Fall is my favorite time of year, its just warm enough that I can still get away with wearing flip flops, but just cool enough I can also manage to wear a scarf without getting strange looks. Probably an interesting image created right there, a flip-flop wearing, scarf sporting fashion faux pas. That would most definitely get weird looks. And although I don't wear the aforementioned clothing articles at the same time, you get the picture. My favorite thing about Fall: VARIETY</div>
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Yesterday afternoon was not a flip-flop day. It was a rubber boots and raincoats day. Ten miles from our home is <a href="http://www.lonepinefarms.com/" target="_blank">Lone Pine Farms</a>, which is in my humble opinion, an autumn paradise. They have hayrides, corn mazes, and of course, PUMPKINS. </div>
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My Perfect Pumpkin</div>
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Everyone loves to carve pumpkins, and for those with kids, you have someone to gut them. We on the other hand are kid-less. Meaning I got to gut those Orange beauties. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutting my perfect pumpkin</td></tr>
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But what is one to do with all of those guts after your pumpkin is empty? I personally think it would be fun to give someone an "unwilling pumpkin facial". But, in lieu of hitting anyone in the face with pumpkin guts, this spooky season, I opted for an alternative. We dried some of our seeds, and then we roasted the rest, recipes to follow.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to Dry Pumpkin Seeds</span></div>
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You may be wondering why a person would dry pumpkin seeds. The answer is simple: TO GROW PUMPKINS!!! </div>
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Next spring, pumpkin seeds will be one less thing on my "to purchase list", as we have harvested our own and now have more than enough seeds to grow pumpkins for the whole neighborhood, in our trusty homemade planter boxes. If you haven't read our entry on how to make a homemade planter box, you can find that <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/06/make-homemade-planter-box-for-under-30.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The process to dry seeds for your own planting use is really quite simple:</div>
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1) Gather your pumpkin guts in a large bowl.</div>
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2) Separate the seeds from the rest of your pumpkin guts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly separated pumpkin seeds</td></tr>
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3) As you can see after separating the seeds there is still some orange residue remaining. Put your seeds in a colander and rinse under cool water, the orange pieces will float to the top, where you can remove them from your seeds. </div>
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4) Once you have throughly rinsed your seeds pat them dry with a paper towel and lay them out in a one seed thick layer on a paper towel covered cookie sheet or mesh drying rack. That's it! Leave them in a cool, dry place for 3-4 weeks to ensure they are fully dried, then seal in an air tight bag or container until you are ready to plant them! Watch out next spring/summer for a follow up blog where we germinate our seeds!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds</span></div>
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If you have never had roasted pumpkin seeds, go down to your local farm, store, etc. and get yourself a pumpkin; You have been missing out. To complete this recipe you will need to complete steps 1-3 in the tutorial featured above, which will leave you with nice clean pumpkin seeds, ready to be roasted. </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 C. fresh, whole pumpkin seed</div>
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1/4 C. butter</div>
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Salt to taste</div>
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1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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2) Melt butter and stir into pumpkin seeds.</div>
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3) Spread seeds out on baking sheet. Add salt to taste. At this point you can also add many other kinds of seasoning, including garlic salt, cajun seasoning, or even cinnamon & sugar!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeds in the oven!</td></tr>
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4) Bake seeds for 30-35 or until golden brown. </div>
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5) Store in a sealed container for up to a week! Enjoy!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Compost Feast!</span></div>
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All of the extra guts and pieces from the pumpkin can be added to your compost pile or worm bin to help create nutrient rich compost for your garden and to cut down on waste! When you are done enjoying your jack'o lantern, the pumpkin itself can go into the compost pile! If you're interested in starting your own worm bin, click <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/03/creepy-crawlies-composting-adventure-pt.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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Happy Halloween, and Happy Pumpkin Gutting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha58rCGl0Ng7x6A_5DOgb-4whE6bRjtJpdYyGsm8lgikqoo91iY3lAo0lCbvjCu3PLJxHcCFqSPsbBQomLxBnfgWQqzTrQcAB8WBK8KhCw6di1G2itTFmegBR8Sq95BfO-4aiSyacvJaP5/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha58rCGl0Ng7x6A_5DOgb-4whE6bRjtJpdYyGsm8lgikqoo91iY3lAo0lCbvjCu3PLJxHcCFqSPsbBQomLxBnfgWQqzTrQcAB8WBK8KhCw6di1G2itTFmegBR8Sq95BfO-4aiSyacvJaP5/s320/IMG_0906.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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</script>Caitlin Cramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358449971035679828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-33049684936949303942012-10-27T15:00:00.000-07:002012-10-31T19:18:22.730-07:00Useful Weather Sites<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIQvYIWT8eY/T26hqSVAdzI/AAAAAAAAAbk/7mn2D0YlRdI/s1600/IMAGE_F666B534-2D34-4199-9F25-F28C939096CF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIQvYIWT8eY/T26hqSVAdzI/AAAAAAAAAbk/7mn2D0YlRdI/s640/IMAGE_F666B534-2D34-4199-9F25-F28C939096CF.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow along the Alpine trail near Oakridge, Oregon</td></tr>
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Winter is nearly here and that makes heading out into the wilderness slightly more dangerous than the rest of the year. The key to having a safe and awesome time, is being prepared for what weather you may face. I always like to plan for the worst, which often leads to slightly heavier pack weight. There are a lot of weather related sites around and some of them are better than others. My favorite general weather site is the <a href="http://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a>. <br />
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Their site is easy to navigate, one can search by zip code or city. Also there is a map that you can click around on and find the area closest to your destination. One of the best features is that are no ads. So once you figure out that it your destination might have some snow I always check out the National Water and Climate Center's website, known as <a href="http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/">SNOTEL</a>. <br />
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The NRCS offers information about how they collect data and what it all means. I normally just click on my state and then the SNOTEL site closest to where my destination will be. There is a lot of useful information on their site it has saved me from camping past the snow line a few times. The next place I check before leaving is the Oregon Department of Transportation's website, <a href="http://tripcheck.com/Pages/RCmap.asp?curRegion=0&amp;mainNav=RoadConditions">Trip Check</a>.<br />
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Trip Check offers you several cameras around Oregon that show mostly up to date still photos of major highways. Also they offer great information about construction and obstruction delays, such as wrecks and land slides. It's updated really often so check it a frequently because we all know how quickly conditions can change! <br />
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These are my three go to sites for checking the weather at my hiking or camping destination. Always be prepared, if you have any other sites you prefer please post them below, I love checking out new sites. <br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Eugene, OR, USA44.0520691 -123.086753643.9607726 -123.24468209999999 44.143365599999996 -122.9288251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-6592112553884281582012-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:002016-04-24T19:42:46.713-07:00Benson Lake and Hand Lake Loop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benson Lake</td></tr>
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We have had a relatively mild October until this last week, with the current forecast for next week calling for snow or rain based on elevation. For some people this would be the end of their 'hiking season'. I believe hiking is a year round activity. There is something so peaceful and beautiful to me about getting out on the trail on a cold and rainy day. Part of this is of course the lack of people on even the most popular of trails. After realizing snow would soon be falling in the High Cascades I started searching for a hike that would soon be under snow. After reading through a few guidebooks I decided to turn to my McKenzie River Ranger District map to find a few trails I could string together into a loop that was between 6-10 miles. Quickly I ran my Scalex Map Wheel over the trail, it came up as about 7 miles. If you're unfamiliar with a Map Wheel definitely check out <a href="http://www.scalex.com/mapwheels.php">Scalex's website</a>.<br />
I absolutely love driving on Highway 242, it's great no matter the time of year and the vine and big leaf maples make fall my favorite. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn colors along Highway 242 </td></tr>
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If you haven't ever driven Highway 242 you've been missing out. It's generally closed to cars from late October- June because of snow, and it isn't plowed past the Proxy Falls trailhead. Highway 242 was originally a wagon road and then turned in to a highway in 1921. This is obvious in the switchbacks and narrow roadbed, which make for an awesome driving experience. This road is also very popular for cyclists, so slow down and always count on someone being around the corner. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead for Benson Lake near Scott Lake</td></tr>
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After filling out my entry slip and paying the $5 fee I set out on the trail towards Benson Lake. The trail seemed to be fairly well maintained and there was only one tree across the trail for all 8 miles of it. The area around Benson lake was filled with meadows and ponds that would no doubt bring clouds of mosquitoes during early summer. There were even a few of the pests out on this rainy, cool day. The trail in many spots was a more like a small stream in a lot of places, with the water being about ankle deep. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benson Lake shrouded in fog </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes of choice for the day: FiveFingers KSO Trek</td></tr>
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I'm a big advocate of minimalist footwear and love the Vibram FiveFingers but this hike was definitely fairly painful because of the low temperatures and the constant water. I feel that my feet need a few cold fall hikes to adjust to the weather. After coming to Benson Lake you will continue climbing towards a junction with the Scott Mountain trail. During this time you will pass Tenas Lakes, which seemed fairly sweet, but I didn't visit them because it was fairly late in the day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huckleberries provide some fall color in this meadow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail junction towards Tenas Lakes</td></tr>
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Had it not been for the rain I would have liked to summit Scott Mountain, but with the heavy clouds I figured any vista would be obstructed. As the trail descends you will pass through a number of different kinds of forest, including a recent fire area. This area was fairly overgrown with Huckleberries, which on a cold wet day do a great job of soaking your pants. I moved quickly through this area only stopping to take a few pictures. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small lava flow area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent burn area</td></tr>
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Soon after the burn area you will come to a junction that is signed with Hand Lake towards your right, take this trail if you're heading back to the Benson Lake trailhead. The trail again dramatically changes character as you come across a massive lava flow that has sparse tree cover. You will skirt this lava flow until you reach Hand Lake. Sadly I didn't get any good pictures of Hand Lake because my lens was fogged up and my clothes were all damp. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge sparsely forested lava flow along the Hand Lake Trail </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hand Lake Trail near a lava flow</td></tr>
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After Hand Lake the trail follows a very moist area filled with meadows and ponds. Shortly before you reach Scott Lake there is a short, easy climb. Once you reach the shores of Scott Lake you can follow the main road out of the campground back to the Benson Lake Trailhead. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow shortly before Scott Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The north shore of Scott Lake</td></tr>
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The Benson Lake and Hand Lake loop is an awesome showcase of the beauty that the McKenzie Highway has to offer. Given that you are no more than 2 miles as the crow flies from the highway this trail offers a feeling of wonderful isolation. As long as Highway 242 is open, this trail should be accessible. </div>
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<b>Directions from McKenzie Bridge: </b>Follow Highway 126 for 3 miles turn right onto Highway 242, follow for 14 miles, turn left at Scott Lake campground, follow dirt forest rd. 260 until the end, about one mile. Trailhead is well marked. <b><br /><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 4,800 feet <br />
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<b><br />Hike Distance:</b> 8.4 miles according to my Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Loop </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 1,000 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light, didn't see anyone </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 2 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>5 dollars or a Northwest Forest Pass</div>
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1839411">Benson Lake and Hand Lake Loop at EveryTrail</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com2National Forest Development Road 260, Willamette National Forest, Blue River, OR 97413, USA44.213094720378734 -121.8922805786132844.201713720378734 -121.91202157861328 44.224475720378734 -121.87253957861329tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-39571693933074073432012-10-17T21:51:00.000-07:002016-04-26T20:14:31.218-07:00Willamatte National Forest Classic: French Pete Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the start of the French Pete Trail </td></tr>
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The forest that surrounds the French Pete drainage is definitely the star of this hike. There are massive Douglas-Firs and Western Red-cedars that line this watershed. Thanks to the hard work of many conservationists this valley was added into the Three Sisters Wilderness in 1978, saving it from being clear-cut. While walking through old-growth native forests like this, it's always difficult for me to imagine that some people can't see the beauty of such places, only the monetary value of it. Those of us who value incredible places must be vigilant, because those who see dollar signs are always at work to undue the work conservationists have done. Recently French Pete Creek has made it's way back into local news. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWrOIdue_WNA26uBF-14ofHzBc_qmIPRGyVydsjoEd8M5WRok1YOyuSqqcxBW9YsDhKirmpOnm3TIIkRjXWdyTfIEF5Th_wqWG3S0yGVjWVKP6r5pqbFtJWvUWY1ySkdn9ibjo-36p8ti/s1600/IMAGE_A94FDDC2-E7F8-41FA-889F-0D8C163F8642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWrOIdue_WNA26uBF-14ofHzBc_qmIPRGyVydsjoEd8M5WRok1YOyuSqqcxBW9YsDhKirmpOnm3TIIkRjXWdyTfIEF5Th_wqWG3S0yGVjWVKP6r5pqbFtJWvUWY1ySkdn9ibjo-36p8ti/s640/IMAGE_A94FDDC2-E7F8-41FA-889F-0D8C163F8642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A46LQmASTj0/UHo_KCov0vI/AAAAAAAAFXM/QuBRgxLULns/s1600/IMAGE_A1AD7F2C-B861-4A3B-B8A0-AB0B0C184FC1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A46LQmASTj0/UHo_KCov0vI/AAAAAAAAFXM/QuBRgxLULns/s640/IMAGE_A1AD7F2C-B861-4A3B-B8A0-AB0B0C184FC1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In 2003 day-hiker, Daming Xu went missing not long after the search started part of the guidebook he had was found along the upper portion of French Pete Creek. There was a massive search for him and still nothing was ever found. June of 2012 James Dutton went missing, but a search didn't begin for nearly 6 weeks. Though they might not have ever found Mr. Dutton, the fact that he didn't leave his itinerary with anyone greatly delayed the search. I always like to text where I'm going to be and when I'll be done to several family members, so they have a 'written' form of it and aren't trying to recall what I told them if I went missing. Don't count on the Forest Service to check the trailhead registration cards/logs. Despite the somber reminder of the dangers, the light sound of the flowing creek and the rain pelting the branches high above quickly transformed my mood. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes of choice: FiveFinger KSO Trek </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive nurse log that spans the trail </td></tr>
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Though this hike connects to many other trails further upstream we only hiked a short distance past where the officially maintained portion ends, which is at the first crossing of French Pete Creek. It's a fairly straightforward hike that closely follows French Pete Creek. There are several campsites both before and after the first creek crossing. The Forest Service says that usage of this trail is high, but on the first rainy Saturday of autumn we only came across one other person. I'm sure that most of the fall and winter the trail is lightly used. If you don't mind the rain camping along the stream would likely provide solitude. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall color along French Pete Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall and straight primarily Douglas-Fir forest</td></tr>
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Crossing French Pete creek this early in the fall wasn't too bad, it was about nearly knee deep, but not that fast moving. If you're unsure about crossing a creek definitely don't go beyond your skill level. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good friend for standing still in the cold water of French Pete Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush green moss blankets the forest floor in this area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great campsite after the crossing of French Pete Creek</td></tr>
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The French Pete trail is an outstanding gateway to the western half of the Three Sisters Wilderness, also nearby is the <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/06/hiking-rebel-rock-loop-western-three.html">Rebel Rock Trail</a>, which offers a longer but much more difficult hike. There are many backpacking trips that could begin at the French Pete trailhead, I suggest the <a href="http://www.nationalforeststore.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=NFS&Product_Code=OR-42&Category_Code=">McKenzie River Ranger District</a> map for this area. Below is a map of the route that we followed, if you have a smartphone or GPS you can download the tracks by clicking on the map. <br />
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<b>Directions from Eugene: </b>Follow Highway 126 for 40 miles east, turn right onto Forest Road 19, follow for 11 miles, trailhead is on the left at the 'French Pete Campground' sign. <br />
<b><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 1,840 feet <br />
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<b><br />Hike Distance:</b> 5.0 miles according to Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 1,000 feet </div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Light, only saw one other hiker</div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 1 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com3National Forest Development Road 19, Willamette National Forest, Blue River, OR 97413, USA44.041822880057559 -122.2069358825683644.036115880057558 -122.21680638256836 44.04752988005756 -122.19706538256835tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-52586760397075593522012-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:002016-04-24T19:40:44.542-07:00Mount Yoran Via the Divide Lake Trail <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower half of Mount Yoran and Divide Lake</td></tr>
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There are quite a few routes that one could take to explore the area around Mount Yoran, this trip I decided to take the Divide Lake trail from the Vivian Lake trailhead. This route is awesome because it passes by Notch Lake and gives you incredible views of Diamond Peak. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vivian Lake Trailhead </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes of choice: FiveFingers Classic</td></tr>
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The trail begins in a fairly open area that is lined with Huckleberries, so if you plan to hike this and want to eat as you go I would come sometime in August or September. Sadly there were very few Huckleberries left. Shortly after you begin your hike you enter the Diamond Peak Wilderness. At a little under a mile you will come to the beautiful Notch Lake. I spotted one awesome campsite fairly close to the trail. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great campsite near Notch Lake</td></tr>
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The area around Notch Lake was still fairly moist considering there hasn't been much, if any rain in the last three months. If you were to come here in spring or fall you would probably be getting your feet wet in this section of trail. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small pond near Notch Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Fungi, not sure on the name. </td></tr>
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Not long after Notch Lake you begin a climb that brings you onto a prominent ridge. This gives you some incredible views of namesake of this Wilderness; Diamond Peak. Huckleberries were also all around this area. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Peak from the Divide Lake Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huckleberries providing beautiful fall color </td></tr>
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Shortly you will drop south from the saddle towards Divide Lake. There are some awesome campsites on the north and northwest sides, we primarily hung out at the one closest to the trail though. The water was cold, clear and beautiful! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountian Hemlock dominate the forest around Divide Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection of the forest in Divide Lake </td></tr>
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After soaking up some of the warm October sun we decided it was time to head to Oakridge for some beers. If you're in the area <a href="http://www.brewersunion.com/">Brewers Union Local 180</a> is the best place for food and beer! If you're looking for somewhere great to camp nearby check out the <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/10/indigo-springs-campground-willamette.html">Indigo Springs Campground</a>. This hike definitely left me wanting to explore the Diamond Peak Wilderness more, I've already got one snowshoe trip planned! <b><br /></b><br />
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<b><br />Directions from Oakridge: </b>Follow Highway 58 for 2 miles, turn right onto Kitson Springs Road, .5 mile continue straight onto FR 23, follow for 19.5 miles( 15.5 pavement/4 gravel), turn left at the hiker symbol/Vivian Lakes sign. <br />
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<b><br />Trailhead Elevation: </b>Approximately 5,500 <br />
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</b><b>Hike Distance:</b> 8.1 miles according to Garmin Oregon 550 GPS </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 1,000 feet </div>
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<b><br />Highest Point: </b>6,500 feet</div>
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<b><br />Usage:</b> Medium ran into 8 other hikers </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 2 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1808236">Mount Yoran Via Divide Lake Trail at EveryTrail</a><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.everytrail.com/iframe2.php?trip_id=1808236&width=400&height=300" width="400"></iframe>EveryTrail - Find the <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-oregon">best Hiking in Oregon</a>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at Divide Lake</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0National Forest Development Road 23, Willamette National Forest, OR, USA43.574172892220595 -122.1886539459228543.568421392220593 -122.19852444592286 43.5799243922206 -122.17878344592285tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-57433564238972298192012-10-09T11:02:00.000-07:002015-04-26T18:58:56.052-07:00Indigo Springs Campground Willamette National Forest <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turnoff from FR 21 for Indigo Springs Campground</td></tr>
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While planning a hike to <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/10/mount-yoran-via-divide-lake-trail_11.html">Mount Yoran via the Divide Lake</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7273988754941305068"> trail</a> I came across the Indigo Springs Campground on Forest Service map and figured that it would be worth checking out. Going to school five days a week and working one leaves far too little time to get out into the woods, so my friend and I planned to camp at Indigo Springs Campground in order to get an early start hiking the next day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo Creek not far from Indigo Springs</td></tr>
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We arrived well after dark and were hoping the place was empty, but we showed up at there was and one of the four sites occupied. Knowing that it was hunting season and not wanting the other people to think we were going to be hunting in 'their' area I immediately got out and talked with the guys. It turned out to be a father and his two sons, they were all friendly. They told us that the best site for tent camping was the just up from were we had parked. Shortly after getting settled we had a fire going, steaks grilling and beer pouring. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the small campsites</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite for the night</td></tr>
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If there isn't a chance of rain and there isn't swarms of biting insects I prefer to not use a tent, also known as cowboy camping. In developed campgrounds it will often get you some strange looks from those who like to bring all the 'comforts' of home. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Indigo Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many parts of Indigo Springs</td></tr>
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There is a short trail from the campground that leads to Indigo Springs, the distance has to be under 1/10 of a mile. After crossing Indigo Creek on a bridge there are two picnic tables, spaced out nicely, these spots could be used for camping if you want some more privacy. This is definitely a place I want to come back to, I would imagine that after hunting season you could have it to yourself until Summer. Also this campground has access to the Middle Fork Willamette Trail, across FR 21. There is no room for trailers or RVs. <br />
<b><br />Directions from Oakridge</b>: Follow Highway 58 east for 2 miles turn right onto Kitson Springs Road, Follow for .5 mile turn right onto FR 21, Follow FR 21 for approximately 27 miles turn left at the well marked entrance. <br />
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<b>Elevation: </b>2,800 feet<br />
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<b>Water: </b>None, but the incredible spring is nearby <br />
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<b>Bathroom: </b>One pit toilet <br />
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<b>Trash: </b>One trash can <br />
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<b>Usage: </b>Light, one other campsite was occupied <br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com3US Frst Service Road 21, Willamette National Forest, OR, USA43.4976215 -122.264484443.4861035 -122.2842254 43.5091395 -122.2447434tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-2834756493662911332012-10-04T21:13:00.000-07:002016-04-24T19:40:57.269-07:00Finley Wildlife Refuge: Snag Boat Bend UnitThe management of National Wildlife Refuges is slightly different than that of many other protected Federal lands such as Wilderness Areas. They are often managed for the maximum benefit of migratory birds, so this limits many forms of recreation. The system of National Wildlife Refuges is almost 110 years old and is often expanded by land donations. The Finley Wildlife Refuge has two units, I have only been to the Snag Boat Bend Unit. There is approximately 3.0 miles of trails around the 341 acre site. The trails here are often road-like and in some places they are gravel roads. It's by no means a destination by itself, but if you're from the Southern Willamette Valley definitely check it out if you're nearby. Unless you're into birding, in that case it could very well be with a trip. Below is a selection of photos from my walk around Snag Boat Bend. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of trail is a boardwalk. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information about the area and a map</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic spot near the end of the boardwalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent evidence of a beaver in the area</td></tr>
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Directions from Corvallis: Follow Highway 34 one mile east, turn onto Peoria road. Follow for 10 miles. There is a large sign on the right. </div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0911 11th NE Ave, Halsey, OR 97348, USA44.434567 -123.218985644.4118905 -123.2584676 44.457243500000004 -123.17950359999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-38000546920659127202012-09-28T20:20:00.000-07:002016-04-24T19:41:12.048-07:00Marys Peak Oregon: East Ridge TrailLast Winter a good friend and I attempted to hike to the summit of Marys Peak, but our hike never happened. We barely made it 2 miles down Marys Peak road before we were turned back by about 2 feet of fresh snow. I'm now attending Oregon State University, so naturally I wanted to end my first week of classes with an awesome hike. Marys Peak was the logical decision. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Ridge trailhead at Marys Peak</td></tr>
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Having looked at the Forest Service's website and seeing that usage was high I figured that it would be similar to Mount Pisgah near Eugene. Not to take anything away from Mount Pisgah, but I generally don't like to see more than one or two other people on my hikes. This made it even more surprising when I showed up at the East Ridge trailhead and there was only two other cars. I was even more impressed by the forest. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the blue diamond, this trail can be used after snow falls </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Having only glanced online about this area I knew that it was both the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range and Benton County. Also I noted that there is a road all the way to the top along with some buildings and towers. This really didn't detract from the hike all that much. The East Ridge trail begins in a dense forest of Vine Maples with some large Douglas-Firs. Promptly the forest opens up and you have very clear views both up and down the moderately steep side of Marys Peak. There are a few pretty large Douglas-Firs in this area. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relatively dense forest along East Ridge trail. Marys Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much more open forest dominated by the Douglas-fir</td></tr>
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Soon after you enter the more open forest you will come to a bench and a switchback trail junction. If you want to stay on the East Ridge trail continue up hill. Or if you would like to delay your accent you can continue towards the North Ridge trail. Because I started in the afternoon I kept on the East Ridge trail. This is there the trail switchbacks approximately 4 times over the next mile. Not long after the second switchback the forest dramatically changes from mostly Douglas-Fir to Noble Fir. The Coast Range of Oregon is known for quite a few trees, but the Noble Fir isn't one of them, it's such a rare eco-system that it's preserved as a Botanical Special Interest Area by the Siuslaw National Forest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native Noble Fir forest Marys Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the East Ridge trail at Marys Peak</td></tr>
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Seeing a nearly pure stand of Noble Fir is rare enough, let alone in the Coast Range. This, in and of itself makes the hike worth it to me, but it only gets better as you near the summit of Marys Peak. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Loop Trail/ Conner's Camp trail junction near the summit of Marys Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first meadow you enter along the East Ridge trail at Marys Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view southeast from the first meadow</td></tr>
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I didn't realize how much of a Wilderness area feel that the hike had until I reached section of the hike where you road walk to the summit. It's unfortunate that this road and the buildings that occupy the top will likely never be removed. <br />
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Despite the road and buildings Marys Peak still offers impressive views in all directions. Much of the Willamette Valley was obscured by smoke from wildfires currently burning east of the Cascades. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Ocean in the distance from the summit of Marys Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey view of the Willamette Valley from the summit of Marys Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the road walk east towards the Willamette Valley. </td></tr>
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After spending awhile at the picnic table talking with an awesome couple who are recently moved to Cascadia. My hunger took over and I headed off the summit east towards what turned out to be an unofficial trail back to the road. There are many different routes that you can take to the summit of Marys Peak, I plan to write about them all. No matter which trail you use, there is no way you will be disappointed. <br />
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<b>Directions from Philomath: </b>Follow Highway 34 for 10 miles. Turn right onto Marys Peak Road. Follow for 5.5 miles turn right just after a trailhead sign. </div>
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</b><b>Hike Distance:</b> 6.17 according to my iPhone </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 1,900 feet </div>
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<b>Highest Point: </b>4,097 feet</div>
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<b>Usage: </b>Heavy at the summit, saw about ten people. East Ridge Trail only saw four. </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 3 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>5 dollars or a Northwest Forest Pass<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes of choice: Vibram Fivefingers KSO Trek</td></tr>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Marys Peak, Oregon 97370, USA44.504287 -123.551216544.4929625 -123.57095749999999 44.5156115 -123.5314755tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-90751383344771333612012-09-23T11:47:00.001-07:002016-04-24T19:41:28.238-07:00One Year Later: Mount Thielsen <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Thielsen from the Pacific Crest Trail 2011</td></tr>
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September 18, 2011 I was nearly 2000 miles into my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. During this day we had incredible views of Mount Thielsen all day, I ended up having dinner along Thielsen Creek, Ramen with bacon. After trying to figure out a good place to backpack for my birthday my girlfriend suggested we summit Mount Thielsen, it wasn't something I had thought to do, because I assumed it would require actual rock climbing. While looking around on the web I came across a few not so inspiring tales of people falling and being seriously injured while attempting the summit. With that being said this hike should only be attempted by those who have extensive outdoor experience and even though it's a short hike make sure you're prepared to stay the night. <br />
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There are a few different routes one can take to summit Mount Thielsen, but the normal day hiking route begins at a large parking lot trailhead along Highway 138. There is a 5 dollar day use fee, permits are sold at the trailhead. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Mount Thielsen Wilderness</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Lake from the Mount Thielsen trail</td></tr>
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The first four miles of this trail are well maintained and a steady but easy climb, you traverse through a few different kinds of forest. It's always awesome to me to see which trees dominate the landscape as you climb in elevation. As you reach the Pacific Crest Trail you will notice a trail that heads straight towards Mount Thielsen, this is the trail you want. We made the mistake of taking a trail that went slightly south away from the ledge, it was very loose scree which isn't easy to walk on with boots let along FiveFingers. Progress was slow and breaks were frequent both because it was strenuous, and also to take in the increasingly beautiful vista back towards Mount Bailey and Diamond Lake. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Bailey and Diamond Lake from the Mount Thielsen trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey view north near the summit of Mount Thielsen </td></tr>
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As you scramble up the various trails do your best to stay as close to the ledge or to the left as you go up. The rock there is harder and slightly better to walk up. There is even a small campsite for one person overlooking the west side of Mount Thielsen. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite of last resort</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view back down the scramble </td></tr>
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As you near the summit the rocks become large and it's much easier to move across than the scree you were on before. There is a small flat below a Pine just before the 80 foot near climb to the top. I hadn't decided if I was going to climb this last part because danger involved, but once I was below it, it didn't look all that bad.</div>
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After signing the trail log and soaking up the glorious views all around I slowly made my way down the near vertical rocks. Besides the massive drop below it wasn't bad at all coming down. Progress down the scree slopes was relatively slow, because of having our FiveFingers filled with rocks, it happened so quickly it almost wasn't worth dumping them. </div>
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Overall this is a great hike it will get your heart pumping and provide you with some incredible views. After getting off the scree we finished the last 4 miles within an hour, not sure if it was the easy trail or knowing we would soon be at 10 Barrel in Bend, but we flew off the mountain. Even if you don't want to climb the last 80 feet this is definitely a great hike and worthy of the drive here from anywhere. <br />
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<b>Directions from Bend:</b> Follow Highway 97 for 74.5 miles, turn right onto Highway 138 follow for 20 miles. The trailhead will be on your right, it's well signed. </div>
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<b>Hike Distance:</b> 10 miles </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 3,700 feet</div>
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<b>Highest Point: </b>9,182</div>
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<b>Usage: </b>Light</div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: Overall 5 out of 5. First 4 miles is a 2 out of 5</div>
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<b>Fees: </b>5 dollars or a Northwest Forest Pass</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Mt Thielsen, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon 97733, USA43.1515735 -122.066411543.1052365 -122.1453755 43.1979105 -121.9874475tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-83982137209358006322012-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:002016-04-26T19:36:00.632-07:00Barefoot Hiking in Deschutes National Forest: Black Butte <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELYnLlnuprU/UFK_WoWbCBI/AAAAAAAAEbE/9BME6Q10lBQ/s1600/IMAGE_07728239-7795-4892-86E4-99C89F49EA6D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELYnLlnuprU/UFK_WoWbCBI/AAAAAAAAEbE/9BME6Q10lBQ/s640/IMAGE_07728239-7795-4892-86E4-99C89F49EA6D.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Jefferson with fire from Black Butte</td></tr>
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Something that I haven't mentioned in any of my previous hiking posts is that I hike in <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm">Vibram Fivefingers</a>. Whether it's a short day hike or a multiple day backpacking trip Fivefingers are my go to shoes. Depending on how rocky or hot the trail is I will often not wear shoes at all. On my drive to Black Butte I decided that this was going to be my first completely barefoot hike since I left Hawai'i in 2010.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the climb up Black Butte</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massive Ponderosa Pine along the Black Butte trail</td></tr>
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One benefit of barefoot hiking that I have noticed is seeing a lot more big game. Even on this heavily used trail I saw a few deer before they ran into the brush. Other hikes have had similar results. Black Butte is a landmark that I have passed many times on trips through the Cascades and until recently I had never thought to hike it. I had limited time and was craving some epic views and Ponderosa Pine forests, so Black Butte sounded like the perfect hike. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Cascades through the Pines</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Finger Jack from the Black Butte trail</td></tr>
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Shortly after you begin the climb you will switchback out of the relatively cool Pine forest and into an open hillside. The dirt went from being somewhat cool to being downright hot in some places as I climbed into this section. Thankfully not long after you come into the open you circle around the northeast side and summit Black Butte. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last stretch before the summit </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairly new Forest Service marker and lookout </td></tr>
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Black Butte is still an active fire lookout so you're not allowed to be near the tower or next to a newer cabin that is build on the northwest side of the Butte. Though you can explore near the Cupola Cabin that was the original fire lookout built in 1922, it is one of the only cabins like this left in the US. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current residence for employees </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupola Cabin near the summit of Black Butte</td></tr>
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Because of Black Butte's over 3,000 foot prominence you have incredible views in all directions. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Jefferson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the Sisters</td></tr>
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Hiking Black Butte barefoot turned out to be a good idea, though if I would have gotten a later start or hiked on a warmer day it would have been painful in the stretches with little forest cover. Overall the hike is a great short trip, if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds go early in the day. Or if you're more adventurous go as soon as you can get to get trailhead. </div>
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<b>Directions from Sisters:</b> Drive 6.3 miles west Highway 20, turn right on FR 11 then follow for 3.9 miles, then turn left onto FR 1110 follow for 5.5 miles(dirt) until road end at parking area. The last section of road was very rough</div>
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<b>Hike Distance:</b>Approximately 4 miles round trip </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>1,640 feet</div>
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<b>Highest Point: </b>6,440</div>
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<b>Usage: </b>Heavy</div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 3 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Fees: </b>5 dollars or a Northwest Forest Pass</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com2National Forest Development Road 1110, Deschutes National Forest, Camp Sherman, OR 97730, USA44.395032825316115 -121.6480064392089844.383687825316116 -121.66774743920898 44.406377825316113 -121.62826543920899tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-29951867753767546942012-09-14T16:24:00.000-07:002016-04-24T19:41:43.947-07:00Redwood Creek to Tall Trees Grove: Backpacking Redwood National Park <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dispersed campsite along Redwood Creek shortly after Elam Horse Camp </td></tr>
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The Redwood Coast of northern California has always been a special place to me, I still remember my first trip there with my parents when I was 11 years old. In the last 2 years I have made the pilgrimage many times and checked out great trails in Jedediah Smith State Park, Prairie Creek State Park and Redwood National Park. Nearly all of my adventures in the Redwoods have been in the dead of Winter, both to avoid crowds and because it happened to be when I could make it there. Backpacking to the Tall Trees Grove via the Redwood Creek trail has been on my list for a long time, but because I was always here in winter it wasn't possible. This year I was able to make it down here and to top it off there wasn't even a cloud in the sky for two days. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bridge is the start of the Redwood Creek Trail</td></tr>
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After loading the car up we set out for the five and half hour drive to Redwood National Park. We arrived from Eugene at the visitors center along Highway 199 around 3:00 pm. After some confusion by the volunteer working she gave me my no cost permit to camp along Redwood Creek. Back on the road again we headed south on 199 to 101. The drive through Del Norte State Park is one of my favorites on the Pacific Coast. The town of Orick has a small store that you can pick up last minute items at. Though it's the gateway to a major National Park the town is seemingly dead. As we drove down Bald Hills Road I was expecting the parking lot to be full or close to it, but I was wrong there was only two other cars! We set out on the trail at around 4:00 pm. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massive Sitka Spruces line the trail along with some Redwoods</td></tr>
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The trail until the first crossing of Redwood Creek is nearly flat and appears to have been a road at sometime. Once you cross on a seasonal bridge, which oddly enough isn't needed when it's there, the water was only about knee keep, the trail is much smaller. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Redwood Creek from the seasonal bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortly after the first crossing of Redwood Cree</td></tr>
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Our original plan for the night was to camp at Elam Horse Camp, but after coming to the cutoff trail we decided to walk a little bit further and camp on the gravel bar. There were many side trails, most likely from game that lead down to Redwood Creek, but we waited until we found an area that was still covered in the warm afternoon sun and then cut down a steep game trail to the gravel bar. My girlfriend wanted to camp right along the Redwood Creek so we started gathering some dry driftwood that was on the gravel bar and set up camp. The spot was about perfect, we had easy access to both water and wood, it was interesting to see how massive the Coast Redwoods were in comparison to the other tall stream side trees. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our packs near Redwood Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise on Redwood Creek</td></tr>
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The depth of Redwood Creek where we camped was about waist deep, so swimming would be out of the question here. After sitting around the fire enjoying sunrise we packed up knowing we would have a fairly long, but easy and incredible day of hiking ahead of us. We set out from camp around 9:00 am. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acer Macrophyllum AKA Big Leaf Maple along Redwood Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me under a massive nurse log across the trail</td></tr>
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Because this trail was build much later than other trails in the various Redwood State Parks, it stays close to Redwood Creek ,where few Redwoods grow. Conventional wisdom is that any increase in traffic through old growth stands is bad for them and the environment that they live in. Though there are still some pretty large trees that you will walk by and nearly always just up hill from you will be some old growth Redwoods. Also there are a few areas just before the second crossing of Redwood Creek that were logged. These areas are thick with young Redwoods. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Redwoods in a previously logged area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing part of a bridge, others felt pretty loose </td></tr>
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Once you reach the junction with the trail that heads to Camp 44 you will be only .4 miles from the Tall Trees Grove, this is where you will descend back to Redwood Creek and cross on another seasonal bridge. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Redwood Creek on a seasonal bridge near Tall Trees Grove</td></tr>
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Close to Tall Trees Grove we came across about 10 other hikers and one National Park Service Ranger. I was definitely excepting way more people around this famous grove, I guess the fact that you need a code to get passed the locked gate deters some people. The Ranger we talked with was great, she had good information, we ended up talking with her for nearly 30 minutes. The walk around the Tall Trees Grove is similar to the Stout Grove, there is a loop through a grove of amazing trees. It was once believed that the tallest tree in the world grew here, but since then they have found others that are taller. Though the Libbey Tree is the only one of the trees once thought to be the tallest in the world that you can find without research and bush-whacking. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly straight massive Coast Redwood in the Tall Trees Grove</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the trail in the Tall Trees Grove</td></tr>
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The loop hike through the Tall Trees Grove is a great turn around point for an overnight trip, though you could walk up Redwood Creek to find better swimming. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junction with the trail to the Tall Trees Grove parking lot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine on giant Coast Redwoods in the Tall Trees Grove</td></tr>
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After this hike I only wanted to explore the area more. Somewhere in the valley that Redwood Creek flows through is the World's tallest tree, Hyperion. It's location is kept secret. Backpacking in the Redwoods is definitely much better than staying at the popular campgrounds. Be sure to check with the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm">park office</a> for any changes to where you can camp. </div>
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<b>Directions from Crescent City: </b>Follow Highway 101 for 40.5 miles turn left onto Bald Hills Road, Follow Bald Hills Road for .4 miles, turn right follow until end. There are signs indicating the trailhead. </div>
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<b>Hike Distance:</b> Approximately 16.4 miles including the Tall Trees Loop</div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back </div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>500</div>
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<b>Usage: </b>Heavy </div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>:2 out of 5</div>
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<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1803173">Redwood Creek Trail at EveryTrail</a><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.everytrail.com/iframe2.php?trip_id=1803173&width=400&height=300" width="400"></iframe>EveryTrail - Find the <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-redwood-national-and-state-parks">best Hiking in Redwood National and State Parks</a>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few giants in the Tall Trees Grove</td></tr>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com4Bald Hills Rd, Redwood National Park, Orick, CA 95555, USA41.299411547960453 -124.0340995788574241.293447047960456 -124.04397007885743 41.305376047960451 -124.02422907885742tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-46182475008417526282012-09-09T19:13:00.001-07:002016-04-24T19:41:55.121-07:00Willamette National Forest: Crescent Mountain Trail <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite on the summit of Crescent Mountain</td></tr>
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Crescent Mountain comes in at 5,750 feet making it one of the highest peaks in the Old Cascades. Long worn down by the ravages of time these peaks are half the elevation of the newer Cascades. An area that is often overlooked by hikers and backpackers is the Old Cascades trail network. The Crescent Mountain trial is an awesome day hike and could be used as the southern leg of a multi-day backpacking trip. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern trailhead </td></tr>
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The trail is open to both equestrians and mountain bikers, though I didn't see any trace of either. You begin the hike through a young forest of primarily Douglas Fir alongside the beautiful Maude Creek. Once you reach a bridge and cross Maude Creek the somewhat difficult climb begins. <br />
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While crossing Maude Creek keep your eyes open for Huckleberries, I found a few early season ones. As you climb you pass into a much more impressive mature forest, with some fairly large trees. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huckleberries </td></tr>
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After about 3 miles you will walk into a beautiful meadow which will give you the first epic views of the hike. If you hike here in June or July the wildflowers would be impressive, probably not quite like <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/07/vistas-and-wildflowers-hiking-cone.html">Iron Mountain</a>, but still awesome. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sisters from Crescent Mountain trail </td></tr>
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Just before the summit and the steepest part of the trail you will reenter a dark Fir forest, keep right at the trail junction to reach the summit. If you're planning on a longer hike after you summit Crescent Mountain the other trail will be the one you take. </div>
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The view from the meadow earlier was just a preview of the views that await you. There is a lot of wood and some broken glass from what I believe was an old fire lookout. There a few campsites on top, that would make for dramatic sunrises and
sunsets, if you don't mind carrying a lot of water it would be an
unforgettable spot. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the summit of Crescent Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Jefferson with smoke to the north </td></tr>
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Far below you in the valley that gives Crescent Mountain it's shape is a beautiful looking lake, if one was ambitious you could hike down and have it to yourself. Though judging by a relatively close clear-cut, there is probably an easier way to the lake. <br />
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If you're looking for a decent workout, awesome views and solitude than this is a hike for you. Also nearby is <a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/08/daly-lake-perfection-in-old-cascades.html">Daly Lake</a>, with almost car camping and great swimming it's worth checking out. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Directions from Sweet Home:</b> Follow Highway 20 east for about 43 miles<b>, </b>turn left on Forest Road 2067, follow for 1 mile turn left onto FR 508. There is a large trailhead sign pointing down FR 508. Follow until the end. </span></span></div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>1740</div>
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<b>Highest Point:</b> Crescent Mountain 5,750 feet</div>
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<b>Usage: </b>Light</div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 3 out of 5</div>
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<b>Fees: </b>None<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Unnamed Rd, Willamette National Forest, Foster, OR 97345, USA44.4467893 -122.094236244.3561033 -122.2521647 44.5374753 -121.9363077tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-24911366345478196872012-08-27T18:44:00.000-07:002016-04-24T19:42:13.499-07:00Rock Creek Wilderness: No Trail, No Problem <br />
I had been meaning to hike in the Rock Creek Wilderness for a few years, but nearly every time it came to mind it was Winter or Spring and knowing that there was no trail and only a creek to walk up, it would have to wait. Finally it crossed my mine in August to visit this trail-less, often forgotten Rock Creek Wilderness. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trailhead is at the back of the Rock Creek Campground</td></tr>
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There is very little written on the Rock Creek Wilderness, other than the fact that it's a very important. It protects a now rare ecosystem in Oregon, the native coastal rainforest. The majority of the Coast Range Mountains in Oregon have been logged and logged again over the past 150 years. The fact that any native forests remain is a miracle. Even before you start this hike you will know why the timber barons wanted to cut the native forests along the Oregon Coast. The predominate tree close to the coast is the Sitka Spruce, reaching 9 feet in diameter along Rock Creek. The Rock Creek Wilderness isn't signed, so you have to park at the very small Rock Creek Campground. There is a short trail that leads to an old homestead site, after that follow Elk trails or Rock Creek. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the trail through campsite 15</td></tr>
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There is very limited parking at the campground, so I asked the camp host and he told me it was okay to use the 10-minute parking area. This shouldn't be a problem though, given that very few people venture out here. The Rock Creek Campground is very nice and offers running water and pit-toilets, but 24 dollars a night is pretty expensive to me. If you had some friends or family who wanted to car camp, it would be a perfect place to use as a base camp for long day hikes up Rock Creek. Once I parked and payed the day use fee of 5 dollars, I set out for the trail. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jASqwx6Ds4/UDwDkTi6yNI/AAAAAAAAD3c/dS956P8w_oo/s1600/IMAGE_107C13CC-173E-4100-BEB6-3CC96A073DBC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jASqwx6Ds4/UDwDkTi6yNI/AAAAAAAAD3c/dS956P8w_oo/s640/IMAGE_107C13CC-173E-4100-BEB6-3CC96A073DBC.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best tread you will see</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Ensatina </td></tr>
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I almost stepped on the little Salamander, but thankfully I looked down at the last second. It just sat there and let me take a few pictures of it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digitalis AKA Foxgloves </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large gnarled Picea sitchensis AKA Sitka Spruce </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many logjams that you must go over, under or around.</td></tr>
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Sadly I couldn't spend more time going upstream, so I only made it about two miles upstream. There was a few good camping spots, though during a rainstorm I wouldn't want to be in this valley at all. Swimming was possible in a few spots on my hike, which was great because it was fairly warm and humid. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just downstream from a decent swimming hole</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow area that was filled with scat from Elk and Deer</td></tr>
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Going off trail in the Coast Range mountains is a very difficult and dangerous activity and you should only go if you're competent and confident in your outdoor skills. There are a lot of false bottoms both on the logjams and along the creek. If you're looking for solitude and a challenge definitely check out the Rock Creek Wilderness. I can't wait to hike the length of this wilderness. </div>
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<b>Directions from Florence:</b> Follow Highway 101 for 15 miles, turn right at Rock Creek Campground. Trail begins at campsite 15<br />
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<b>Hike Distance: </b>As long as you want, though it's about .7 mile to a decent camping area. </div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Out and Back</div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>Minimal </div>
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<b>Usage:</b> Light</div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 4 out of 5 </div>
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<b>Hike Time: </b>3 hours to multiple days <br />
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<b>Fees: </b>5 dollars to park at campground</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0National Forest Development Road 57, Siuslaw National Forest, Florence, OR 97439, USA44.1801213 -124.057061944.1345718 -124.13602589999999 44.2256708 -123.9780979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-51893418321630403312012-08-19T22:23:00.001-07:002016-04-24T19:42:24.720-07:00Daly Lake: Perfection in the Old Cascades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While planning a somewhat long hike ( 46 miles) along the Old Cascades Crest trail system I came across Daly Lake on my map. Having a good feeling about the place I jumped on the computer and checked the Forest Service's website, usage was listed as heavy, so not expecting anything good I set out on a scouting trip for my longer hike. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite 1 at Daly Lake</td></tr>
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While pulling up to the trailhead I was excited not to see any other vehicles. I set off on the short and wheelchair assessable trail to the lake. The sun was about to set so I got my little camp set up before the sun was completely gone. Laying back near a fire with a beer in my hand watching the sun fade over Daly Lake reminded me why I love Cascadia so much. It was a perfect spot. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daly Lake Trailhead</td></tr>
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After another day at work I needed to get back into the woods. One of my good friends from my 2011 hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, Scarecrow was going to need a ride back to the trail and a few other friends wanted to spend the weekend camping; I knew the perfect spot. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite 2 at Daly Lake</td></tr>
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The water was fairly cool, but definitely swim-able. If you follow the trail left when you hit the first campsite there are a few logs you can walk out and jump off of. There was a short trail around the lake that is fairly well maintained until you hit the far south end, it's kind of marshy and somewhat overgrown.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarecrow collecting some Huckleberries </td></tr>
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Definitely be on the lookout for Strawberries, Huckleberries and Marionberries! In the next few weeks both the Huckleberries and Marionberries will be perfect. We had an awesome weekend. If you have just one night or a few this spot is amazing. If you're in the area be sure to hike the Crescent Mountain trail. <br />
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<b>Directions from Sweet Home</b>: Follow Highway 20 East(47.5 miles), turn left onto Highway 22(7.6 miles), turn left onto Parish Lake Road (FR 2266) ( 2.2 miles), make slight right still on FR 2266( 1.0), take first right to stay on FR 2266( 1.6), turn right onto FR 450( .3). The trailhead will be on the right. <br />
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<b>Elevation: </b>3,690 feet<br />
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<b>Fees: </b>5 dollars per day <br />
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<b>Water: </b>None ( other than the lake inlet) <br />
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<b>Bathroom: </b>One pit toilet <br />
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<b>Trash: </b>Pack it out<br />
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<b>Usage: </b>Light <br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com1Daly Lake, Willamette National Forest, Oregon, USA44.5389716 -122.066047744.536142100000006 -122.0709832 44.5418011 -122.0611122tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-29255275446960729712012-08-08T21:46:00.003-07:002016-04-24T19:42:36.256-07:00Backpacking in Gearhart Mountain Wilderness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Gearhart Mountain Wilderness is a strikingly beautiful and relatively isolated area. Located about 20 miles northeast of Bly, Oregon it's quite a drive from most major cities in Oregon. This makes it all the better, my girlfriend and I spent nearly three days in the Wilderness and didn't see anyone else. The road to the southern trailhead passes by the Mitchell Monument, which is the only location in the lower 48 states that Americans died from a Japanese attack during World War Two.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mitchell Monument</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponderosa Pine that is still scared from the Japanese bomb attack</td></tr>
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The namesake of the wilderness lends it's name to the main trail through the wilderness. The Gearhart Trail runs for 13.5 miles from south to north. We started out at the Lookout or southern trailhead, it's at 6,300 feet so access is likely limited to July-October. The trail starts out with a gentle climb to the Palisades, which is a ten acre site of seemingly random rock outcroppings. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palisades</td></tr>
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Because of our relatively late start we decided to hike the half mile and find somewhere to camp in the Palisades. We found an awesome spot under a massive Ponderosa Pine towards the north end of the rocks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite in the Palisades</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Gearhart Wilderness</td></tr>
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There is no water before or near the Palisades and we weren't all that sure where the next water source would be, so we carried out six liters of water from the trailhead. In the morning we set out for Blue Lake on the north end of Gearhart Wilderness. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky outcrop near The Dome</td></tr>
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As the trail passes The Dome, you come to a creek twice. First it will be a slight and very visible trail down to the stream, after one more long switchback you will cross the creek. I suggest getting water from the second access point, it was much colder and closer to the source. As the trail ascends Lodgepole Pine begins to dominate the forest. <br />
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Knowing that the temperature back home in the Willamette Valley were going to be around 100 I figured it would be insanely hot here too. I was wrong, it was always pleasant in the shade, the sun on the open slopes of beetle killed Lodgpole was oppressive, but tolerable. After climbing to one saddle the trail drops slightly and passes near a large meadow, directly below a large rock face. <br />
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After the awesome meadow you begin the final push to the saddle near the Gearhart Mountain. The trail is somewhat shaded by the few Lodgepole Pines that have survived. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparse shade before the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail as you reach the summit near Gearhart Mountain</td></tr>
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We decided to take a break on top and take in the views and eat a snack. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View southeast from the saddle below Gearhart Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gearhart Mountain</td></tr>
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The section of trail down to Blue Lake was fairly dusty and hot. I would suggest getting an early start if you plan to climb up this. It doesn't really switchback, it just follows a ridge down to the Gearhart Marsh, before cutting northeast to the much more pleasant environs of Blue Lake. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail can be hard to follow just before Blue Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting Lodgepole growth</td></tr>
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After nearly running down to the lake to get a drink, my girlfriend spotted some wild onions growing near the shore of Blue Lake. After eating a few and cooling down we set out to find a campsite near Blue Lake. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite on the southwest side of Blue Lake</td></tr>
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After hiking down to the north trailhead we decided to make a loop out of the hike and with the help of my GPS we figured out that we could follow Forest Road( FR) 3342 to a junction with FR 212 and then follow FR 212 back to the trailhead. I suggest this route if you don't mind about 4 miles of walking on a current gravel road, we wear Fivefingers, so it was fairly unpleasant. Once you hit FR 212 the surface is mostly natural surface, so it wasn't bad on our feet. FR 212 was definitely a nice walk, it passes through a few meadows, an old campground along Dairy Creek and past some impressive old growth. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North trailhead</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow along FR 212</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing of Dairy Creek along FR 212</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old growth Pines and Fir</td></tr>
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If you have a few days and need some solitude and high desert beauty, check out the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Directions from Bly:</b> Follow Highway 140 1.4 miles east turn left on Campbell Road, in .5 mile turn right onto FR 34, in 15 miles turn left on FR 012, there is a sign for the wilderness, follow until the road ends at trailhead. </span></span></div>
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<b><br />Elevation Gain: </b>Approximately 2000 feet </div>
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<b><br />Highest Point:</b> Saddle below Gearhart Mountain 8,120 </div>
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<b><br />Usage: </b>Light</div>
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<b><br />Difficulty</b>: 3 out of 5</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunderstorm rolling in</td></tr>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Road 212, Fremont National Forest, OR, USA42.460953488794978 -120.7994842529296942.437521488794978 -120.83896625292969 42.484385488794977 -120.76000225292968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-8962635245291492702012-07-31T19:07:00.000-07:002015-04-26T20:02:57.245-07:00Vistas and Wildflowers: Hiking Cone Peak/Iron Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Generally I try to avoid high traffic areas during their peak usage. Iron Mountain is world renown for it's impressive collect of wildflowers. Being that the only time to see the wildflowers is during the time of peak use, I opted to hike on a Monday. Though the wildflowers were slightly passed their peak it was still incredible.<br />
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Having a vague idea of where I wanted to hike, I stopped by the Sweet Home Ranger Station, Isabel Fish was very helpful. She gave me a map of the area trails and a booklet on some of the wildflowers growing along the trail. Deciding that I wanted to hike out of Tombstone Pass I set out for the trailhead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn off for the Tombstone Pass trailhead</td></tr>
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Not sure of what the trail was like in either direction I opted to hike toward Cone Peak first, saving the wildflowers of Iron Mountain for last. The trail starts out just passed a large fairly new sign, area maps are located in the box there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the Cone Peak Trail<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The trail descends slightly into a mature forest before coming to the Tombstone Meadow. </span></div>
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Next you will reach Tombstone Meadow and an interpretive sign. There is actually a trail that circles the meadow, but I didn't take it this time. I'm sure it would be worth the time though. After you come to a trail junction with the Cone Peak Trail you'll pass a stream and then cross highway 20, look west when you cross, the trail is fairly obvious. This is the start of a climb to the base of Cone Peak.<br />
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The climb up to the shoulder of Cone Peak was a pleasant one, the forest provided needed relief from the warm sun. After about 6 switchbacks you will start to see the first of many impressive open areas filled with wildflowers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before August is better to visit to see wildflowers </td></tr>
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Near the top of the climb you will start to see a few groups of Alaska Cedars, which are rare in Oregon. They have also been called 'Weeping Cedars'.<br />
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The views get better and better as you reach the saddle between Iron Mountain and Cone Peak.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cone Peak Trail- looking south</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Mountain </td></tr>
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The trail now descends passed a seasonal creek and follows the saddle towards the north side of Iron Mountain. Vistas soon disappear as you re-enter dense forest. If you decide to climb to the top of the saddle the view isn't really worth your time, unless you enjoy massive clearcuts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearcuts dominate the views north</td></tr>
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Soon after you contour around Iron Mountain you reach a trail junction to the top of Iron Mountain or down to the parking area with a garage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though it says LO there is only a platform now</td></tr>
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The short climb to the top is somewhat difficult but very rewarding. There are benches along the way and quite a few good spots of shade to rest in. I was definitely wishing that I had brought two liters of water, not one. As you climb both the wildflowers and vistas improve.<br />
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I hadn't seen any pictures of the new platform on top of Iron Mountain and was impressed with what the Forest Service had done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Mountain 'Lookout'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geographic Locator in the middle of the platform</td></tr>
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Because of the relative ease of getting here you probably won't ever be alone, but if you wanted similar views and solitude climbing Cone Peak would give you that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Sisters from Iron Mountain</td></tr>
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After backtracking down the 'LO' trail you continue south on the trail you had left. The trail descends pleasantly down to Highway 20. Passing through Grouse Meadow and some impressive native forest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Douglas Fir</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grouse Meadow<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The crossing of Highway 20 is pretty straightforward, the trail cuts slightly west and then mostly follows the highway east back to Tombstone Pass. There is a slight climb just before you reach the trailhead. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This hike was very diverse in plant life and had epic vistas. I would suggest coming early on a weekday. That would be the best way to avoid any crowds. This hike definitely makes my Oregon top ten. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Directions from Sweet Home:</b> Follow Highway 20 east for 36 miles. It will be on your right, between mileposts 63 and 64.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b><b>Hike Distance: </b>7.1</span></span></div>
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<b>Hike Type:</b> Loop</div>
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<b>Elevation Gain: </b>1740</div>
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<b>Highest Point:</b> Iron Mountain 5,450</div>
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<b>Usage:</b> Heavy</div>
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<b>Difficulty</b>: 3 out of 5</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com16360 U.S. 20, Willamette National Forest, Foster, OR 97345, USA44.39579943139384 -122.1412968635559144.395090431393839 -122.1425308635559 44.396508431393841 -122.14006286355591tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7273988754941305068.post-4773752669980609562012-07-19T21:44:00.000-07:002015-04-26T19:59:05.249-07:00Deadfall Lakes and Mount EddyI vividly remember sitting along the shore of Upper Deadfall lake while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2011 and looking over at my friend Scarecrow and telling him how awesome it would be to come back here and really enjoy it. While hiking the PCT I was often in a hurry. Looking back I wish I would have spent more time in some areas and less in others. The opportunity to go back came when another guy I hiked with, Moses called me and wanted to backpack for a few days. He mentioned Mount Eddy and I remembered seeing it on a PCT map, shortly after I realized it was directly below the Deadfall Lakes. I couldn't have been more excited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TqprWttGM8/UAT_GiY23wI/AAAAAAAACYY/ULySIaLNESw/s1600/IMAGE_BF1DA843-445C-46EB-B358-AC10F2F335E5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TqprWttGM8/UAT_GiY23wI/AAAAAAAACYY/ULySIaLNESw/s640/IMAGE_BF1DA843-445C-46EB-B358-AC10F2F335E5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Deadfall Lake</td></tr>
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After kicking around a few different ideas of what we should hike in the area, summiting Mount Eddy was a must, after that we would go where the wind took us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkEIwt_0Nm0/UAT9xHHiUJI/AAAAAAAACUk/IBMJ1rbcJeM/s1600/IMAGE_29FBCB47-9778-407A-8CCE-0AFD5EC285AA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkEIwt_0Nm0/UAT9xHHiUJI/AAAAAAAACUk/IBMJ1rbcJeM/s640/IMAGE_29FBCB47-9778-407A-8CCE-0AFD5EC285AA.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Parks Creek Trailhead</td></tr>
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I spent the first night at the Parks Creek Trailhead (<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:ogo97xG4o9gJ:www.r5.fs.fed.us/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/maps/rogs/mt-shasta/pct.pdf+parks+creek+trailhead+shasta+trinity+directions&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgQGETrhwxBfmyRhS4TnFB-S56pBl7GEci1dR7nz-W2AtA-AbwpDGjmBGK3MbbhWvWJsv6S1yU9LHh2nc4xvB9YLRGzL3rh_jif37E8K2SwZ6gdMsKGT5-e8G20_f6AIbzn491T&sig=AHIEtbSSpAFMDDJBWKMwKJ9DFT3PUNXvag&pli=1">directions</a>) and in the morning I headed down to Weed, CA to meet Moses and grab some breakfast. After heading back to the trailhead we set out southbound on the PCT.<br />
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Normally I give milages for hikes, but this trip I didn't really keep close track and we wandered a lot, so this will be more of a run down of places you may want to visit in the area.<br />
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Shortly after starting our walk south we hit Deadfall Creek. The creek itself was only about ankle deep and one could easily avoid getting their shoes wet.<br />
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Almost immediately after the crossing of Deadfall Creek we came to our trail junction toward Mount Eddy. There was quite a few people in the area around both Upper and Lower Deadfall Lakes, so Moses and I took some photos, ate a snack and pushed on toward Mount Eddy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of about 6 tents along Upper Deadfall Lake</td></tr>
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Not sure of what we would find up the Sisson-Callahan trail toward Mount Eddy we were excited to come across another, albeit smaller lake. Referring to our topographic maps we noticed there was one more lake just above this one. We figured that the relatively steep trail probably kept most people away from it, and we set out for the next lake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The much smaller third lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fourth uppermost lake</td></tr>
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After setting up camp and filling our water from a spring near camp, we headed for the highest point in the Klamath Mountains.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iEJ_3XF6BY/UAUAAoDAUFI/AAAAAAAACak/svk-UIhE1A0/s1600/IMAGE_B608428C-FFCB-4D15-B201-6086F30AF245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iEJ_3XF6BY/UAUAAoDAUFI/AAAAAAAACak/svk-UIhE1A0/s640/IMAGE_B608428C-FFCB-4D15-B201-6086F30AF245.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spring above the fourth lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deadfall Lakes from above</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail up Mount Eddy was exposed and relentless</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epic view of a nearly cloudless Mount Shasta from atop Mount Eddy</td></tr>
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Seemingly endless outstanding views await you atop of Mount Eddy. From the nearby Mount Shasta to the distant Trinity Alps one could spend an hour or more looking out over this incredible area of Cascadia.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The distant Trinity Alps </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old fire lookout </td></tr>
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Not really wanting to leave, but knowing we should get back to camp we started to descend down the switchbacks. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Mount Eddy Trail from a saddle below</td></tr>
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Back lakeside, we relaxed and explored around the lake and spring above it. There were many wildflowers and relatively rare Foxtail Pines. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foxtail Pine</td></tr>
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The sun setting while I was cooking dinner and charging my phone on the BioLite Camp Stove(<a href="http://cascadialiving.blogspot.com/2012/06/gear-review-biolite-campstove.html">full review here</a>) was a perfect end to a great day. Previously I had forgotten my iPhone USB cable, but this trip I did not. I was pretty impressed with the charging time of my phone, I was using it for music and taking pictures while it charged and it still went up about 20 percent in an hour. It took quite a bit of wood to maintain the BioLite because it was fast burning Foxtail Pine, but with other wood it would require less work. The BioLite seems to be the perfect stove for taking on long trips, I'll continue to post updates as I use it more.<br />
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We travled to another spot on the PCT just south, but I will save that for another entry.<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944941193501776559noreply@blogger.com0Pacific Crest Trail, Shasta National Forest, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA41.319075622951381 -122.4906921386718841.295228122951379 -122.53017413867188 41.342923122951383 -122.45121013867187