Sunset Bay, OR - The Oregon coastline is world famous for its stunning scenery, and the area south of Coos Bay is no exception. Erosion and seismic action have created a crumbling, fractured coastline full of geologic interest and curious rock formations. Location: Getting There Take 101 through Coos Bay, and turn right onto Empire Rd before you leave town. Take Empire/Coos Bay Hwy for 2.8 miles, then veer left onto Newmark for 0.5 miles, left again to get onto Cape Arago Hwy, and drive for 8 miles. Adventure … [Read more...]
Tamolitch Pool
April 3, 2010 By
Tamolitch Pool (also known as Blue Pool) is the basin of Tamolitch Falls, once a natural waterfall on the McKenzie River that has since been diverted by EWEB, buried by lava flows, and is now a "dry" waterfall. What remains is a large, breathtaking pool of spring-fed water that shades from deep purple to turquoise. The Trailhead: The trail to Tamolitch Pool (near Blue River, Oregon) leaves from a trail head a few hundred yards off of Highway 126, and is a four mile loop along part of the popular 26-mile-long McKenzie River Trail. For the … [Read more...]
Matthieu Lakes – Dee Wright Observatory
April 3, 2010 By
The Matthieu Lakes Trail, located on Highway 242 about 15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon, takes you through a pine forest bordering lava beds up to two small, idyllic lakes, with spectacular views of the North and Middle Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood along the way. Location:Google Maps - Directions from Eugene Approximately 1.5 hours from Eugene, Oregon. To reach the Matthieu Lakes trail head, from I-5 south near Eugene, take OR 126/McKenzie River Highway east for approximately 55 miles, and … [Read more...]
Koosah Falls
March 24, 2010 By
Koosah Falls is a Beautiful 80ft. waterfall located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on highway 126. The word Koosah is a Chinook word meaning "sky". These falls were formed 3,000 years ago when lava flows formed the McKenzie River. Location: Koosah falls is located approximately 60 miles outside Eugene directly off highway 126. There are visible signs on the side of the road. Google Maps - Eugene to Koosah Falls - Click Here for the Map Adventure Specifics: The waterfall is easily accessible via a paved path from the parking lot. The are … [Read more...]
Willamette Pass Ski Resort
March 24, 2010 By
Willamette Pass Ski Resort is a medium sized ski resort located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 58. Known for it's great steep terrain and proximity to the Eugene Area, Willamette Pass makes a perfect day trip when you're craving the snow. In the summer they have some of the best mountain biking, hiking, and sight seeing in the Cascades. General Comments:Willamette Pass is a great ski resort if you want a fun, convenient day of skiing. They have terrain for everyone, a great atmosphere, and an enjoyable mountain. If you are a … [Read more...]
Hoodoo Ski Area
March 24, 2010 By
Hoodoo Ski Area is a medium sized ski resort located 90 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 20. Base Elevation: 4,668 ft Summit Elevation: 5,703 Number of Runs: 806 skiable acres; 120 acres maintained/groomed; 30 alpine trails Hoodoo has 15.8 kilometres of maintained Nordic trails. Number of Lifts: Hoodoo has 5 ski lifts: Three quads, one triple chair and one double chair and two tow ropes, and one carousel. Difficulty of Terrain: Beginner: 30 % Intermediate: 30% Advanced: 40% Average Snowfall: … [Read more...]
Crater Lake National Park – General Information
March 24, 2010 By
Crater Lake National Park is a United States National Park located in southern Oregon, whose primary feature is Crater Lake. This National Park was established on May 22, 1902, and it is the sixth oldest National Park in the U.S. This park encompasses the Crater Lake caldera, which rests in the remains of a destroyed volcano (eventually named Mount Mazama) and the surrounding forestland and hills. This is the only National Park in Oregon. The lake is 1,949 feet (594 m) deep at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the … [Read more...]
Silver Falls State Park – Waterfalls, Hiking, Swimming
March 24, 2010 By
Silver Falls State Park is known for it's ten gorgeous waterfalls it's many miles of hiking trails. Located 45 minutes outside Salem on Highway 214. Location: Eugene to Silver Falls - Google Maps Links to External Sites: Silver Falls State Park Main Page Great Park Picture Resource ***More to come*** … [Read more...]
Skinner Butte – Hiking, Views of Eugene
March 24, 2010 By
Overview: Skinner's Butte is the large prominent butte on the north edge of downtown Eugene. It was named after Eugene Skinner, the founder of Eugene. It tops out at an elevation of just under 700ft. and offers great views of downtown Eugene, especially at sunset. There are many trails going to the top of Skinner's as well as a paved road to the top. Location: The big hill on the North edge of downtown Eugene. You can't miss it. Google Maps Link to Parking - Click Here for the Map Time Involved: The trails on the North end of the butte … [Read more...]
Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park
March 24, 2010 By
Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park is a beautiful general recreation area located about 90 minutes outside Eugene and 15 minutes North of Florence. The area is known for it's beautiful views and primarily, Heceta Head Lighthouse. You have likely seen this area many times before in magazines, movies, and on TV. Fees: $3 for day use parking Location: 90 minutes West of Eugene. Take Highway 126 East to Florence and then 101 North to Heceta Head. Eugene to Heceta Head - Click Here for the Map Time Involved: I usually like to make a day … [Read more...]