Pinard Falls is a breathtaking 105 ft. waterfall on Layng Creek near Cottage Grove, Oregon, in the Row River Drainage. This unique waterfall squeezes and twists through a narrow notch carved in the bedrock before it plunges into a picturesque pool surrounded by mossy basalt walls. Open almost year round, the falls are accessed via a 1/2 mile hike (one way) through the Umpqua National Forest. Pinard Falls are definitely worth the time involved and hiking to nearby Spirit and Moon Falls make a great full day adventure! Location: Pinard Falls … [Read more...]
Toketee Falls – North Umpqua River
April 19, 2012 By
Toketee Falls is a breath taking two stage 113ft. waterfall located about 2-1/2 hours Southeast of Eugene (less than one hour east of Roseburg) just off of highway 138. The water plunges over picturesque mossy volcanic columnar basalt into the North Umpqua River near its confluence with the Clearwater River. The first stage of Toketee falls is somewhat difficult to view and falls 28 feet into a narrow shaded alcove. The main and more attractive section of waterfall plunges about 85 feet into a gorgeous rock lined blue pool. Location: Toketee … [Read more...]
Newberry Volcanic Monument – Paulina and East Lake
January 17, 2012 By
Newberry Volcanic Monument - Officially created in 1990 within the Deschutes National Forest, Newberry Crater is a 17sq mile geologic wonder. The monument contains lakes stocked with fish, cinder cones, obsidian flows, waterfalls, camping, hiking and even some elusive hot springs if you know where to look for them. It's two main lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake are surrounded by lush forests ands amazing peaks. The access road is seasonal and it is not uncommon for it to be blocked until after Memorial Day. The Location: Paulina Lake (the … [Read more...]
Triangle Lake Slide Rock – Lake Creek Falls, Oregon
August 12, 2011 By
Slide Rock at Lake Creek Falls near Triangle Lake is a unique natural water slide, swimming hole, and cliff jumping area located near Junction City, Oregon, approximately 50 minutes from Eugene. At the entrance to the recreation area, a small waterfall empties into a quaint swimming hole, with a cliff jumping area located directly across the creek. The cliff jumping features dangling ropes and multiple jumping platforms at 25 and 35 feet. The water below is plenty deep, but USE CAUTION. Further down the creek from the waterfall and pool are the … [Read more...]
The Painted Hills – Mitchell, Oregon
February 25, 2011 By
Central Oregon's famous Painted Hills were born in a fiery cloud of ash approximately 33 million years ago and are a spectacular display of the colors of nature’s palette. A series of low clay hills striped in bands of orange, red, black, green, blue, and lavender, the Painted Hills invite visitors to explore the fragile area with designated hiking trails and interpretive signs. History: The unique colors of the Painted Hills were formed by volcanic eruptions that sent clouds of ash to settle over much of Central Oregon. Over time, … [Read more...]
Shaniko, Oregon – Ghost Town
February 25, 2011 By
Shaniko, Oregon, located just off of highway 97 in Central Oregon, is Oregon's best known ghost town. Home to the first "Intercity Bus Service in the US", this once bustling and pioneering Oregon town quickly went downhill after a series of unfortunate events in the early 1900's. Be sure to visit the museum and old hotel/saloon. There's history everywhere in Shaniko, go out and discover it! Type: Ghost Town - History and Photography Hours: Stop and look anytime, most businesses are open April-October Fee: None but please consider … [Read more...]
Bohemia Mountain
April 9, 2010 By
Bohemia Mountain near Cottage Grove in Lane County, Oregon is a 5840’ peak with a nice hike to an incredible 360-degree view of the Cascade Range. Seasonal wildflower viewing, a nearby ghost town, and all-terrain vehicle trails make a trip to this area even more worthwhile. Location: Google Maps – Eugene to Bohemia Mountain - *Approximate trailhead Location Read Below for detailed directions* (N 43.574288 and W -122.656999) – Mountain Coordinates To get there, drive south on I-5 from Eugene, taking Exit 174 at Cottage Grove. At the … [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...]
Clear Lake – Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Camping
March 24, 2010 By
Clear Lake is a crystal clear glacial spring fed lake located 90 minutes outside Eugene on highway 126. If was formed over 3,000 years ago when lava flows damned the McKenzie river and created the lake the see today. The lake itself is divided up into two sections, the North end and the South End. The water in the lake has a temperature of about 40 degrees farenheit year round. (COLD!) Location: Clear Lake is located approximately 90 minutes outside Eugene Oregon directly off of highway 126. Look for the sign for Clear Lake on the right … [Read more...]
Sahalie Falls
March 24, 2010 By
Sahalie Falls is a beautiful 140ft. waterfall located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on highway 126. The word Sahalie is a Chinook word meaning "high". These falls were formed 3,000 years ago when lava flows formed the McKenzie River. Location: Sahalie falls is located approximately 60 miles outside Eugene directly off highway 126. Google Maps - Eugene to Sahalie Falls - Click Here for the Map Adventure Specifics: The waterfall is easily accessible via a paved path from the parking lot. The are also numerous dirt and paved paths in the … [Read more...]