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...]
Tire Mountain – Hiking & Wildflower Meadows
July 7, 2012 By
Tire Mountain outside of Oakridge, Oregon is a relatively easy 7.6 mile round trip hike through old growth forests and sloping meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers. Mid-June through mid-July will provide the best variety of wildflowers. Tire Mountain was once home to a small fire lookout, now all that remains is the cleared spot on the top of the mountain. Since its decommissioning, trees and brush have overgrown the clearing obstructing all views from the top. This trail is open to hikers and bikers so be prepared to share the … [Read more...]
Spirit Falls – Hiking and Photography
July 7, 2012 By
Spirit Falls is a gorgeous 40ft channeled waterfall, flowing over moss covered rock on Alex Creek near Cottage Grove, Oregon. Accessible year round at an elevation of 1900 ft and only a 2/3rd mile round trip day hike, Spirit falls is a great adventure for the whole family. Spirit Falls and nearby Moon Falls and Pinard Falls make a great full day adventure! Location: Spirit Falls is located approximately 50 miles from Eugene, on Forest Service Road #1790 off Layng Creek Road (FS Road #17) outside of Cottage Grove, Oregon. The trailhead is … [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...]
Proxy Falls – McKenzie Highway
October 24, 2011 By
Proxy Falls is a gorgeous 226 foot veil waterfall that cascades down a wall of mossy columnar basalt. Accessed by a short half mile to mile hike directly off McKenzie Highway 242, Proxy Falls is easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oregon. Location: Proxy Falls is located approximately 65 miles from Eugene, 6-1/2 miles from the junction of Highway 126 (The McKenzie River Byway) and Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass). The parking area is well signed with a large pull out right before the road turns sharply and gains significant … [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...]
Watson Falls
April 8, 2010 By
One of the highest waterfalls in Oregon, Watson Falls plunges 272 feet to its moss-covered base, and is an easy 0.8 mile hike round-trip with a 300 foot elevation gain. Located along Highway 138, Watson Falls is one of a string of waterfalls whose trail heads are easily accessed from the highway, and is a quick stop during any trip through the area. Location: Google Maps - Eugene to Watson Falls Getting There From Roseburg, take Highway 138 for approximately 61 miles. Turn south on Road 37, and park at the trail head parking lot … [Read more...]