Last week the weather in Eugene was absolutely amazing! Temperatures were warm, the rain was gone, and everyone was outside enjoying what Eugene, Oregon has to offer. I hiked Spencer Butte from both the Fox Hollow and Willamette trail heads last week and it was beautiful! Wildflowers are blooming and the underbrush is thick and green. Spring is definitely the best season to hike up Spencer's. Despite rain the weeks before, the trails are drying quickly and park crews have improved some rocky sections of the upper trail (thank you butte workers … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2010
Sunset Bay and Shore Acres
April 13, 2010 By
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...]
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...]
Eugene Rain Brings Mountain Snow
April 5, 2010 By
The one thing that's great about the cold and crazy spring weather in Eugene is that it brings amazing mountain snow. This past week some areas of the cascades were hit with over 40 inches of fluffy, chest deep powder. While I unfortunately didn't get to indulge, I heard that Saturday was one of the best days of the year for Willamette Pass and Hoodoo ski resorts. The snow was coming down in buckets and every turn was epic. If you plan on getting some spring skiing in this year these next few weeks are going to be amazing. More snow is on the … [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...]