The North Umpqua Trail parallels the N. Umpqua River east of Roseburg, OR for 79 miles of hiking and biking. The Dread & Terror section is a 13 mile section of ridgeline trial with several unique water features. It is one of the most scenic sections of the trail. It takes its name from the dread associated with the potential threats of having to fight fires in the impenetrable thickets of white thorn bush that cover so much of the area. Location: The Trailheads for the Dread and Terror Section are the parking area for Umpqua Hot Spring … [Read more...]
North Umpqua Trail – Tioga Section
June 29, 2011 By
The North Umpqua Trail parallels the N. Umpqua River east of Roseburg, OR for 79 miles of hiking and biking. The Tioga section is the first section you come to when approaching from Roseburg or Glide and it is about 16 miles of aerobically demanding hill climbs to gorgeous views. The trail in predominantly single track and this section ends at Wright Creek. Location: The Trailhead for the Tioga Section (and the start of the N. Umpqua Trail) is at the Swiftwater Picnic Area about 6 miles east of Glide, OR. Time Involved: A couple of hours … [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...]
McKenzie River Rafting: Finn Rock to Prince Helfrich
October 19, 2010 By
One of the most popular McKenzie River White Water Rafting runs is from Finn Rock to the Prince Helfrich Boat Landing. This 10 mile run offers rapids for paddlers of all skill levels, amazing scenery, and some of the best play spots the McKenzie River has to offer. Between a few calm quiet sections are interspersed class II+ and class III rapids with amazing holes and some of the best fishing on the McKenzie River. Caution should always be taken as the water is cold and snags are sometimes numerous. Access: There is easy access to both the … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]