#oregon hikes

[hermetichannah]

Short Beach — Cape Meares

Tillamook, Oregon

[dougrobyngoold]

Spruce Run Creek Trail - Tillamook State Forest, OR

Today we ventured up an established, marked trail in Tillamook State Forest for a hike that logged in just under 6 miles roundtrip.  The trailhead is located on Lower Nehalem Road, right next to the Spruce Run Campground.  We thought this would be a nice, easy, short hike....well, the trail was pretty overgrown with vegetation so we ended up having our work cut out for us.  Lots of berries, which meant lots of barbed vegetation to hack our way through:

Salmonberries and marionberries - both edible!

Lots of ferns and low-hanging bushes along the way.

This was a section of the trail that had been logged, so there were fewer trees and we had a chance to check out the area around the trail. The trail was still very overgrown, even in these areas.

Plenty of foxglove blooming.

Just before we reached the 2-mile mark we started noticing elk droppings on the trail - LOTS of fresh elk droppings!  As we were commenting on this, we heard a branch snap off to our right and when we looked up we saw about 4 elk cows on the next ridge over.  Next thing we know, the entire ridge erupts with elk, cows and calves moving down the ridge line to the creek down below.  We counted close to 30 by the time they had moved out of sight - very cool.

We continued on up the trail, reaching the small pond at the end of the trail not too long after that.  We stopped next to this little stream and saw a few tadpoles swimming around, a little hard to see in the photo, but there is definitely one there (right in the middle of the picture):

We sat down on one of two benches along the trail near the pond and had a little snack and took the required selfie:

The return hike was uneventful, no further elk sightings and no people sightings on the entire hike.  Not a heavily trafficked hiking trail, even though it is right next to the campground.

I took this photo when we were sitting on the bench at the pond.

The foxgloves were taller than us on sections of the trail.

GPS track of our hike on Spruce Run Creek Trail.

[saiyanfromlegend]

Crawfish Lake, Oregon.

[leeskic]

Feeling some serious water power at Multnomah Falls yesterday.

[oregon-bby]

Angel's Rest hike with this angel // Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

[dougrobyngoold]

More Heidi Time! - Astoria, OR

We have been so delighted with how generous our friend Heidi has been with her time during our visit - we feel quite spoiled! Today we met her and hiked up to the Astoria Column. A beautiful shaded trail and spectacular views at the top.

Just another wonderful walk through the Oregon woods!

The impressive Astoria Column.

View of the Columbia River and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

After our hike, we decided to head over to the Maritime Museum. Interesting place to visit to learn all about the stories of those who successfully and unsuccessfully navigated the mouth of the Columbia River. It also has exhibits about different types of boats and other paraphernalia - it was a fun place to explore.

What a great visit we have had with Heidi - it was awesome to have such a gracious and knowledgeable local guide! Thank you so much!

[dougrobyngoold]

Lewis & Clark National Historic Park, Ft. Clatsop - Warrenton, OR

We spent today visiting one of our country's beautiful historic parks - we checked out the visitor center and Ft. Clatsop at the Lewis & Clark NHP. It is incredible what these men endured on their epic journey to map the western territory and develop trade.

Inside the walls of Ft. Clatsop.

After spending a little time at the visitor center, we took a short hike on the Kwis Kwis Trail that started near the visitor center.

It was a lovely walk through a lush coastal forest:

Our hike ended at an overlook, however, there wasn't much of a view due to all of the trees! Perhaps that is the ocean in the distance...

On our way back to Chinook, we stopped in Astoria and met Heidi at one of her favorite breweries, Obelisk Beer. We were treated to a little live music with our beer, before heading to Curry & CoCo Thai Eatery for dinner. Both spots were wonderful! Thanks, Heidi - you are an amazing host!

[williamrehmiv]

Exploring Nature's Masterpieces: The Best Hikes in Oregon

Oregon, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain, offers some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the United States. From coastal cliffs and cascading waterfalls to towering mountains and ancient forests, the Beaver State boasts a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best hikes in Oregon that promise unforgettable adventures for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

Multnomah Falls Loop Trail: Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Multnomah Falls Loop Trail is one of Oregon's most iconic hikes. This easy-to-moderate trail takes hikers on a scenic journey through lush forestland to the base of the stunning Multnomah Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the United States. With its picturesque views and accessibility, the Multnomah Falls Loop Trail is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Smith Rock State Park: Situated in central Oregon near the town of Bend, Smith Rock State Park offers some of the best hiking and rock climbing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. The park's network of trails ranges from easy strolls along the Crooked River to challenging hikes that lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the rugged terrain. Highlights include the Misery Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, and the Canyon Trail, which meanders along the scenic Crooked River.

Columbia River Gorge: Eagle Creek Trail: For a more challenging adventure, the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge is a must-visit. This moderate-to-difficult hike takes hikers on a journey through lush old-growth forest, past towering cliffs, and alongside sparkling waterfalls. Highlights include Punch Bowl Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by moss-covered rocks, and Tunnel Falls, where hikers can walk behind the cascading water for a truly immersive experience.

Cape Lookout Trail: Located on the scenic Oregon Coast, the Cape Lookout Trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline below. This moderate hike takes hikers through dense coastal forest to the edge of a dramatic cliff, where they can spot whales, seabirds, and other marine life. With its stunning vistas and proximity to the beach, the Cape Lookout Trail is a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Mount Hood: Timberline Trail: For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood is a bucket-list adventure. This strenuous, multi-day hike circumnavigates Oregon's tallest peak, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes along the way. Highlights include the iconic Timberline Lodge, the shimmering waters of Mirror Lake, and the majestic beauty of the Sandy River Canyon.

Opal Creek Wilderness: Opal Pool Trail: Tucked away in the lush forests of the Opal Creek Wilderness, the Opal Pool Trail is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This moderate hike follows the crystal-clear waters of Opal Creek through ancient groves of Douglas fir and hemlock trees, leading hikers to a pristine swimming hole surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. With its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere, the Opal Pool Trail is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In conclusion, Oregon offers some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the United States, from cascading waterfalls and rugged coastlines to towering mountains and ancient forests. Whether you're seeking an easy stroll or a challenging adventure, the Beaver State has something to offer for hikers of all levels and interests. So lace up your boots, hit the trail, and prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of Oregon's great outdoors