Oregon

Leslie Gulch, a canyon on the border of Oregon and Idaho, is full of almost surreal rock formations made up of tuff from volcanic eruptions 15 million years ago.To walk around in these canyons is like being transported into another world. Timber Gulch, one of many hikes located in Leslie Gulch, i...

The crystal clear waters of Big Lake sit at an elevation of 4,600 ft. in the Willamette National Forest, on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The Big Lake Campground (N 44 22.439 W 121 53.599) lies on the western shore of Big Lake, at the top of the Santiam Pass near Hoodoo Ski Re...

Just 66 miles east of Portland, and 35 miles south of Hood River the infamous Mt Hood breaks through the clouds for all to see. The highest peak of Oregon is the ultimate explorer's paradise offering something for every season... and in this case we mean snow shoeing and hiking!!Our trek begins ...

Founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate visitors, Hoyt Arboretum is a 190-acre park in the forest above Portland's NW area. It's only 15 minutes from downtown! There are 12+ miles of trails to explore, my favorite is the Redwood Trail that takes you through towering redwoods a...

This hike starts at the main parking lot about a mile away from the falls. The falls are accessed via a very easy, well graded trail developed and maintained by the Oregon BLM.The hike through the forest and pine trees make it for a fantastic and fairy tale-like hike. When you arrive at Susan Cre...

Pearsony falls, located in the Oregon State Park known as Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint, is about 15 feet tall and cascades picturesquely in two sections underneath a green canopy and between mossy rocks. The falls flow year round, though water levels vary with the season. A trip to Pearsony Fa...

The Wallowa Mountains are one of Oregon's best-kept secrets, and this overnight backpack into the Eagle Cap Wilderness will deliver you into the heart of the range. Following the East Eagle Creek through a valley filled with meadows and the occasional aspen, you will be surrounded by towering gra...

Pilot Rock is one of the most prominent features in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and is visible from over 40 miles away in the Shasta Valley of northern California and the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon.Similar to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, though much smaller in stature, Pilot Rock is ...

This hike is truly spectacular from the moment you step foot out of your car. Jack Lake lies at the beginning of the trail, and provides a beautiful sample of what's to come. Stop and take pictures if you feel so inclined, but don't stop here to camp, because it gets a LOT better!Follow the trail...

The top trip in Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness takes you in a loop around Eagle Cap, Oregon's 13th tallest peak and through three high mountain passes. East Eagle trailhead has two main parking lots, the first one you come to is a trailer parking lot meant for horse trailers, but make sure you dri...

This is not an easy hike, but every step is more than worth it. Unlike Mount Thielsen to the north, this summit requires no scrambling/climbing; it's just a long, steep hike. Mount McLoughlin (named for John McLoughlin of Hudson's Bay Company and Oregon Trail fame) is a lava cone on top of a comp...

This ridge is one of the lesser known paths from the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Instead of taking Ruckel Creek Trail, find the trail leading up Ruckel Ridge. It is a far more difficult hike of about 7 miles leading up to Benson Plateau. Along the way there are beautiful lookout points for Mount Hood,...

Starting at the visitor center, the trail begins west heading into the forest where you’ll only gain around a couple hundred feet of elevation. While you are hiking on this trail you are surrounded by conifer trees, little open areas of sitting water, and look outs that are hidden within the trai...

Starvation Creek Falls is an impressive 190 ft. waterfall just a few feet from the parking lot. If you don't know it's there, you'll miss it. Keep walking past the restrooms, away from the trail head to see this beautiful two-tiered waterfall. There are a couple of picnic tables near the creek to...

This is a somewhat incomplete report because we did not venture too far into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The sky had been threatening us with rain for the duration of our hike along Eagle Creek and we did not want to push our luck too far since we were hoping for an early start on our drive ...

After leaving your car at the Pamelia Lake trailhead, hike 2.3 miles along the trail following Pamelia Creek. The Grizzly Peak trailhead will be on the right just before the lake, which you should check out before or after your hike up to Grizzly Peak—there are several campsites around the lake t...