Marcola, Oregon

GPS coordinates Lat: 44.46389 Long: -122.68278Exit off I-5 in Albany onto Highway 20 and proceed for approximately 20 miles to McDowell Creek Road and turn left, follow McDowell Creek Road - watching for signs for the park - for about 6 ½ miles, to the first of three parking areas within the park...

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...

Soaking in Terwilliger (otherwise known as "Cougar") hot springs is a great way to relax and wind back while exploring the Cascades. A spring flows from a small cave and cascades into multiple pools leading down a small gully, creating pools which have varying temperatures from hot (closer to the...

Spirit Falls is the first stop on this adventure. From the parking pull-out walk a short distance of 0.4 miles to the 40 foot fan falls. Don't let the small size deter you, this is a pretty little falls, with a lovely stroll through an old growth forest and beautiful little trilliums. There is a ...

Stay cool on a hot summer day with a natural rock water slide, multiple swimming hole areas, and multiple waterfalls. This is perfect for relaxing in the sun! The sign for the parking area is upstream of the falls. There is a store across from the lake if you need any last minute food and drinks...

Getting There There are a couple of different routes to the summit of Iron Mountain. This adventure article focuses on the shorter but more strenuous hike to the summit of Iron Mountain. To get there, drive to the upper trailhead (Trail # 3389) via Highway 20. Take Forest Service Road (FSR) 035 ...

Unlike many other springs you'll find, this pool has basically no barriers to entry – it is accessible via a short hike, has no fee, and is available year-round. While the temperature is less than 100 degrees, the scenic surroundings make up for the slightly less than hot water.

This is a popular, family friendly spot, complete with two pools, indoor lodging, RV and tent camping, and hiking trails. The pools are kept at 185-195 degrees, with the smaller of the two being reserved for overnighters only. Day visitors are charged an hourly fee.

Once you arrive at Clear Lake, I suggest to start the relatively flat hike around the lake. You'll walk through a beautiful forest with peek-a-boo views of the stunning lake. The hike around the full lake may take a few hours, so if you're not staying the night, make sure you have enough time to ...

The Three Pyramids, half as tall as the better-known Three Sisters, are beautiful U-shaped glacial valleys, remnants of the Ice Age.To reach the top of Middle Pyramid, leave from the #3380 trailhead at the west end of the parking area. Early on there is a creek crossing (the bridge was still wash...

This is a viewless hike until you reach Substitute Point. You are then rewarded with an amazing view. From the trailhead (#3511) you will travel 4.3 miles on an unmaintained trail into the Three Sisters Wilderness to the junction of Substitute Point. The trail has lots of fallen trees you must c...

Scott Lake Campground is truly a hidden gem off the McKenzie Pass Scenic Drive. Nestled right next to the Mt Washington Wilderness Area, this small campsite with only 20 primitive sites lining the lake gives spectacular views over toward the Three Sisters to the South-East.To get there - turn ont...

The Obsidian area is at least six miles from the closest trail head and 1800 feet of elevation gain. The best way to see the area is to plan a multi-day backpacking adventure. It is limited entry which is strictly enforced by the Forest Service. Only 30 day hikers and 40 overnight hikers are al...

If you're thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls Loop and staying overnight, there are 42 tent campsites (available from April – Oct) as well as 14 rustic cabins. With multiple beds, heat, electricity, a covered porch, and a small fridge, they provide the perfect respite after a long day of ex...