Polk County, Oregon

The trail starts at the end of Forest Service Road 1861 which is closed January 1st through July 15th for wildlife conservation.   This trail descends about 900 feet in elevation through a Sitka Spruce-Western Hemlock rain forest. You will cross two seasonal creeks and end at a prairie headland ...

It all started when a man, in my grandad's age, initiated a conversation outside a rest stop just off the coastal highway, 101. I, then, was alone waiting for my travel companions outside the restrooms. He approached me without warning, and began asking intricate details of my travel plans and th...

Oak Creek Greenbelt Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Albany, Oregon.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Cloverdale, Oregon.

Cape Kiwanda is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route. It offers sea stack rock formations, beautiful beaches, sand stone cliffs, and if you are lucky enough, amazing wildlife. It is the home of the Pacific Dory Fleet.If you are early enough, you can catch the fisherman coming and going in the mys...

Located just outside of Tillamook, Oregon, Munson Creek Falls is a must do if you're in the area. Standing at almost 320 feet tall, Munson Creek Falls is one of few waterfalls in Oregon that is over 300ft tall. Because of heavy storms in the area there has been a build up of fallen trees around ...

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...

Champoeg was the first town to be settled in the Willamette Valley and the site of the formation of the first government in the northwest. The park offers historical sites as well as plentiful camping and some short day hikes. I decided to do the Townsite loop with my family on black friday #opto...

Cape Lookout is a two-mile long peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean from Oregon's rugged coastline. The park features more than 170 campsites, yurts, rustic cabins, and a day-use area, all located a short walk from the beach. There are roughly 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to mode...

The North Trail at Cape Lookout State Park in Oregon is a challenging (hilly) route with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Start at trailhead along Cape Lookout Road. There are 3 trails available, North, Cape Lookout, and South trails.  Follow signs for the North trail. The trail drops stee...

The Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail, located near Gaston, Oregon, offers a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly outdoor experience. Opened to the public in recent years, this refuge protects vital wetland and prairie habitats while providing an easy walking trail ideal for birdwa...

Tucked into the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Portland, the Hagg Lake Loop Trail at Scoggins Valley Park offers over 13 miles of scenic trails ideal for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Starting from the Elks Recreation Area, this trail circles Henry Hagg Lake, offering pan...

Nestled in the scenic Chehalem Ridge Nature Park near Gaston, Oregon, the Timber Road, Ayeekwa, and Witches Butter Loop offers a serene 3.3-mile trail experience. This easy loop, typically completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes, meanders through diverse landscapes, including meadows, dense fir ...

The unique feature of South Falls, Lower South Falls, and Middle North Falls are the paths that pass behind the falls providing an amazing visual and auditory experience; however, be sure to have a good bag for your equipment to avoid water damage and a decent jacket (preferably water-resistant)....

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...

The South Silver Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, offers a breathtaking 2-mile loop that takes hikers behind the famous South Falls. This family-friendly trail provides stunning views from multiple vantage points, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the park. The trail begins near...