Around a couple of small midwestern lakes, golden hours bring out the very best … water and sky; wonderful feathered residents and visitors. *** clicking on photos will open up higher resolution version *** Mute swans were grouped to > a dozen. A passing bald eagle was looking for an easy meal. One robin caught…
Getting out in the woods on solstice and equinox is a must do. The cascade foothills were covered in snow, creeks and streams were near / above flood levels. Weather suggested cool temperatures and maybe a few localized rain showers. Ridgeline Trail was the perfect trail given the conditions and my objective of spending way…
I was watching the weather closely last night and this morning, including precipitation radar and weather reports, to best determine which rain shell to wear. Spencer Butte was the targeted hill – Blanton Ridge and then up / down the butte until tired. On the way, it rained … the closer to Blanton, the bigger…
Weather was unstable – most people thought it was going to rain, cloudy and cold at best. Could there be better opportunity in March to go up and down Hardesty Mt? A hiking buddy and I took off initially to Goodman Creek trail to Eagle Rest, but in reviewing recent trip reports (and a sign…
… of the Willamette River. Last night I had four hikes on the table waiting for the morning’s weather, snow pack, and my mood (especially about driving) … North Fork of Middle Fork Willamette River was the choice. I was just at the same TH for recent Alpine hike, so had a good idea about…
On a rainy March morning, some times hiking can be best done umbrella in hand right from my front door. With local park walking / running paths in Pre’s Trail and Hendricks Park, a good long walk visiting neighbors can easily avoid concrete surfaces. While the weather report inferred light rain for a couple of…
A quick dash out to Westfir on a most beautiful day… high 50s and sunshine. A perfect day for the first cascade foothills hike of the 2025 season – Alpine Trail. I arrived at the Covered Bridge Park before 0700 and was hiking shortly thereafter – 1 other car ‘camping’ in the parking lot. It’s…
Longer days, warmer temperatures and a crescent moonset … After a couple of hard rainy days and raging valley rivers from melting snow, Ridgeline Trail seemed like a good idea – waiting for further snow melt in the cascade foothills for later in the week. I started early at 0600 from Spring Blvd trailhead and…
Last night, I had 4 options to hike today. I just couldn’t force myself to drive even 45 minutes to Westfir for Alpine and North Fork hikes. Pisgah was the best option with less driving – given Tuesday’s Spencer jaunt. A quick 10 minute drive around 06:00 and I’m at the West Trailhead with 2…
I needed to stay in town for a possible run to PDX so Spencer Butte was the hike and a bit later than typical. The weather prompted rain probably but light – huge dilemma on top outer gear. I chose to stay light – started with just base-layers (2) and hiking vest (pockets, camera and…
