After last year’s time in Ochoco Mountains, split between Walton Lake and Wildcat areas, I knew not returning was not an option. I planned this year’s ramble staying 4 nights at Walton Lake campground and hiking the last day at … Read More

The wild horses in Ochoco Mountains are beyond most imaginations – beautiful and graceful. I was graced to see them several times this year, and will never forget them. US Forest Service calls this area where they live and I … Read More

Goatbells.blog now is a sponsor for Kirby at Cascade Raptor Center. If you’ve not visited, it’s worth it! Here is Kirby’s description from CRC: (more…)

The writer recounts a car-packing adventure in the Northern Redwoods, detailing various trails hiked. Ossagon Beach is steep yet impressive, while Hope Creek offers a gentle walk among old redwoods. Westridge Trail leads to a campsite but has younger trees. Rhododendron Ridge is a pleasant stroll. Fern Canyon is challenging but rewarding.… Read More

From my recent Redwoods car packing adventure, there were specific trails walked in Northern Redwoods (north of Klamath River and South of US 199) that merit additional details. The trails listed are in order of my preference – those most … Read More

If one hikes in the redwoods, one gets a sore neck. Constant looking up and around at the fabulous, marvelous trees. The redwoods are remarkable. Most of the large trees older than 1000 years and so persistent, so completely filled … Read More

I spent seven days hiking and camping in Redwoods National and State Parks, guided by my sister. The weather and trail conditions were excellent. I enjoyed quiet, scenic hikes, mostly around Prairie Creek Redwoods and Mill Creek Campgrounds. The trip was a blissful retreat amidst the impressive redwoods and blooming wildflowers.… Read More

On the way home from Smith Rock and Camp Sherman, a stop for a Mckenzie River ramble was perfectly set up. I arrived at the upper TH around 6:00 with perfectly clear skies and an empty TH parking lot. The … Read More

For the last few years, Smith Rock has been my first overnight camp / hike of the season (2023, 2022). This year was amazing from the trip over the pass to the last step taken on the trails. Heading out … Read More

One last good gear shake out and a biology endurance test before the hiking season starts in the next weeks. Initially, a quick hike around Oakridge was planned, but the driving time and carbon burn couldn’t be overcome last minute, … Read More