After parking, the trailhead is on your right and it immediately takes off through an old growth Douglas fir, cedar and Hemlock forest paralleling the McKenzie River. The trail is fairly flat, as it twists and turns and the forest is dense so the temperature is relatively cool. Large patches of blooming native Trilliums, ferns and Oregon grape line the trail. And moss, of course, is everywhere. The powerful McKenzie roars and demands attention, and is well deserving of it. Large fallen trees from past winter storms and huge basalt boulders help to direct the flow of this magificient river.

We walk over a few small creeks on manmade bridges that were crafted from logs, they’re quite enchanting! A few mountain bikers pass us, a few hikers too. (This is a popular trail and even more so in the summer.) As we continue along next to the river the terrain begins to change and we leave the dense forest and shade and enter the remains of a large old lava flow. It’s like another world. There are few trees, it’s a bit drier and the trail is cut right through, or rather on top of, very rocky basalt.

Native rhododenrons seem to be able to penetrate the rock, but it is not nearly as lush and green as it was just minutes ago. The trail climbs about 200 feet as we cross the moss covered lava bed.

Soon we catch a glimpse of the Tamolitch Pool, the source of the river that has guided us along the entire trail. The blue pool is bowl shaped with its source emerging from its rocky basin and the waterfall ledge above is completely dry. It’s an amazing sight. There are many places to rest and soak in the view and the sun, and if you are interested in swimming, there is a trail that leads around to the northeast side with easier access to the chilly water. Bring your lunch, a hat if you are sun sensitive and water. Return the way you came, its just as beautiful going back.

(FYI-Please don’t ever pick the flower of a Trillium. It seriously injures the plant, preventing it from producing food for the next year and takes many years to recover. In some states, it is illegal to pick a trillium without a permit.)

How to get there:
From Salem, head south on I-5 for approximately 61 miles. As you approach Eugene take the exit for HWY 126 heading east. In 9 miles, at a large intersection for Main St/McKenzie Hwy/OR 126. Turn left and drive approximately 60 miles, passing Leaburg Lake and McKenzie Bridge, till you see the sign for Trailbridge Campground. Turn left, cross a narrow bridge, pass a power station and park where you will see other cars, undoubtedly. It’s about a 2-hour drive.

Distance and Elevation Gain:
It’s 4.2 miles round trip and less than 200 feet in elevation gain.
It’s an easy hike and well worth the drive.

Fees and Permits:
There are neither parking fees nor permits required and it is dog and family friendly. It is also very popular with mountain bikers.
It is open year round, weather permitting, of course.

We park in the area for Horsetail Falls and after admiring the view of the falls from the trailhead, we hike up the gravel trail heading east. It switches back and forth and soon comes to a junction where we stay to the right. In less than a half-mile we round a corner and are rewarded with views of Upper Horsetail Falls, (also known as Ponytail Falls). Here, Horsetail Creek shoots through a crack in the huge basalt cliff and drops into a pool below. The trail passes under the waterfall, and continues uphill along the steep, wooded gorge wall. A few more ascending switchbacks and we come to a cliff top with views of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s very windy here, but we stop to admire the view and the train that is traveling east on the tracks below us.

After a short rest, we head back to the trail passing Trilliums and licorice ferns and a “weeping” mossy basalt rock wall covered with the new growth of maidenhair ferns. Soon the trail descends steeply into the Oneonta Gorge and we cross over Oneonta Creek on a well-built footbridge. The gorge is narrow with a waterfall up stream above the bridge and a pool below with fallen trees piled upon each other. Below the pool is the top of Oneonta Falls. We stop here to enjoy the view of course, and listen to the songbirds that are singing to each other across the canyon.

We continue hiking up the steep trail on the west side of the gorge and soon come to another junction. This time we head left towards our destination, Triple Falls. The trail is a little steep in places and rocky, but over all, not too bad. As we climb higher above the canyon we can still hear the power of the water in the creek below us. There is a large rockslide that has taken out part of the trial, but it doesn’t appear to be dangerous, so we cross over and continue on.

We come to a fork in the trail with no signage and after talking to some other hikers, we take the lower fork which leads down to a cliff with a view directly across to Triple Falls. Stunningly beautiful, the falls are actually formed from one creek (Oneonta), but divides into three distinct falls as it drops 130 over the edge. There are fallen trees at its base and a footbridge above that leads to more extensive hiking. This is a good place to rest and enjoy the beauty before us; the waterfalls; the canyon and the brilliant lime green color of new growth. We are so lucky to live in Oregon.

We head back the way we came, so that we can admire once again the waterfalls and the gorge. The songbirds are still singing to each other, probably competing for mates! The trail is steep downhill, so we are careful to watch our step. This is a popular trail on the weekends since it is close to Portland, and we encounter many people on this trip. Dogs too!

How to get there:
Head north on I-5 and take the exit for I-205 just after Wilsonville. Passing through Portland, take I-84 East towards Hood River. Take the #28/Bridal Veil exit and turn left onto the Historic Columbia River Highway. Continue 5.2 miles to the parking area for Horsetail Falls. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the trailhead from Salem. There are bathrooms and a picnic area here.

Distance and elevation gain:
It’s approximately 4.8 miles out and back and 740 feet in elevation gain. It’s a moderately easy hike and open year round.

Fees and Permits:
There are no fees or permits required to park here. It is a dog friendly trail, though you might want to keep them on a leash. There were lots of dogs when we visited, but they were all friendly.

We arrive at the parking area (see driving directions below) for the trail to Warrior Rock Lighthouse, and cross over the gate at the southern end. We walk through a pasture heading towards the trees and the trail/road that leads out to the eastern tip of Sauvie Island. The trail was once a service road to the Warrior Rock Lighthouse and it parallels the mighty Columbia River. There’s a long stretch of beach, though not much of it right now, due to the high water levels of the river.  Apparently, when the river is low during the summer and fall, you can walk the beach nearly all the way to the lighthouse.

After scouting out the beach, we head back to the trail and into the thick cottonwood, oak and alder forest. In no time there appears a fork in the road with no signage indicating which way to go, so we decide to veer to the right and stay next to the river in hopes of viewing an oceangoing vessel. And sure enough, we are lucky to see a large barge transporting sawdust. The trail is muddy and slick thanks to our above normal rainfall so we walk carefully. It’s quiet except for the robins and towhees flirting with us along the path. The understory is thick with blackberries, snowberries and even wild roses loaded with rose hips. There is a lake to our left, which we later find out, is called Ruby Lake, and we spot a blue heron swooping over it, probably in search of food.

To our surprise, the trail suddenly comes to an abrupt halt. Ruby Lake to our left has flooded and the Columbia River, higher than normal, has spilled over a low spot in its bank and the two have joined forces to cover our trail with water! And I mean lots of it. We are not prepared to walk through water and looking ahead we can see that the trail is impassable. So sadly, we turn around and backtrack to the fork in the road. This time, we take the trail that leads inland and walk along a well-maintained gravel road. It curves along the southeast end of the flooded Ruby Lake and though the water is high, the road is still higher, so we are able to keep walking.

We strolled along the gravel road and took the path that surrounded the lake on the south side. But once again, our trail was unexpectedly blocked by water. Unbelievable! Ruby Lake to our right was spilling over its banks and the slough on our left was merging with it and once again meeting in the middle to cover our trail. We tromped along trying to walk on the highest patches of grass and mud, but finally realized Mother Nature was in charge here and we were not going to make it out to Warrior Rock Lighthouse today.

So, we headed back to the gravel road and back to the beach for one last close look at the Columbia River and then through the pasture back to the car. Oh well, it was a lovely day with not a drop of rain and it leaves us yearning to go back and walk the trail another day when the weather is drier. When I reached home I googled the water levels along the Columbia near Sauvie Island and the National Weather Service declared an “alert of minor flooding due to above normal rain”. Remember to always dress appropriately for the weather and bring snacks and drinkable water.

How To Get There:
Head North on I-5 for approximately 45 miles. Just south of downtown Portland, take the I-405 exit and stay in the left lane. Take the exit for US 30. After traveling 10 miles on US 30, turn right and cross over the Sauvie Island Bridge. The Sauvie Island Market will be on your left (where you can get your parking pass), continue 2 miles, turning right onto Reeder Rd. Stay on Reeder Rd. for 15 miles making sure to veer to the left when you come to a fork in the road and a sign for Gillihan Road. You’ll pass parking areas for Welton and Collins Beach but continue on to the end where there is a large parking area for Warrior Rock Lighthouse. The last 2.5 miles of the road is gravel. It’s about 75 miles one way and takes about 1.5 hour.

Distance and Elevation Gain:
The trail is flat, easy and if you walk all the way to Warrior Rock Lighthouse, it is 7 miles round trip.Fees and permits:
A parking pass for $7 is required and can be purchased at the Sauvie Island Market.

Fees and permits:
A parking pass for $7 is required and can be purchased at the Sauvie Island Market.

So this weekend I choose a “urban” hike for my adventure. Forest Park in Portland is one of the largest urban forest reserves in the country, with over 70 miles of interconnecting trails and covering more than 5,000 acres. The park spans nearly 8 miles along the Northeast slope of the Tualatin Mountains above Highway 30 overlooking the Willamette River. Trails are foot, bike, dog- and equestrian- friendly and wind through lush green second-growth forest with patches of old growth. I read that Forest Park is home to over 100 different kinds of birds and over 60 species of mammals. On our visit we see  American Robins, Varied Thrush, Rufous Feathered Towhee and Wrens, and a few homosapiens.

I decide to make this hike part forest-part urban, so I select Pittock Mansion as the starting point. It has a very large parking area and a  signboard with a map of the park and trails to help direct you. We choose a segment of  the Wildwood Trail that takes off from the north corner of the parking lot. (I recommend you obtain a map of Forest Park and bring it along with you.)

We head down the trail through the dense forest of Doug fir, western red cedar and western hemlock. It is quiet and peaceful, making it hard  to believe we’re in the middle of a large city. The trail twists and turns and continues to descend with staircases and steps in the steepest parts. There are other trails that connect with the Wildwood Trail; luckily there’s good  signage. Our goal is to head down to NW 23rd Street and find a restaurant for lunch, so we stay on the Wildwood Trail and only once veer right onto the Cumberland Trail. The forest floor is heavily carpeted with Oregon grape, wild ginger, native ferns and even some flowering trillium, a sure sign that spring is coming.

All of a sudden the trail ends and we pop out onto Cumberland Road. The forest is quickly replaced with historic homes, beautiful and grand, and even a few castles! We wind our way down Cumberland Road in awe of one home after the other.  Tudor, Arts and Crafts, Colonial, English Cottages and styles we do not recognize with gardens that are immaculate.  We continue on Cumberland Road and take a shortcut down very steep public staircases that lead to Summit Ave.

Summit leads to Cornell Road where we take another public staircase to Pettygrove Street. From here it’s a straight shot to NW 23rd and lunch! The hardest part of the day is picking which restaurant to eat in. We finally select a Greek restaurant and sat down for a delicious meal.

Luckily, we have written down the names of the streets and the shortcuts we took so that we are able to find our way back to our car. Since the entire trip has been downhill, that means our way home is entirely uphill!
With full stomachs we head back to the car the same way we came. It is a delightful day.

How to get there:
From Salem take Interstate 5 towards Portland. Take the exit for 405. Once on 405, take exit  2A towards Salmon Street. Crossing over 405, take a slight right onto 14th Ave. Turn left onto Burnside St. Stay on Burnside till you see signs for Pittock Mansion.

It’s approximately 60 miles from Salem and about an hour drive.

Distance and Elevation Gain:
I have no idea how long the hike was, so I will guess. We walked for about 5 hours, including a stop for lunch, so I am going to say about 5 miles. Pittock Mansion is at 850 feet in elevation, so again I guess 400 feet in elevation gain.

Fees and Permits:
No fees or permits required to park at Pittock Mansion.

Distance and elevation gain:
It’s a very easy hike, with only 400 feet in elevation gain if you go all the way to Green Peak Falls, which is what I would recommend. Total length is 3.6 miles round trip.

Fees and permits:
This trail is open year round and has a camping area with 16 sites, restrooms and a day use area with picnic tables. Dogs are allowed on a leash and there is a $3 day use/parking fee. But at this time of year, no one is there to take your money.

What to see and do:
Park in the campground area and take the footbridge over the South Fork Alsea River. Immediately after crossing the bridge turn left and proceed on the north side of the river along a trail through a lush hemlock, red cedar and Douglas fir forest. The understory is thick with native sword ferns, salal, oxalis and Oregon grape and there are a few boggy spots with patches of skunk cabbage beginning to flower. The trail parallels the river, which is extremely loud and thunderous due to high water levels. You’ll pass by numerous old growth stumps with the familiar notches from lumberjack springboards. It’s hard to imagine how large those trees would be today, if they were left uncut.

Soon, you’ll come to another large footbridge that crosses back over to the south side of the river and a picnic area. Here, there are picnic tables and areas with easy access to the river for fishing and swimming when the weather is warmer. There is also a parking area for the picnic sites that is accessible from Alpine Road. This is where you will have your first view of Alsea Falls. The river disappears over the edge of a basalt cliff and gradually cascades down a rocky canyon. There is an overlook to view the top of the falls and a narrow trail with a staircase that leads you down to its base and the pool below. It was hard to capture the beauty of this waterfall with our camera due to the overcast sky (and soon to follow heavy hail), so you will just have to go and see it for yourself.

Cross back over the footbridge to the north side of the river and once again turn left and continue on the trail heading towards Green Peak Falls. Here you’ll gain some attitude climbing high above the river through an old growth forest of douglas fir and western red cedar. It’s a well-maintained trail with lots of wooden staircases to help ease the climb and has some great views of Alsea Falls. Soon the trail becomes an old logging road. Continue straight passing by the entrance road on your left to the McBee Park and watch for signs to Green Peak Falls. Just before Peak Creek turn right onto a road that leads to a picnic site and some steep mountain bike trails. You’ll see the trail to Green Peak Falls pick up at the very back of this picnic site. Once again the trail leads through old growth forests with steep staircases and the reward of the beautiful Green Peak Falls at the end.

Return the way you came, passing the entrance to McBee Park, up and over the wooden staircases, passing the footbridge that takes you to the picnic area and then crossing over the river on the second footbridge that takes you to the camping area. Once again, we saw no one on the trail. Some of the best days to hike are during the winter/early spring; the waterfalls are overflowing, it is quiet and the ground is moist and lush green. I do hope some of you are able to get out and experience these beautiful trails so close to Salem.

At the junction for Pacific City, stay to the right and continue heading toward Tillamook. When you reach the little town of Hebo, turn north on Highway 101. Continuing north, you’ll pass through the town of Beaver. Take a left at Sandlake Road and watch for signs to Cape Lookout State Park; it’s hard to miss.

Distance and elevation gain:
It’s an easy hike heading down to the beach but it can be a bit difficult on the return trip, since the climb spans 800 feet in elevation. If you have weak knees, this is probably not the hike for you. Total length round trip is 3.6 miles, but can be lengthened considerably if you walk along the beach.

Fees and permits:
There are no fees to park here and the trail is open all year. It is dog friendly and there is a portable toilet in the parking lot.

What to see and do:
Since I prefer to hike in places that are less known and less populated, it is surprising that I recommend this hike since Cape Lookout is a very popular destination. It is claimed to be one of the best spots along the Oregon coast to view migrating gray whales in the spring and winter months.  But the majority of hikers who come to Cape Lookout head out to the tip of the cape and never set eyes on the beach below.
The quiet and secluded beach is the destination of this hike.

It begins at the west end of the parking lot, just beyond the state park signboard with trail maps and park regulations. The trail leads west for about 50 feet and then branches off to the south and begins a gradual descent through a dense forest of old Sitka spruce, hemlock and western red cedar. The understory is thick with native sword ferns, salal and salmonberry and through the forest you can see the ocean waves lapping on the beach. I imagine more people do not venture to this beach because of the steep trail, but thankfully, the numerous switchbacks make it attainable. Just go slow and enjoy the view and the sounds of the crashing ocean waves. I don’t want to scare you away from this hike, so I will repeat, it is a very gradual descent/ascent and well worth the effort.

Three-quarters of the way down the trail, there is a little wooden bench with names and dates carved into it. It’s a perfect spot to rest and view the cape and beach below. Cape Lookout is actually part of an old lava flow from Eastern Oregon, dating back 15 million years, according to scientists. These massive basalt flows created our beautiful, rugged Oregon coastline. If you have never hiked out to the tip of Cape Lookout I would definitely recommend it, for the entire trail is relatively easy and the views are spectacular. Be prepared for lots of people traffic at this time of year, however.

When you finally descend all the way to the beach, which doesn’t take long, head over to the cape. If the tide is out, you’ll find a small tide pool area with barnacle-covered rocks and plenty of sea creatures. It’s fun to explore and search for the sea anemones, starfish and hermit crabs, but be careful. The rocks can be slick and the waves are unpredictable. The only other access to this beach is from the Sand Lake campground, over 2 miles south, so expect few people and lots of peace and quiet as you stroll the beach. The return trip is back up the trail you came down; just take it slow and enjoy.

Distance and Elevation Gain:
This is a short, lovely little hike. Its only 3 miles round trip, 400 feet in elevation gain and open year round.

Fees and Permits:
Drift Creek Falls is in the Siuslaw National Forest so a federal Northwest Forest pass is required to park here, which you can purchase for $5 at the trailhead. Or plan ahead and get your annual pass for $30 at Bi-mart on Lancaster. If you hike a lot, which I hope you do, the annual pass is easier and cheaper. Just remember to keep it in your car’s “glove box”! Along with your maps and your gloves and safety kit that all responsible hikers have.

What to see and do:
From the parking lot, (which by the way has very nice bathrooms and picnic tables), the trail descends through a second-growth forest of Douglas fir, red alders, hemlock, big leaf maples and western red cedars. In 1957 the old growth was logged and replanted, so this forest is 55 years old. The undergrowth is lush with sword fern, deer fern, salal and Oregon grape and of course, the moss covered old growth stumps and logs. The trail switches back and forth down the canyon, crossing footbridges over creeks and passes a few benches that you might want to rest on during your return trip. You’ll come to a junction where you will have to decide on taking the “Main Trail” or the alternate “Northern Loop” which gets you to the same destination.

I have hiked to Drift Creek Falls many times, always staying on the main trail. On this particular trip I chose to take the Northern Loop, and I must say, I prefer it. It is not as well maintained and has a bit more elevation gain, but it also has some remaining old growth and is peaceful with no other travelers on a sunny Saturday.

The Northern Loop rejoins with the Main Trail along side a rapidly rushing creek and yet, another footbridge. Continuing on the main trail you’ll soon come to an amazing 240-foot long suspension bridge (the longest in Oregon) that hovers 100 feet above the swollen Drift Creek. In front of you is the horsetail type Drift Creek Falls, cascading 80 feet to the canyon below.
The suspension bridge was built in 1997 and dedicated to Scott Paul, the Forest Service Construction Foreman who lost his life on the project in a tragic rigging accident. The building materials for the suspension bridge were helicoptered in, the cables are anchored in bedrock and the entire structure seems out of place. It’s a bit scary as you cross to the other side, but you must in order to get down to the bottom of Drift Creek Falls. There is a picnic table and benches near the base of the falls built out of a giant log. Take some time to rest here and enjoy this awesome view. This is a family friendly hike and dogs are allowed on a leash. The return trip is back the way you came, taking either the main trail or the northern loop.

After returning to your car but prior to heading home, I recommend a side trip to the Otis Café. You should be hungry by now and it is only a few miles west on HWY 18. Otis Café is a family run establishment that specializes in comfort food. With freshly baked breads, pies and cinnamon rolls cooling on racks in the “bake room” and fresh, local seafood, it is a gem that shouldn’t be missed. And since the days are getting longer, you have plenty of time to linger.

From Salem, travel south on Interstate 5, exit at HWY 20 and head east towards Lebanon. Approximately 5 miles east of Lebanon look for the McDowell Creek Park exit and turn left onto Fairview Road. Follow signs for about 9 miles to the county park. There are three parking areas (lower, middle and upper) that access the waterfalls.

Distance and Elevation Gain:

There are roughly three miles of trails that wind through the canyon and connect to three waterfalls and the parking areas. It’s a very easy hike with only a 200-foot elevation gain.

Fees and Permits:

No permits or parking fees are required at this county park. It is open year round and is about 900 feet above sea level. So the only thing preventing you from visiting in the winter might be snow.

What to see and do:

The day we visited this park it was 40 degrees, foggy and cold, but the reward was that we had the park to ourselves. We parked in the lower parking lot and after looking at the trail legend, decided to hike the 1.7-mile loop, which passes all three waterfalls.

The first waterfall Lower McDowell Falls is a very short walk from the parking lot and through the picnic area. This is a small waterfall, less than 10 feet tall and just down from the first footbridge. It is easy to over look because it is not on the main trail.

We crossed the first large wooden footbridge and followed the main trail through the lush green forest. Moss covers everything that doesn’t move, but this is typical for a temperate rain forest in Oregon. Lichen drapes from the big leaf maples; licorice ferns, sword ferns and Oregon grape are abundant. After approximately 0.2 miles, we came to another large footbridge at the base of Royal Terrace Falls. Here, Falls Creek roars over a large basalt formation and drops 119 feet. Don’t cross the creek.

Instead go back to the trail and hike up the rocky staircase to a fenced viewpoint at the top of Royal Terrace Falls. After enjoying the view, cross over the creek at this point and continue along the canyon rim trail, keeping to the right as alternative trails appear to the left. There are sweeping views along the rim trail of the big leaf maple, hemlock and doug fir forest. Soon you will cross over a logging road, but continue on the trail to the upper parking lot.

The trail crosses the upper parking lot and takes you down to McDowell Creek and the Majestic Falls. A large wooden porch-like viewing deck provides the opportunity for a close-up view of the 39-foot Majestic Falls, the surrounding fern covered canyon and the massive staircase that was built to access the area. I’m not sure which is the most spectacular: the falls, the basalt canyon or the tiered staircase. All three are amazing sights. The trail continues down the staircase and along McDowell Creek to a crystal clear pool and a very small waterfall. There isn’t a well-maintained path to get close to the pool and falls and they are small, but quite lovely non-the-less. The trail continues through the canyon and along the creek to another picnic area with tables and the middle parking lot.

We crossed over another footbridge, avoided the short trails on the right and continued on the main trail that led back to the base of Royal Terrace Falls, finishing the 1.7-mile loop. For a longer hike, I would recommend turning around at this point and going back the way you came, reversing the loop. The view is always different going the other way and this would make for a nice 3.4-mile hike.

There are three very nice picnic areas at each parking lot and crystal clear pools to wade in on a hot summer day. The trails are easy, making it great for families. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash. The first parking lot (also called “lower parking lot”) has barbeques and bathrooms.

If you have a cell phone that has camera capabilities, I would recommend taking a photo of the trail legend so that you can refer to it as you hike. It is quite handy! This lovely little park, similar to Silver Creek Falls but on a smaller scale, is a relatively short drive from Salem and well worth the trip.

How to get there:

From Salem head east on HWY 22 for approximately 62 miles, passing Detroit Lake and the little town of Idanha. Just past milepost 62, turn left onto road 2246 and drive 3.7 miles, keeping to the right when you come to a fork in the road. You’ll come to a large parking area and even a public restroom.

Distance and elevation gain:

This is a short 4.6-mile round trip hike and rather easy. Elevation gain is only 800 feet.

Fees and permits:

A federal Northwest Forest pass is required to park here. You can purchase one for $5 at the Detroit Ranger Station. (Station is closed on Sundays during the winter). Or purchase at Bi-mart. If you plan to hike a lot throughout the year, it is easier and cheaper to purchase an annual pass for only $30.

Pamelia Lake is a very popular area and from Memorial Day to October 31st, you will also be required to plan ahead and obtain a Wilderness Limited Entry Permit. This is a free pass and obtained only at the Detroit Ranger Station. If you chose to go during the popular season, I recommend that you call ahead and reserve your permit because visitation to this lake is limited. Detroit Ranger Station phone number: 503-854-3366.

What to see and do:

This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness area, so we felt very lucky last weekend, when we went hiking to Pamelia Lake and saw only three other people. Where is everyone? It never ceases to amaze me, the beautiful places we have so close to Salem and no one is there!

Roads were clear on the drive up, but there was a light dusting of snow on road 2246 when we turned off HWY 22. We have a front wheel drive car and it took the snow covered, paved and gravel road just fine. This road and trail are open year round, unless weather prevents you from getting there. I recommend carrying tire chains at this time of year or snow tires.

This is a lovely hike and not very difficult. The trail meanders gradually uphill as it follows the raging Pamelia Creek. There are massive logjams from previous winter storms where high water took away the soil supporting the majestic trees. The forest is lush with moss and old growth douglas fir, western red cedars and hemlock. Huge boulders are piled upon each other, evidence from old debris flows and rockslides.

As you approach Pamelia Lake, pacific rhododendrons become thick and bear grass is scattered everywhere. There is a trail junction at this point, to the right is Grizzly Peak (a steep 2,000 foot climb) and to the left the trail leads to campsites, Hunts Cove and eventually to the Pacific Crest Trail. We chose to go to the left and circled the frozen, snow-covered lake. There are a few campsites scattered among the trees, and fires are prohibited within 100 feet of the lake. Fishing is supposed to be good, with abundant trout, though small in size. There are areas roped off for restoration, most likely due to the popularity of this trail and lake.

The day we went the skies were partly cloudy so we were unable to view Mt. Jefferson, though we’re pretty sure it was there, just hidden from our view.

During these cold and wet months, there are still plenty of trails that are accessible but please remember to plan ahead. With the shorter days and cooler temperatures, pack extra protection in case of emergencies. I recommend extra food, water and clothing and space blankets to keep you warm. And don’t forget your parking pass.

From Salem, travel east on Highway 22 for approximately 25 miles, passing through the town of Mehama and turn north onto North Fork Rd. (Look for the blinking light and the Swiss Village Restaurant at this intersection – though the restaurant is never open, so don’t expect to eat there.) Continue on this paved road for 15 miles and turn right onto Elkhorn Rd. Cross over a bridge and continue one-quarter mile more to a gravel parking lot and the trailhead.

Distance and Elevation Gain:

It’s 9 miles round-trip if you walk all the way to Shady Cove Campground and back. You can shuttle if you have a second car, and leave it at the campground. To reach the campground, continue on North Fork Road for about 4 miles and turn right on Forest Road 2207. In 2.5 miles you’ll reach the campground where you can leave your car.

It’s a moderate hike, long but only 400 feet in elevation gain.

Fees and Permits:

A Pacific Northwest Forest Pass is required. You can purchase one online at the US Forest Service website, http://www.fs.fed.us/ for $30. It is well worth the price, as an individual day pass costs $5. You can also purchase the pass locally at Bi-Mart. The trail is open year-round, unless under heavy snow.

What to see and do:

This is by far one of my favorite local hiking trails; I actually hesitated sharing it in the spirit of keeping it a secret. It is located in the Opal Creek Recreation Area and parallels the natural curve of the Little North Santiam River.

From the parking lot, you’ll walk through a logged area that is flat and muddy when the weather is wet. Make sure you wear proper shoes/boots at this time of year. Soon, you’ll descend into the river canyon and the trail meanders through a magical, lush green, old-growth Douglas fir forest. You’ll come to a rustic log footbridge, the first of many. (Careful, the wood can be slick if wet.)

As you walk along the river the views are amazing and there are many access points to the tumbled smooth stone beaches and emerald pools below. (A word of caution if you are traveling with children, the banks can be steep with uneven terrain, and the rocks can be slippery, though it is a wonderful adventure and surely one not to miss.)

The trail switchbacks up and over rocky lava walls covered with moss and ferns, Oregon grape and yellowing oxalis, salal and wild ginger. The day we went, it was below 32 degrees, so icicles hung from the moss on the trees. Rock outcroppings yield great viewpoints of Henline Mountain and Henline Creeks Triple Falls across the river. The trail switchbacks down again to the river and after about 3+ miles you’ll come to four large emerald pools. These can be assessed from North Fork Road and are very popular swimming holes in the summer. The last wooden bridge that would take you to the campground has been washed away with the high water, so we had to turn around here.

It’s good to plan ahead and remember that it gets dark early at this time of year. So keep an eye on your watch; if you hike for three hours out, you’ll need three hours to get back to your car. Also, wear shoes with a good tread.