Diamond Creek Falls

I keep a mental list of hikes I'd like to do and places I'd like to see, some day. Over the years, I am slowly making my way through the list (though I am also adding to the list so I'll never see or do them all!). The trail to Diamond Creek Falls was on that …

Willamette Fish Hatchery: Oakridge

The Willamette Fish Hatchery sits just outside of Oakridge.  I can't tell you how many times I've driven down Highway 58 without noticing the road sign pointing toward the hatchery. Luckily, at some point it captured my attention, and the hatchery ended up on my "things to see" list. When we stopped by the hatchery last fall, I wasn't exactly …

Bobby Lake

I love heading up into the Cascades to explore the mountain lakes. They are so incredibly blue and -- to me -- they somehow seem closer to the sky than the lakes here in the valley. With so many lakes to chose from, there is always a new lake and a new trail to enjoy. This summer we hiked the trail …

Hosmer Lake: Deschutes County

I can not tell you how beautiful Hosmer Lake is because I don't have the words, and it is possible that you may not even believe me. Hosmer Lake is one of those places that I sometimes hesitate to write about; I want to keep it a secret so it stays as beautiful as possible for as long as …

Sparks Lake: Deschutes County

Sparks Lake sits high in the Cascade Mountains at 5400' elevation. It is well known for its photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning when the South Sister, Broken Top, and Bachlor Butte reflect in the calm water. The views of the mountains from Sparks Lake are beautiful. We barely had our canoe in the water …

Fawn Lake

I love hiking high in the Cascades amongst the lodgepole pine. The air smells so good, and the sun is hot and dry. The lakes seem bluer up there, complementing the brilliant blue sky. Ever since January, when I read about the Fawn Lake Trail while researching hiking options around Crescent Lake Resort, I've been looking …

Crescent Lake Resort

For a week we watched the weather forecast for the Cascades. Every day it was the same ... rain. We had plans to meet a friend at Crescent Lake Resort for lunch, chatting, and hopefully, a nice walk. I wasn't excited about the prospect of rain, but it did mean the roads would be clear. And, when …

Watson Falls

Dropping 293 feet, Watson Falls is the highest waterfall in Southwestern Oregon. We visited the waterfall at the end of our annual BFF camping weekend along the North Umpqua River this summer. Prior to our trip, I had seen some spectacular pictures of the near-by Toketee Falls, but I did not know much about Watson …

Toketee Falls

When my friend and I started planning our camping trip up the North Umpqua River earlier this month, I knew one thing – I wanted to see Toketee Falls. I’ve been captivated by this waterfall since the first time I saw a photograph of it. However, as we were walking in on the .4 mile …

Hiking the North Umpqua Trail

Every summer I get together with my old college roommate for our annual BFF camping trip. Since my friend lives in Klamath Falls and I live in Cottage Grove, we find a campground roughly halfway between us and plan to spend 24 hours hiking, swimming, talking, and laughing together. Over the years, we’ve camped at …