Posts in category 'Why We Love Central Oregon'

On May 16, 2020 we returned to Newberry Crater to enjoy the newly reopened monument. We traveled as far around East Lake as we could, stopping at the boat ramp parking near the lodge as the road was blocked past that. We walked past the barrier through the empty East Lake campground until we came to the Cinder Hill trail head.  We have hiked this trail before several years ago and looked forward to doing it again.  However, roughly 1.5 miles into the hike, we encountered snow covering the trail and although we were able to continue at least 1/2 mile further, we reached a point where trail markings were no longer visible.  Rather than risk getting lost, we retreated and instead drove back to the Little Crater Hike - the cinder cone between Paulina and East Lake - that we had never hiked.

Although the hike was fairly short and easy, the views were wonderful. We saw the Big Obsidian Flow from a perspective we had never seen before, as well as vistas of Paulina Lake and interesting pumice formations. It was also great to see all the boaters on both lakes enjoying the fishing opportunities.  Although the lodges, camping and Visitor's Center were all closed, at least people can enjoy the views, the lakes and the hikes (snow permitting).

Overlook Mountain Has Panoramic Cascade Views

With views from Mount Adams in the north to Diamond Peak in the south, the stunning panorama of much of the Cascade mountain range is truly breathtaking from the top of Overlook Mt. 

On Saturday, May 9, 2020 we took the 7 mile loop from the parking lot off Canyon Creek Road and hiked up through old growth forest to the top of Overlook Mt, stopping along the way to check out the interesting ruins of the Mother Load Mine (cinnabar used to make mercury) before climbing the 1535 feet it takes to reach the summit. During the hike we had to cross snow fields regularly, getting both our feet and lower legs wet in the soft snow. But we saw some beautiful views of the Ochocos as we climbed and enjoyed seeing many early wildflowers with no one else around us on the trail.

At the summit, we enjoyed both the view and meeting several other hikers who had come up the short route which we took down. Prior to reaching our car, we took the side trip to tour the ghost village of Independent Mine, with its abandoned buildings slowly  falling apart.

It was a wonderful experience and very worth while for anyone who attempts the climb.

Black Butte Provides for Stunning Views and a Great Aerobic Workout

During the Covid-19 Pandemic with many of the most popular trails shut down, we have been looking for places to hike that may still be open and accessible this time of year. Yesterday we hiked Black Butte Trail for the first time. We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985, but have never attempted this hike before. The drive to the trail head was over 5 miles of dirt road (Forest Service Road 1110), after leaving paved Forest Service Road 11 with that last mile of road very rough. But we discovered that this is a very popular hike and the parking lot was full; forest passes are required to park.

We had had a light dusting of snow the night before, so our hike started in the pines with the path highlighted by the snow on both sides. As we climbed, the snow was more prevalent in the trees and once we got close to the top, we had to traverse a slippery snow patch to reach the summit. But the views were stunning and all who were there seemed to appreciate wandering around the old fire lookout buildings and finding the best place to enjoy lunch and the Cascade views.

The hike was just under 4 miles up and back with the elevation gain 1600 feet. This is a moderate hike, not too long, with the trail pretty well maintained. With the high Cascades still closed, Black Butte has become our favorite Central Oregon hike for this time of year.

Fast Flowing River, Springs and Easy Walk

We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985.  During this time we have never hiked the Metolius River until this weekend. The day was overcast and light rain came and went. When we started the hike, we only saw one person for the first 2 miles - a fisherman casting his line in a quiet place on the river.  

We started our hike at the Canyon Creek Campgound at the West Metolius Trailhead and followed the river downstream over 2.5 miles until we reached the Wizard Falls fish hatchery.  The hatchery was closed due to Covid-19 and the bridge over the river was blocked. However, since we were on the hatchery side of the river, we walked on the bridge to view the beautiful blue water of Wizard Falls before returning the same way we came upstream back to the campground.  We stopped to enjoy the early blooms of wildflowers scattered along the trail and the stunning spring flowing into the river 1/3 mile from the campground.

All in all, the hike was easy with little elevation change and a little over 5 miles total. To access the hike, travel west of Sisters on Hwy 20 until you reach the road to Camp Sherman. Travel on road 1419 4.8 miles until you reach road 1420. Travel straight on this 3.3 miles until you reach the sign for Canyon Creek Campground. Travel 1 mile on this dirt road until reaching the trail head.

With Oregon State Parks Closed, Try Something Different

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Central Oregon five weeks ago, we have been looking for places to hike which are still fairly easy to access yet not subject to closure restrictions. This weekend we found Gray Butte.  Every Central Oregonian knows iconic Smith Rock with its fabulous rock formations and the destination of many rock climbers from around the world. We have often hiked in this state park and enjoyed watching those climbing and rappelling down Monkey Face or the other cliffs many times. We have climbed Misery Ridge and enjoyed hiking many of the trails as well. One path we have never hiked before, however, is the looming Gray Butte immediately to the east of Smith Rock - although we have noticed peop...

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