Newberry Volcanic Monument – Paulina and East Lake

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Paulina Lake - Snow Capped Mountain

Newberry Volcanic Monument - Officially created in 1990 within the Deschutes National Forest, Newberry Crater is a 17sq mile geologic wonder. The monument contains lakes stocked with fish, cinder cones, obsidian flows, waterfalls, camping, hiking and even some elusive hot springs if you know where to look for them. It's two main lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake are surrounded by lush forests ands amazing peaks. The access road is seasonal and it is not uncommon for it to be blocked until after Memorial Day. The Location: Paulina Lake (the … [Read more...]

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Umpqua Lighthouse and State Park

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Umpqua Lighthouse

Umpqua Lighthouse and State Park is an easily accessible and popular general recreation area located less than 100 miles west of Eugene and a short 12 minute drive from Reedsport. The area is known for the 65 foot lighthouse that overlooks Winchester Bay. With its famous red light, the Umpqua Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the Oregon Coast with a colored light. It was put into operation in 1894 after the prior lighthouse at that location (the first lighthouse in Oregon) fell into the river due to erosion after a short 7 year … [Read more...]

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Proxy Falls – McKenzie Highway

October 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Proxy Falls 2011-7 - Resize

Proxy Falls is a gorgeous 226 foot veil waterfall that cascades down a wall of mossy columnar basalt. Accessed by a short half mile to mile hike directly off McKenzie Highway 242, Proxy Falls is easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oregon. Location: Proxy Falls is located approximately 65 miles from Eugene, 6-1/2 miles from the junction of Highway 126 (The McKenzie River Byway) and Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass). The parking area is well signed with a large pull out right before the road turns sharply and gains significant … [Read more...]

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Triangle Lake Slide Rock – Lake Creek Falls, Oregon

August 12, 2011 By 1 Comment

Slide Rock at Lake Creek Falls near Triangle Lake is a unique natural water slide, swimming hole, and cliff jumping area located near Junction City, Oregon, approximately 50 minutes from Eugene. At the entrance to the recreation area, a small waterfall empties into a quaint swimming hole, with a cliff jumping area located directly across the creek. The cliff jumping features dangling ropes and multiple jumping platforms at 25 and 35 feet. The water below is plenty deep, but USE CAUTION. Further down the creek from the waterfall and pool are the … [Read more...]

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North Umpqua Trail – Dread and Terror Section

June 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Dread and Terror - North Umpqua

The North Umpqua Trail parallels the N. Umpqua River east of Roseburg, OR for 79 miles of hiking and biking. The Dread & Terror section is a 13 mile section of ridgeline trial with several unique water features. It is one of the most scenic sections of the trail. It takes its name from the dread associated with the potential threats of having to fight fires in the impenetrable thickets of white thorn bush that cover so much of the area. Location: The Trailheads for the Dread and Terror Section are the parking area for Umpqua Hot Spring … [Read more...]

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North Umpqua Trail – Tioga Section

June 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tioga2 - North Umpqua

The North Umpqua Trail parallels the N. Umpqua River east of Roseburg, OR for 79 miles of hiking and biking. The Tioga section is the first section you come to when approaching from Roseburg or Glide and it is about 16 miles of aerobically demanding hill climbs to gorgeous views. The trail in predominantly single track and this section ends at Wright Creek. Location: The Trailhead for the Tioga Section (and the start of the N. Umpqua Trail) is at the Swiftwater Picnic Area about 6 miles east of Glide, OR. Time Involved: A couple of hours … [Read more...]

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The Painted Hills – Mitchell, Oregon

February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Painted Hills

Central Oregon's famous Painted Hills were born in a fiery cloud of ash approximately 33 million years ago and are a spectacular display of the colors of nature’s palette. A series of low clay hills striped in bands of orange, red, black, green, blue, and lavender, the Painted Hills invite visitors to explore the fragile area with designated hiking trails and interpretive signs. History: The unique colors of the Painted Hills were formed by volcanic eruptions that sent clouds of ash to settle over much of Central Oregon. Over time, … [Read more...]

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Shaniko, Oregon – Ghost Town

February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Shaniko, Oregon - Fire Truck

Shaniko, Oregon, located just off of highway 97 in Central Oregon, is Oregon's best known ghost town. Home to the first "Intercity Bus Service in the US", this once bustling and pioneering Oregon town quickly went downhill after a series of unfortunate events in the early 1900's. Be sure to visit the museum and old hotel/saloon. There's history everywhere in Shaniko, go out and discover it! Type: Ghost Town - History and Photography Hours: Stop and look anytime, most businesses are open April-October Fee: None but please consider … [Read more...]

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McKenzie River Rafting: Finn Rock to Prince Helfrich

October 19, 2010 By 1 Comment

One of the most popular McKenzie River White Water Rafting runs is from Finn Rock to the Prince Helfrich Boat Landing. This 10 mile run offers rapids for paddlers of all skill levels, amazing scenery, and some of the best play spots the McKenzie River has to offer. Between a few calm quiet sections are interspersed class II+ and class III rapids with amazing holes and some of the best fishing on the McKenzie River. Caution should always be taken as the water is cold and snags are sometimes numerous. Access: There is easy access to both the … [Read more...]

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Sunset Bay and Shore Acres

April 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Sunset Bay, OR - The Oregon coastline is world famous for its stunning scenery, and the area south of Coos Bay is no exception. Erosion and seismic action have created a crumbling, fractured coastline full of geologic interest and curious rock formations. Location: Getting There Take 101 through Coos Bay, and turn right onto Empire Rd before you leave town. Take Empire/Coos Bay Hwy for 2.8 miles, then veer left onto Newmark for 0.5 miles, left again to get onto Cape Arago Hwy, and drive for 8 miles.   Adventure … [Read more...]

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