Delta Ponds – Bird Watching and Nature Walk

May 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Delta Ponds Spring Wildflowers

Known for their fantastic wildlife viewing, birdwatching, wildflowers, and nearby running and biking trails, the Delta Ponds are one of Eugene, Oregon's most well known casual recreation areas. The area is a 150 acre network of ponds, sloughs, and waterways near Valley River Center that act as a major haven for wildlife of all kinds. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded at Delta Ponds and the adjacent stretches of the Willamette River along with numerous fish and aquatic wildlife, including the threatened Western Pond … [Read more...]

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Toketee Falls – North Umpqua River

April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Tokatee Falls Oregon

Toketee Falls is a breath taking two stage 113ft. waterfall located about 2-1/2 hours Southeast of Eugene (less than one hour east of Roseburg) just off of highway 138. The water plunges over picturesque mossy volcanic columnar basalt into the North Umpqua River near its confluence with the Clearwater River. The first stage of Toketee falls is somewhat difficult to view and falls 28 feet into a narrow shaded alcove. The main and more attractive section of waterfall plunges about 85 feet into a gorgeous rock lined blue pool. Location: Toketee … [Read more...]

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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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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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Koosah Falls

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Koosah Falls

Koosah Falls is a Beautiful 80ft. waterfall located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on highway 126. The word Koosah is a Chinook word meaning "sky". These falls were formed 3,000 years ago when lava flows formed the McKenzie River. Location: Koosah falls is located approximately 60 miles outside Eugene directly off highway 126. There are visible signs on the side of the road. Google Maps - Eugene to Koosah Falls - Click Here for the Map Adventure Specifics: The waterfall is easily accessible via a paved path from the parking lot. The are … [Read more...]

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