Location: Paulina Lake (the approximate center of the crater) is about 3 hours from Eugene. The best route to take is the Willamette Highway (58) across the Crescent Cut-off and then north on US-97 until you see the signs for the Newberry Volcanic Monument about 30 miles south of Bend.

Google Maps: Eugene to Newberry Crater

Adventure Specifics

Hiking & Mountain Biking:

There are several great hiking and mountain biking opportunities around the crater. A few of the more notable routes are:

• Rim Trail (#3957) is a 21 mile loop around the crater. It is classified as difficult primarily due to its length and lack of water sources, but has very rewarding views of forests, lakes and volcanic formations. Also open to horses.
• Big Obsidian Flow Interpretive Trail (#3958)is a must see if you are limited on time, the one mile trail wanders through Oregon’s youngest lava flow and has several interpretive signs. Watch your step though, the obsidian is sharp!
• Paulina Peak Trail (#3951) is a steep (8% grade) but short (.5 mile) offshoot of the Rim Trail to the top of Paulina Peak. From the top you can see all the way from Mount Adams to Mount Shasta on a clear day. The views are unbeatable!

Fishing: Paulina and East Lake contain large numbers of Kokanee Salmon, Brown, and Rainbow trout. East Lake also contains some Atlantic salmon. Two record size brown trout have been pulled from Paulina Lake. 

East Lake Fishing Info: East Lake Resort – Fishing Info

Camping/Lodging: There are 7 campgrounds in the Newberry Monument including Little Crater, Paulina Lake, Newberry Group Camp, Chief Paulina Horse Camp.

Snow Sports – The Paulina Lake/Newberry Crater area is popular for snow sports such as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. The historic Paulina Lake Resort is open all winter to provide lodging to snow sport aficionados.

Additional Adventures: Check out the newly remodeled Lava Lands Visitor Center and nearby lava caves for and additional adventure near the monument.

Time Involved: There are plenty of places to explore in the Volcanic Monument, you can spend as much time as you’d like.

Best Time to Go: Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall. The roads are not well maintained and many of the attractions in the area are not open after October as the weather is unpredictable.

Amenities: Toilets, Snacks, Restaurant, Cabins, Camping.

Usage Fees: $5 day pass / $30 annual pass.  Northwest Forest Pass is required at some trailheads.

Fees: There is no fee to tour the lighthouse, groups are restricted to 8 or less individuals. Click here for camping fees: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_121.php

Location: Just under 2 hours West of Eugene. Take Highway 38 (The Umpqua Highway) East to Reedsport and then 101 South to Umpqua Lighthouse & State Park.
Eugene to Umpqua Lighthouse – Google Maps

Time Involved: I usually like to make a day trip out of this adventure and spend some time meandering up the coast. You can make a loop if you drive north to Florence and then head back inland to Eugene.

Adventure Specifics: Umpqua State Park is a general recreation area. Lake Marie has several campsites and when we visited there was a high concentration of ORVs playing on the nearby dunes. The beach is sandy and there is a long rock jetty.  Also don’t miss the daily tours of the Umpqua Lighthouse May 1st – October 30^th from 10-4pm.

What to Bring: Camera, hiking/walking shoes, binoculars, etc.

Amenities: Restrooms, campground with full RV hook ups, tent spaces and yurts, picnic areas.

Best Times to Go: A nice clear day.

Links to External Sites: Oregon State Parks Information

Other Adventures Nearby: Reedsport, Oregon,  Oregon Dunes, Lake Marie, Clear Lake, Bolton Island Tideways State Park.

Location: Just half a mile south of Triangle lake, about 50 minutes from Eugene. A parking lot will be located on the right, and a trail down to the rock slides will be across the street.

Google Maps: Eugene to Triangle Lake Rock Water Slides

Activities:

Swimming: The uppermost pool offers a small swimming hole of moderate temperature with a warmer wading pool located below the rock water slide.

Cliff jumping: On the far side of the uppermost pool, highlighted by dangling ropes, are two accessible jumps at roughly 25 and 35 feet. Careful, the climb is more treacherous than the jump and the rocks are usually slippery.

Natural Rock Waterslide: Below the uppermost pool is the famous “Slide Rock”, 100ft. of fun, slippery, natural rock sliding!

Warnings: Cliff jumping and natural rock slides are inherently dangerous and slippery, please use caution at all times.

Time involved: Half-day/Full day

Adventure specifics: The rockslides are located in a ravine and receive direct sunlight for a limited portion of the day.  Plan your trip around the sun’s highest point; noon to 3p.m. won’t disappoint. Bring a flotation device of some sort if you want to slide and avoid the road rash. Stores are lacking near by, so bring food and water if you plan to stay for any length of time.

Maps and Resources:

BLM Brochure and Map for Lake Creek Falls

What to bring: Swim gear, towel, flotation devices, water, food.

Amenities: A bathroom is available at the parking lot.

Best times to go: Noon-4pm/sun’s highest points of the day. – Slide Rock is best visited in the summer months when the creek flows are lower and the weather is wam.

Other adventures near by: Triangle lake

(Photo By: Andrea Niemiec)

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, layers of ash formed with different mineral compositions, which led to the bands of color seen today.

As the climate in the region changed, the layers of ash were covered by water and formed the bottom of a lake bed. After millennia, the lake eventually dried, and geologic motion in the earth’s crust thrust parts of the lake bed up, allowing wind and rain to begin the process of erosion. Exposed to air and water, the minerals in the volcanic ash oxidized and transformed into the vividly-colored claystone we see today.

Location: The Painted Hills Unit is 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, OR on a well-marked side road off of Highway 26. From both Eugene and Portland, the Painted Hills are roughly 200 miles and about four hours of driving.

Google Maps – Eugene to  Painted Hills, Oregon

Time Involved: If it’s a nice day at the painted hills you could easily spend the entire day hiking around and checking out all of the different areas of the park.

(Photo By: Andrea Niemiec)

Adventure Specifics – Hiking: While the landscape of the Painted Hills is delicate and closed to bushwhacking hikers, several trails allow visitors to see the geology close at hand. The 0.25 mile Painted Cove Trail takes you among low hills of multi-hued claystone, and signs explain in detail the processes that produced the incredible colors. The Overlook Trail (as its name suggests) offers a number of panoramic views of the hills. The 1.5 mile round-trip Carroll Rim Trail is slightly longer and more strenuous, but offers a sweeping view of the entire monument.

Amenities: There are numerous picnic and parking areas located throughout the recreation area. Just to the left of the entrance to the recreation area are pit toilets and a nice picnic/grassy area with tables and garbage cans.

Warnings: Please DO NOT hike on the Painted Hills themselves. The clay is very susceptible to erosion and outside damage. A couple of wrong footsteps could damage the hills for months.

(Photo By: Andrea Niemiec)

Best Times to Go: The Painted Hills are accessible year round, but may be partially covered with snow in the winter months. The absolute “Best” time to go is shortly after a rain storm in full sunlight. Recent rains tend to bring out the best color in the Painted Hills.

Other Adventures Nearby: Mitchell, Oregon; Ochoco National Forest, John Day Fossil Beds.

Resources:

• Painted Hills – Wikipedia
• John Day Fossil Beds – National Park Service

Find more photos and information on this post at Andrea’s Blog – Shoestring Traveler

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 supporting local business
Parking: There is ample parking all around town.

Location: Shaniko Ghost Town is located about 4 hours north east of Eugene and less than an hour from Madras (the closest notable city), just off of Highway 97.

Google Maps – Eugene, OR to Shaniko, OR

Time Involved: You could easily spend an afternoon exploring the abandoned buildings, small businesses and historical displays.

Adventure Specifics: Plan on parking and walking a bit. The town is pretty much flat so getting around is simple. A few die-hard individuals have been restoring the town one building at a time so be sure to check out the occupied buildings as well to get the history.There is a museum, ice cream shop, post office, gas station (when we were there the pumps appeared to be closed, fyi), general store, art gallery and book store to check out.

Warnings: Please do not trespass, if a building is posted as private respect the owner and resist the urge to explore. Also be weary of weak floors, broken glass, barbwire and other standard ghost town characteristics.

What to Bring: Water, camera & a sense of adventure. Sunscreen is advisable in warmer months and a scarf in the winter, it can be VERY windy!

Amenities: Seasonal lodging, restaurants and shops.

Best Times to Go: The town is essentially abandoned in the winter. When we visited we didn’t see another living soul aside from the traffic whizzing by on highway 97, oblivious to what they were passing by. Shops and museums and the like are open from April-October.

General Comments: Shaniko has a population of 26 and was voted “Oregon’s ghost town of the year” in 1959. It was originally named “Cross Hollows” but was later renamed “Shaniko” after it’s post master August Scherneckau who settled there after the civil war. The city was originally a ranch city and was known for a while as the “Wool Capital of the World” Unfortunately Shaniko started it’s decline around 1911 (10 years after the town was incorporated)  when the railroad opened a new line and diverted traffic away. In the 1960′s a flood near Grass Valley destroyed part of the Columbia Southern Rail Line and it was never repaired further isolating Shaniko.

Other Adventures Nearby: Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds, Ochoco National Forest

More Information:

• http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/or/shaniko.html
• Shaniko, Oregon – Wikipedia
• http://www.shaniko.com/shanikox.html

Find more photos and adventures on Lacey’s Blog – LaDuke Adventures

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

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 Specifics:

Sunset Bay is a well-appointed campground, and makes a great base from which to explore the rest of the area. Whether you’ve brought your RV, your tent, or you have reserved a cozy yurt, the campground features a number of pleasant campsites, clean restrooms, and hot showers. Since the campground is set a few hundred yards inland from the beach, it is sheltered from shore winds, and next door to a small golf course. The only word of caution I would mention would be to keep in mind that the campsites are small; if you are looking for privacy and reserving sites online, consider picking the more remote sites, or ones that have no reservations next door. Aside from a squabbling family who left early on our first morning, the campground was fairly peaceful despite it being spring break, and everyone seemed to quiet down soon after dark. The yurts also offer more privacy and act as a better sound barrier than a tent. For more information, go to: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_100.php

Shore Acres Less than a mile away by road, or two miles by a scenic trail along the top of the cliffs, Shore Acres is a botanical garden and former estate to lumber baron Louis J. Simpson. While his original mansion fell prey to both shore erosion and the depredations of the Great Depression, the grounds have been lovingly restored and turned into a public park. The park is well designed and features different floral displays and plantings throughout the year to take advantage of different blooming periods. To find out more, go to: http://www.shoreacres.net/

Cape Arago Another two miles by trail, or a shorter distance by road, lies Cape Arago, a jutting promontory and state park. With numerous tide pools and colonies of seals and sea lions, the Cape is a great introduction to the marine wildlife in the area. Come and enjoy the vista and watch for spouting whales, but don’t forget that parts of the trail are off-limits from March 1-June 30 to protect young seals. http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_94.php

History:

During the Eocene period approximately 40 million years ago, much of the present coastline of Oregon and Washington was below sea level. A long, semicircular bay reaching from the present-day Puget Sound cut inland across much of the Willamette Valley, and curved back around through parts of the present-day Siskiyous. Present-day Coos Bay was not inundated, and marked the edge of the prehistoric bay. The sandstone and shale cliffs and islands around Sunset Bay and Cape Arago were formed by an ancient delta fed by streams from inland Oregon, which deposited mud and silt along the coast. The floor of this delta then hardened over time and was lifted up by the subduction zone off of the Oregon coast. Part of this bedrock is now visible on the beach of Sunset Bay in the large rock formations that jut up out of the sand.

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Coal deposits are a feature of this delta, and are now referred to as the Coaledo Formation, Oregon’s largest coal deposits. Coos Bay made much use of this natural resource, opening its first mine in the 1850′s. By 1904 approximately 40 coal mines were operating, selling their coal to fuel locomotives. However, once diesel engines became popular in the 1920′s, the coal mines declined and closed by the 1940′s. Fossilized clams, snails, sand dollars, crabs, logs, and prehistoric plants can be found in the Sunset Bay and Cape Arago cliffs and boulders. The many fault lines that run along this small section of the coast have left their mark on the land.

Erosion in many forms has also carved this landscape: concretions along the Shore Acres observation shelter, wave erosion, honeycomb weathering from salt and algae, and stone-boring marine life. The south side of Sunset Bay reveals evidence of a huge earthquake which struck approximately 1,200 years ago; exposed roots of enormous spruce trees in the intertidal zone show that the coastline dropped rapidly during an earthquake, flooding the forest with salt water. Long before European settlers first spotted Cape Arago in the 1500′s on Sir Francis Drake’s voyage, the Coos Indians inhabited the area, and retain strong ties to Chief’s Island where the decommissioned Cape Arago lighthouse now stands.

Find more photos and information on this post at Andrea’s Blog – Shoestring Traveler

Tamolitch Pool, known by many as Blue Pool due to its brilliant aquamarine water, is a rewarding destination along the McKenzie River Trail. (Photo By: Andrea Niemiec)

The Trailhead: The trail to Tamolitch Pool (near Blue River, Oregon) leaves from a trail head a few hundred yards off of Highway 126, and is a four mile loop along part of the popular 26-mile-long McKenzie River Trail. For the first mile or so the trail winds through cedar and hemlock forests and runs parallel to the river. The trail then climbs approximately 200 feet in elevation as it crosses a moss-covered lava bed for the second mile, and the McKenzie River rushes far below at the base of the basalt cliffs.

After approximately 2 miles the trail reaches the pool, and hikers have a nice vantage point from the top of a cliff; bring a lunch to eat while you sit and enjoy the view.

Location: Google Maps From Eugene

From Eugene or Springfield, take Highway 126 east for approximately 65 miles. From the highway will be visible the small EWEB power station at the upper end of Trailbridge Reservoir; turn left onto the unmarked road that serves the power station (this road is 14 miles east of the small community of McKenzie Bridge). Cross the bridge and turn to your right. Approximately half a mile down the gravel road you will see the signs for the trail head. While the trail has a high volume of traffic during the warmest months of the year, the view of the pool is worth the extra company.

Adventures Nearby: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Trail Bridge Reservoir/Campground, Clear Lake

Find more photos and information on this post at Andrea’s Blog – Shoestring Traveler

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Location:Google Maps – Directions from Eugene

Approximately 1.5 hours from Eugene, Oregon. To reach the Matthieu Lakes trail head, from I-5 south near Eugene, take OR 126/McKenzie River Highway east for approximately 55 miles, and look for the OR 242/Old McKenzie River Highway turnoff to the right. This portion (OR 242) of the road is closed seasonally due to snow. Approximately 25 miles along 242, you will see the parking lot and sign for the Dee Wright Observatory on your left. 0.5 miles beyond the Observatory parking lot is the Lava Camp Lake campground and the Matthieu Lakes trail head. Continuing on OR 242 will bring you to Sisters, Oregon in a short 15 minute drive.

Time Involved: Matthieu Lakes trail loop can be hiked in 2.5 hours, but plan on spending some extra time savoring the views and enjoying lunch beside one of the lakes.

Adventure Specifics:

Hiking – An easy 6 mile loop between the two lakes, with an elevation gain of 800 feet round-trip. This trail is along part of the PCT trail, so including it in a longer backpacking trip along the PCT is a possibility. Continue on past S. Matthieu Lake on the PCT several more miles to the Scott Trail junction in order to explore more of the lava lands and a nearby crater.

Camping – There is a pleasant no-fee campsite with well-maintained pit toilets at Lava Camp Lake, the departure point for the Matthieu Lakes trail. Make sure to bring in your own water, as no running water is available at this site. In addition, camp sites are available in designated locations at both of the Matthieu Lakes. These sites are rustic (no toilets/no running water) but very scenic. In particular, S. Matthieu Lake offers some exquisite views of the North and Middle Sister from the campsites.

Trail-Riding – The Lava Camp Lake has a horse camp, and the Matthieu Lakes trail allows horses and other pack animals.

Warnings: Bring insect repellent earlier in mosquito season (June/July). Hike on windy days or later in the season (August/September) to avoid insects. The usual wilderness backpacking rules apply as to waste disposal and camping further than 100 feet from bodies of water.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, first aid kit, and food. Be sure to also bring a camera; the views along the trail will leave you wishing you had!

Amenities: Pit toilets at trail head.

Best Time to Go: June through early October. Highway 242 (along which the trail is located) is closed most of the year due to heavy snowfall. Mosquitoes (particularly at dusk) can be an annoyance in June, shortly after the snow has melted.

General Comments: If you want to experience the Cascades up close and personal, this is an easy hike with minimal elevation gain and maximum scenic reward for your efforts.

Other Adventures Nearby: Stop by the Dee Wright Observatory (less than a mile from the Matthieu Lakes trail head) for panoramic views of the Cascades, and an up-close encounter with the otherworldly landscape of the lava flows. Highway 242 has several posted trail heads on the way from Eugene to the Matthieu Lakes; highlights include Proxy Falls, and the lovely creek side Limberlost campground (pit toilets/no running water).

Find more photos and information on this post at Andrea’s Blog – Shoestring Traveler

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 also numerous dirt and paved paths in the area surrounding the falls that offer hiking and unique views of the falls themselves.

Warnings: During the winter, the paths around the falls can be snowy and icy. Use caution.

What to Bring: A camera, water resistant jacket (if you plan on getting near the falls), and good walking shoes.

Amenities: Pit toilets, paved parking, paved walking paths

Best Times to Go: Koosah Falls is accessible year round but I find the best time to go is late fall or spring as the temperatures warm up and the snows melt.

General Comments: Koosah falls and the surrounding area are one of the biggest reasons I like Oregon so much. The shear size and beauty of these falls is worth the hour+ drive from Eugene. I could spend an entire day just taking pictures. Be sure to check out Sahalie falls, just a few minutes up the road from Koosah. There is also a Koosah to Sahalie falls hiking path.

Other Adventures Nearby: Sahalie Falls, Tamolitch Pool, Trail Bridge Reservoir/Campground, Clear Lake

40ft. Backside Cliff @ Willamette Pass. Skier: Nate Simmons

General Comments:Willamette Pass is a great ski resort if you want a fun, convenient day of skiing. They have terrain for everyone, a great atmosphere, and an enjoyable mountain. If you are a thrill seeker they have plenty of advanced off piste terrain. Some of my favorite areas are STN (located in the trees to the right of RTS), Dragon’s Back (the ridge on the right of the backside, and West Peak (the not yet opened but hikeable peak off the backside).

Base Elevation:5,120 ft

Summit Elevation: 6,683 ft

Number of Runs:

Alpine Runs: 29 Trails; 6 Beginner, 13 Intermediate, 10 Advanced

Expert Nordic Trails: Up to 20 Km groomed and trackset

Number of Lifts: 1 six person detachable, 4 triple chair lifts, 1 Tubing lift, 1 Magic Carpet Lift Capacities: 10,200 skiers per hour

Difficulty of Terrain:
Beginner: 21 %
Intermediate: 45 %
Advanced: 34 %

Average Snowfall: 430 inches

Their Website: http://www.willamettepass.com

Location: Google Maps – http://maps.google.com/maps?lsm=1&daddr … 9mEt3522LA

Feel free to share your comments, opinions, and reviews below.