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: 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 elevation.

Google Maps – Eugene to Proxy Falls

Adventure Specifics: The waterfall is accessed by two hiking trails, the official signed trail to the right and is a ¾ mile hike over moderate to easy terrain (not ADA accessible). The alternative route is ½ mile with slightly more difficult terrain and not as rewarding of a view. If you are visiting around sunset I highly recommend the official path to the right.

Warnings: During the cooler months, the paths around the falls can be snowy and icy. Use caution. Also check road conditions before heading out, this area gets a lot of snow and experiences seasonal closures. Access to the falls may be closed from November until July.

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, picnic tables, and garbage receptacles.

Best Times to Go: Proxy Falls are generally the best between June and early November and access to the falls may be closed off due to the seasonal closure of McKenzie Highway 242.

Nearby: Linton Lake, Linton Falls, Dee Wright Observatory, Scott Lake, Three Sisters, Belknap Hot Springs and Resort

Location: The Trailheads for the Dread and Terror Section are the parking area for Umpqua Hot Spring east of Glide, OR, or the White Mule Trailhead near the dam at Lemolo Lake.

Time Involved: A couple of hours to all day. It depends on how far you want to go before you turn back and if you are biking or hiking.

Adventure Specifics: If you’re pressed for time the beginning of the trail at Umpqua Hot Spring contains both Surprise Falls & Columnar Falls at the outset. If you continue down the trail you will come across several small streams and seeps along the river. Several miles down the trail (near White Mule Cr.) you will come to Lemolo Falls which is a 102ft horsetail.

Photo By: Lacey LaDuke - LaDukePhoto.com

Warnings: Watch for hikers and bikers, this is a popular trail section. Also wooden bridges and other features across streams can be VERY slippery. Also I found the bugs to be particularly bad on this section, possibly due to all of the water.

What to Bring: Hiking/Tennis shoes, water, bug spray, mountain bike, camera.

Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic tables and potable water at the Umpqua H.S. trailhead. Full services and camping are available at the resort at Lemolo Lake.

Best Times to Go: The trail can be really wet or even snowy in the winter. I visited in April and definitely got covered in mud. I would suggest waiting until the winter run-off has subsided.

General Comments: If you are more interested in starting at the top and riding one direction instead of an out and back ride or hike shuttles are available from the Dry Creek Store (541)498-2215. This is also one of the only places to get gas once you get out of Glide.

Links to External Sites:

BLM Website / General Information:
http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/umpquatrails/

http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/umpquatrails/dread_and_terror_segment.htm

Oregon Biking Photos:

http://ladukephoto.zenfolio.com/bikeor

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 to all day. It depends on how far you want to go before you turn back and if you are biking or hiking.

Adventure Specifics: The first couple miles are gentle and wind through a lush green forest across creeks and through ferns. At about mile 3 you start a pretty brutal climb (it may be easier on hikers but I was hauling myself up on my mountain bike) This is the ascent of Bob’s Butte. It is definitely worth the haul up it. Beyond Bob’s Butte the trail got a little rougher and less maintained but was still fun. After the big downhill you level out for a bit and are met by another climb toward the end of this trail section.

Warnings: Watch for hikers and bikers, this is a popular trail section. Also wooden bridges and other features across streams can be VERY slippery.

What to Bring: Hiking/Tennis shoes, water, bug spray, mountain bike, camera.

Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic tables and potable water at the Swiftwater Trailhead.

Best Times to Go: The trail can be really wet or even snowy in the winter. I visited in April and definitely got covered in mud.

General Comments: If you are more interested in starting at the top and riding one direction instead of an out and back ride or hike shuttles are available from the Dry Creek Store (541)498-2215. This is also one of the only places to get gas once you get out of Glide.

Links to External Sites:

BLM Website / General Information
http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/umpquatrails/

Oregon Biking Photos:

http://ladukephoto.zenfolio.com/bikeor

(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

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

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Location: Google Maps – Eugene to Bohemia Mountain – *Approximate trailhead Location Read Below for detailed directions*

(N 43.574288 and W -122.656999) – Mountain Coordinates

To get there, drive south on I-5 from Eugene, taking Exit 174 at Cottage Grove. At the bottom of the exit, take a left on Row River Road. This road will change names several times, but stay on it for about 30 miles. The names will change from Row River to Shoreview, to Government, back to Row River, to County Road 2470, and finally Forest Service Road 22, but simply stay on the main paved path as it heads up along Brice Creek (this creek is a great spot for a quick dip before or after the hike, and there is a nice trail along its banks). At a sign for Fairview Peak, take a right on Rd. 2212. Follow this route roughly 6 miles. As another track joins from the left, stay on the main road, which will veer right. At 8.3 miles you will arrive at Champion Saddle. Take a left onto Road 2460 toward Fairview Peak.

The road is a little sketchier here, so drive carefully. Although a four-wheel drive truck would be nice, it’s not necessary. We did this trip in a 2009 Toyota Matrix, and it was fine (although we got some strange looks from the off-road enthusiasts in the area!). After about a mile, you will come to a 4-way junction at Bohemia Saddle.Park to the left next to a trail marker for Bohemia Mountain.

Adventure Specifics:

Hiking:
The trail is short (less than two miles round-trip), but relatively steep. It leads up numerous switchbacks with several nice vistas of the surrounding countryside. From late June to mid-August, wildflowers fill the woods and meadows along the trail, and a variety of succulents grow in the rocky areas, with surprising colors and flowers of their own. Toward the end of July, drawn by the profusion of blooms, many species of butterflies visit the forest and add color to the surroundings.

At the summit, make sure not only to explore the area where the trail ends, but also head east through a small forest to the REAL viewpoint, a long ridge of rock that juts east and gives a dramatic view of the Cascade mountains. On a clear day, you can see from Mt. Shasta to Mt. Hood, and all the peaks in between. Also, below you are visible the ghost town of Bohemia City, and the network of roads that lead through the area.

Ghost Town:
To get to the ghost town, head east from the beginning of the trail (near the parking area), and bushwhack down a small hill to the site. A few buildings remain from the original town, and various mining equipment debris are still strewn around the area. Be sure to check out some of the collapses mine entrances around the town, but use caution and No Trespassing Signs are posted on the entrances to the abandoned mines. Also beware of many of the collapsed mine shafts near the trail back up to the parking area.

Fire Watch Tower:
You’ll notice a Fire Lookout tower to the East of Bohemia Mountain. This tower is staffed continuously during the summer and provides another great viewpoint for the area. There is also a pit toilet located at the base of the tower that is open for public use.

Warnings:
There are many other mine entrances surrounding the ghost town. Be careful when you’re hiking and watch out for large holes in the ground. Some of them are VERY deep.

History:
The area surrounding the mountain became known as the Bohemia Mining District, named after James “Bohemia” Johnson, who discovered gold here first in 1863. By 1866 the town of Bohemia City was established, complete with saloons, hotel, and private residences.
Also in the area is the Musick Guard Station, a two-story cabin that is available for rental through the U.S. Parks Department. Constructed in 1934 by the CCC, this station was built to provide fire support to the Bohemia Mining District. Although there is no water, plumbing, or electricity, a pit toilet and wood stove are located on-site. The cabin is available for reservations from mid-June to mid-October.

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

Other Adventures Nearby: Wildwood Falls

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Location: Google Maps – Eugene to Watson Falls

Getting There From Roseburg, take Highway 138 for approximately 61 miles. Turn south on Road 37, and park at the trail head parking lot approximately 0.2 miles down the road. The trail head has picnic benches, pit toilets, and interpretive signs. Be sure to check out nearby Toketee Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon.

Adventure Specifics: The Watson Falls trail leaves from a parking lot, and climbs up a short, somewhat steep but well-tended path, and crosses a series of bridges at the base of the falls. Pause here for an attractive view of the falls, and then proceed along a path to your left for a closer view of the basin several hundred feet farther along the path. Return back down the side trail to the juncture and complete the loop back to the parking lot for a total hike of approximately 0.8 miles.

Highway 138 parallels the North Umpqua River, and connects Roseburg with Crater Lake. While the drive is of exceptional scenic beauty, it also offers unrivaled access to many recreational activities on the river. The North Umpqua River has a Wild and Scenic designation for 33.8 miles, and you will find opportunities to fly fish, hike, backpack, camp, mountain bike, swim, and raft along its class II-class V rapids. The North Umpqua Trail is a 79-mile long trail open to backpackers, campers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, and parallels the North Umpqua River for most of its length.

Additional Resources:

For maps and more information regarding the North Umpqua Trail, go to the U.S. Forest Service website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/recreation/hiking/north-umpqua-trails/1414-north-umpqua-trail.shtml

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