Alton Baker Pond: A Great Place to Fish!

Fishing has been great over the past few weeks. Alton Baker Pond has been stocked multiple times and people are catching limits almost daily. The McKenzie and Willamette rivers from Armitage Park downstream have been fishing extremely well. In a few short hours, three of us were caught and released over 50 native fish! Tan Quill bodied March Browns seemed to be the fly of choice, but an Adams Irresistible was also getting it’s fair share of hits. Most of the fish were pretty small, 6-10 inches, but we did land a few fat 12-14 inchers. So far this has been one of the best fishing seasons in years!

Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end, especially during the Spring in Oregon. This week has brought unwelcome wet and rainy weather; even some snow in the high foothills. Fear not, we all know that April showers bring May flowers. Over the next few weeks the Oregon Rivers should be rocking and primed for some Spring rafting! I know I’ll be hitting up the McKenzie: Finn Rock to Prince Helfrich stretch in the next few weeks, perhaps even the North Umpqua or the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival on May 15th and 16th.

I’ll be hitting up the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River this weekend. Flows should be around 7000 cfs at put-in, a bit high, but that just adds to the fun this time of year! Hope you have a great one and enjoy the Eugene Outdoors!

-AdventureMaster

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Overview: 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 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

Overview: Bohemia Mountain in Lane County, Oregon (N 43.574288 and W -122.656999) is a 5840’ peak with a nice hike to an incredible 360-degree view of the Cascade Range. Seasonal wildflower viewing, a nearby ghost town, and all-terrain vehicle trails make a trip to this area even more worthwhile.

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:
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.

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.

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

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Overview: One of the highest waterfalls in Oregon, Watson Falls plunges 272 feet to its moss-covered base, and is an easy 0.8 mile hike round-trip with a 300 foot elevation gain. Located along Highway 138, Watson Falls is one of a string of waterfalls whose trail heads are easily accessed from the highway, and is a quick stop during any trip through the area.

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. Sadly, due to storm damage, nearby beautiful Toketee Falls has been closed to the public for repairs since January 2008.

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

This snow also means that some of my, and likely your, favorite outdoor adventures are going to be that much better this year. At least for this week, Cougar Hot Springs will have some snow on the trail making it even more beautiful than usual. If you fancy an early spring camping trip, Clear Lake will be covered in a layer of the white stuff for a few more weeks. Sahalie and Koosah Falls will also be great places to visit this week, especially since some of the wild flowers are starting to bloom.

If you get the chance to hike up Spencer Butte on a clear day this week the cascades should be at least partially covered in snow as far as the eye can see. Remember, EugeneOutdoors.com is your place to find the best outdoor adventures in Eugene, Springfield, Lane County, and all of Oregon!

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)

Overview: Tamolitch Pool is the basin of Tamolitch Falls, once a natural waterfall on the McKenzie River that has since been diverted by EWEB, buried by lava flows, and is now a “dry” waterfall. What remains is a large, breathtaking pool of spring-fed water that shades from deep purple to turquoise.

The Trailhead: The trail to Tamolitch Pool 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: Trailbridge Reservoir, Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls

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

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Overview: Located on Highway 242 about 15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon, the Matthieu Lakes trail takes you through a pine forest bordering lava beds up to two small, idyllic lakes, with spectacular views of the North and Middle Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood along the way.

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

It took a while, but we were finally able to find the time to build a completely new outdoor adventure site! With the new EugeneOutdoors.com you be able to easily find fun, exciting outdoor adventures in Eugene, Oregon for any time and any season!

In the coming weeks we’ll be posting tons of new outdoor adventures that are perfect for the spring and summer months. If you want to post or recommend some of your favorite adventures feel free to drop us a line on our Contact Page. You’ll receive credit on any Eugene or Oregon outdoor adventure you decide to submit and we might even be running some contests in the future!

We hope you enjoy the new design of EugeneOutdoors.com!

Overview:

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, Clear Lake

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

Overview: Willamette Pass is a medium sized ski resort located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 58.

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

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).

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