Urban Hiking in Downtown Portland - November 23, 2014

Portland, Oregon

 8 Miles

Wow, what a rainy day this was.  We were soaked even by the time we reached the Hawthorne Bridge.  

The bridge was going up just as we reached the east side so we waited under the cover of the freeway above us until the bridge started to lower.  

We had a wonderful break near the end with hot tea at Starbucks and relaxed for a bit before heading back out into the pouring rain to finish hiking to the car.  Even a day of hiking in the rain is wonderful though.  We managed to do a little over 8 miles.

Lower Salmonberry River - November 3, 2014

Lower Salmonberry  River Hike

10 Miles

This trail is located along the Lower Nehalem River about 50 miles west of Portland off highway 26.  

Hikng along the rails does provide a challenge.  Fall hiking was beautiful in this area with all of the colors and the beautiful river alongside most of the trail.  

There are a couple of spots where erosion and storm damage has caused the rails to be unstable and so you do leave the main trail for a bit but it is easy to follow.  A couple of river crossings also provided a little challenge but others have placed logs and rocks so that you can cross without getting too wet.  I do recommend waterproof boots though.  

All in all this was a beautiful but semi satisfying hike.  I think you could probably hike further than the water tower and see more of the river but we got a late start and didn't want to run out of daylight so we turned around at the water tower after Doug's climb up into it to see what was inside - just branches and leaves.

Low Divide Creek, October 19, 2014

Low Divide Creek

4.2 Miles

This hike kicked my butt.  It is listed as a "moderate" and "family friendly" hike.  That is a lie.  This is two miles straight down and two miles straight back up.  It does a little lollipop loop at the end through Gales Creek Campground.  There were lots of mushroom hunters out and we did see a family with some small children, one whining to be carried.  They didn't make it very far on the trail.  

This is a hike that I am glad I finished and I felt great afterwards but I won't choose to do it again.

The Tillmook National Forest is beautiful though and there are many other hikes where you can experience it.

Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls - October 13, 2014

Eagle Creek To Tunnel Falls

12 Miles

I hadn't done this hike since around 1996, back when I was an athlete and had done it a couple of times.  It hasn't changed much except that they have put in more cables to hold on to when walking along the slippery cliffs.  I was happy about that because although I remembered this hike fondly, that was the thing that kept me from wanting to do it again.  

This is the hike you will hear mentioned on the news when people or dogs fall off the trail.  It is quite steep so you need to pay attention and I would not recommend it in rainy weather.

It is beautiful though.  We didn't make it all the way to Tunnel Falls this time because we were running out of time and were a little anxious about getting off the trail before dark.  We were so very close though.  Next time we will start earlier so that we can make it all the way.  Even though, there are some beautiful water falls and sights along the way and the fall colors were gorgeous.

Indian Beach - October 27, 2014

Clatsop Loop Hike
Tillamook Head Traverse Hike
8 Miles

This hike starts out going up for about a mile on a narrow gravel road.  Traveling through trees and woods it is not super scenic.  At the top you will find Hiker's Camp, old structures where hikers can stay overnight, there are restrooms there and it looks like it would be a fun place for a group to spend a couple of nights.

After the viewpoint and the Tillamook Head Lighthouse we decided to continue on to the Seaside 

Trailhead.  

This trail was beautiful, with occassional views of the ocean, winding our way through a mossy forest.  There were several muddy bog areas so I was really glad I had good boots for this hike.  We didn't make it all the way to the end of this trail.  Since the Chihuahuas had hiked 10 miles the day before and we were at 8 miles already, we decided to turn around.  This is a hike we will definitely do again and all the way to the end.

Nehalem Spit Loop - October 26, 1014

Nahelem Spit Loop - Plus
10 miles

We started out to complete this hike and then turned around on the beach, walked north a bit and then hopped on the road that goes down the middle of the spit.  The road was fairly boring.  A few deer tracks crossing back and forth and some mud puddles that Pinto wasn't too happy about.

Once we reached the jetty though it was absolutely worth it. 

 Beautiful waves crashing up on the rocks and that is where we sat to have our snack and take a little break.  Then we scrambled over the huge piles of driftwood that have been deposited there.  Then back to the beach and to our original starting point.  The Chihuahuas loved this hike but they do love the beach.  Cocoa wasn't excited about the crashing waves at the jetty and she hid under Doug's jacket while we took our break.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park - September 29, 2014

Hollie's Point of View and Bumping Knots Loop

7 Miles

We wanted a hike close to home and one that we could take the dogs on so we chose Stub Stewart State Park because we had heard of the many trails there and wanted to check them out.

The weather was cloudy and raining and someone didn't want to go.

Once there though he was ready to hike, even with the threat of rain.

The trail starts out on this paved portion and then becomes dirt and with the rain it was a muddy mess.  You do need to watch out for horses and bikes because this is a multi-use trail.  Along with the horses comes the piles of horse manure.  The trails are obviously used by many horses so watch where you step.  

Once the rain started the hike became not so fun.  We finished and had hopes of views of some sort as their were viewpoints noted on the map.  We must have missed them because we saw nothing but mud.  This is not a trail I would recommend on foot.  I think it is best suited for mountain biking.  There is a nice information center with helpful volunteers and probably great for city kids to learn about wildlife and the forest.

Silver Falls State Park 10 Fall Loop - September 28, 2014

Trail of Ten Falls Loop Hike

8.7 Miles

This is an amazing hike that is a must see for everyone.  You can do smaller hikes to some of the more popular waterfalls but it is worth it to complete the ten falls loop.  The hike is moderate and has a few hills.  I had done the majority of this loop about 17 years ago but we weren't able to complete the loop because one of the bridges was out and we had to back track making it a much longer hike.  This time  we were able to hike the entire loop.

The trails is nice and soft for the most part.  There are a few areas with roots and a couple of switchbacks, making the climbing a bit easier.

You get to walk behind two of the falls.  It is a great experience to hear the rushing water above you and stand behind the waterfall, gives a great perspective.

There are also beautiful pools of water along the way.

Cape Lookout State Park - September 22, 2014

Cape Lookout State Park

5.2 Miles

We started our day with a little putt putt golf.  Doug continues to be the riegning champion in our ongoing putt putt golf challenge.  That won't last for long though.

After the golf game we headed out to Cape Lookout State Park.  This is a moderate hike with some great viewpoints. 

There are lots of roots and obstacles along this hike.  Keep an eye on your footing.

Yes, that is a 400 foot cliff, right there beside the trail. 

I had to keep telling myself to just focus on the trail and not look down.  Really, you are hiking right along the edge of this cliff for awhile.

I was very happy to see this bench at the end.

Then this view . . . . . amazing!  The day was perfect.  

That is Doug, picking up rocks at the top of the lookout.

We ended our day with a delicious shrimp louie at Kyllo's in Lincoln City and then the drive home.