The Lower Lewis River is a good early season option when there’s still snow at higher elevations. Highlights include old-growth forest, uncrowded trails, and of course, the Lewis River.
A popular hike in the spring when wildflowers are blooming, the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail has big views of the Columbia River, with balsamroot and lupines covering the slopes.
One of my favorite spring destinations, Smith Rock’s high desert area is a great location to kickoff camping and backpacking for the year.
This short hike to the Dry Creek waterfall starts in Cascade Locks on the Pacific Crest Trail heading south.
This shuttle hike on the Wilson River Trail begins at the Jones Creek trailhead and ends at the Kings Mountain trailhead. Along the way, travel through dense forest filled with moss and ferns. Highlights including Lester Creek Falls and views of the Coast Range mountains.
Located in the Oregon Coast Range, the Wilson River Trail runs for about 24 miles with multiple trailheads located just off Highway 6. This is part one of our plan to hike the entire length of the trail in sections.
This was my second time camping at Sunset Bay in the winter. Located near Coos Bay, this campground provides easy access to trails with many scenic viewpoints – perfect for a trip focused on photography.
My first hike of the year was to visit an old favorite, Triple Falls. I hadn’t been here since 2016, before the devastating wildfires in September 2017. And I’d never seen it with snow and ice.
Stunning Falls Creek Falls is the highlight of this loop hike that combines an easy hike alongside a mossy creek in old-growth forest with an upper ridge trail and canyon views.
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