wanderingyuncks

Triple C & Step Creek Loops – 10/17/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date October 20, 2026
No Comments on Triple C & Step Creek Loops – 10/17/2026

It had been a while since we had checked off a hike in one of Matt Reeder’s guidebooks. While it hasn’t been a main goal of ours in the same way as it was for Sullivan’s guidebooks (post) we’ve been tracking our progress with several others. Prior to my medical issues this year we had plans to finish two of Reeder’s books, “PDX Hiking 365” (2 remaining) and “Off the Beaten Trail” (1 left), as well as a couple of the five remaining hikes from “101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region”. Some of the hikes in that last book are still closed due to fires in 2020, but hopefully the last couple will reopen soon. In the meantime, he is working on a second edition which is exciting.

One of the two remaining hikes in “PDX Hiking 365” was the Triple C Loop in the Tillamook State Forest. The trail is named in honor of the Civilian Conservation Corps who worked on forest recovery after the 1933 Tillamook Burn. The hike begins at Reehers Camp where from 1934 to 1941 men from the CCC were stationed.

We parked at the Reehers Camp Trailhead

The Triple C Loop is just 2.8-miles making it a little too short to warrant the drive from Salem however the Gales Creek Trail (post) shares a portion of the Triple C Loop and offers longer options, one of which being the Step Creek Loop.

We took Reeder’s advice to hike the Triple C Loop counterclockwise and from the trailhead parking lot crossed NW Cochran Road and picked up the trail on the far side.

The trail makes its way around a knoll passing through a nice forest before a second road crossing and descending to the Nehalem River.

Trail from the campground joining from the right.

Squirrel!

Mushrooms were plentiful along the trails.

Crossing NW Wheeler Road.

First view of the Nehalem River. We have not had much rain yet this Fall so the water level was low.

A little under 2-miles into the loop the trail crossed NW Cochran Road again.

Here we left the Triple C Loop and turned right on the road to cross the river and continue on the Gales Creek Trail.

The Gales Creek Trail resumed on the left (south) side of the road just beyond the bridge.

Vine maple along the Gales Creek Trail.

The trail skirted a clear cut and gradually climbed to a crossing of the old Tillamook Bay Railroad.

The trail continued its gradual climb for 0.2 miles to a signed junction marking the start of the Step Creek Trail.

We forked left onto the Step Creek Trail and in another 0.2-miles arrived at the start of the Step Creek Loop.

The first of two road crossings.

The second road crossing.

The start of the Step Creek Loop. We decided to also hike this loop counterclockwise, so we forked right.

This loop is 3.1-miles around consisting of gradual ups and downs. Near the 2-mile mark the trail approaches Step Creek. The trail then parallels for approximately half a mile however the creek remained mostly hidden.

Step Creek was off to the right flowing beneath the brush.

Self heal

Approaching the signpost for the Step Creek Loop.

After completing this loop we headed back to the Gales Creek Trail and returned to the Nehalem River crossing. On the far side of the bridge we turned right at a trail sign to complete the Triple C Loop.

It was a little over half a mile back to the Reehers Camp Trailhead. This section of the loop offered views of the Nehalem River and several spur trails that provided access to the water.

I took one of the spur trails down to the river to check it out.

I didn’t know this until it flew off a moment later but there was a raptor in the trees on the opposite bank.

There had been a brief shower earlier, but we also got some blue sky.

Foam flower

The outhouse at the trailhead in view.

The hike came in at 7.6-miles with approximately 1000′ of elevation gain.

This was a good fall hike that would also be nice in winter. A longer hike is also possible by continuing further on the Gales Creek Trail. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Triple C and Step Creek Loops

Tags Civilian Conservation Corps, Gales Creek Trail, hiking, Nehalem River, Oregon, Reehers Camp, Reehers Camp Trailhead, Step Creek, Step Creek Loop, Step Creek Trail, Triple C Loop

Hiking Oregon Portland Willamette Valley

Fernhill Wetlands – 10/12/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date October 16, 2026
1 Comment on Fernhill Wetlands – 10/12/2026

After a successful test of my Achillies and hip on Saturday morning I decided to take advantage of the Monday holiday and give them another easy workout. I’d been seeing quite a few pictures of American bitterns coming from Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove, so I decided to make the 50-minute drive north to see if I could spot one myself.

When I arrived at the parking lot at 7:15am there was only one car, and a bit of fog.

Given the foggy conditions I decided that I would start the morning by hiking the 1.4-mile Dabblers Marsh Loop which loops around some fields to allow the fog some time to burn off. From the lot I headed left on the dirt path along Fernhill Marsh.

The first thing I spotted was a hawk (I believe a Cooper’s hawk).

Next up was a rabbit.

After passing the rabbit I detoured on a short path that led to a view of a part the marsh.

I did not notice the bittern in the foreground near the water at first. Instead, I spotted one to the right across the water.

The first bittern I noticed.

While I was watching the one I’d seen a second bittern flew in and landed to the right of the first.

The second bitter I saw which was actually bittern #3.

I finally noticed the third (first) bittern as I was sending a video to my family.

After watching the bitterns for a while I continued on, stopping at another small opening where I saw several birds in the water.

It was too foggy to get any good shots of the ducks, but then I spotted yet another bittern just to my left next to a log.

Continuing on I passed between Fernhill Lake and the Water Gardens where ducks, geese, and great blue herons were out in numbers.

Fernhill lake on the right.

Looking toward the Water Gardens.

Pied-billed grebe

American coot

Great blue heron in the Water Garden.

Cackling goose

Another great blue heron

Barn swallows

The fog was pretty heavy over Fernhill Lake so I turned left onto the Dabblers Marsh Trail when I reached that junction.

I didn’t expect to see much on this loop, but I did see a rabbit, a couple of squirrels and several birds.

Looping around the field.

Red-tailed hawk

This section at the far end of the loop is always good for at least a couple birds.

Northern flicker

Scrub jay

A crew was doing some work on part of the road/loop around the field, so I used the Return Prairie Path for the first time.

My plan had somewhat worked as there was less fog over the lake when I got back. I could now see several egrets, ducks, geese and a great blue heron on the far bank.

Egret coming in for a landing with two others and a great blue heron on the right.

I made my way around the lake to the gazebo overlooking the Barney Wetlands where there was quite a bit of activity.

Song sparrow

Barney Wetlands

Fernhill Lake from the gazebo.

Long-billed dowitcher

Starling and a bald eagle

A couple of ducks in the weltands.

American goldfinch

I continued on from the gazebo by passing between Cattail Marsh and Fernhill Lake then visiting Eagle Marsh and looping back around Cattail Marsh before heading back to the parking area. It seemed like birds were everywhere I looked. Here are some of the different types I spotted.

A couple of egrets and geese.

Mallards and a heron.

Red-winged blackbird

Another egret

A few ducks.

Gold-crowned sparrow

Cormorant

Gadwal

Northern shoveler doing duck yoga.

Killdeer

Green-winged teals

Cedar waxwing

Finch

Northern pintails

Duck variety pack.

Gadwals

American coots

Northern shoveler

American wigeon

Another bittern

Geese

Northern pintail

Bald eagle

The invasive nutria

Wilson’s snipe patrolling the shore.

The cinnamon teal drake in between the other two was not cooperative when it came to getting a decent picutre.

Black phoebe

Spotted towhee

Bittern heading into the grasses.

Great blue heron

When I got back to the parking area, I decided to take a loop around the Water Gardens before leaving so I followed the paved path over to them and wandered around before looping back.

Junco

Heron on top of the piling.

Robin

Mallards

A talkative pied-billed grebe.

Barn swallow

Chestnut-backed chickadee

I wound up covering 5.6-miles on my wanderings and had no issues with the foot or hip.

All in all, a very successful outing. I had hoped to see a bittern and I saw at least four different birds for sure and up to 6 depending on if either of the latter two were ones I’d seen earlier in the morning. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Fernhill Wetlands

Tags American Bittern, birds, Black Phoebe, Cattail Marsh, Dabblers Marsh, Eagle Marsh, Fernhill Lake, Fernhill marsh, Fernhill Wetlands, hiking, Northern Pintail, Oregon

Hiking Oregon Salem/Albany Willamette Valley

Willamette Mission State Park – 10/10/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date October 13, 2026
No Comments on Willamette Mission State Park – 10/10/2026

It had been a couple weeks since I’d been able to get out and attempt a hike due to issues with my right hip just as my left Achillies was feeling better. In those two weeks I had visits to massage therapy, physical therapy where I got some new stretches/exercises, and low back x-rays (which came back normal). My discomfort level was finally at a point that I was ready to give an easy short hike a try.

We chose Willamette Mission State Park because it offered loop options of various distances and is only 13 driving miles from home. We parked near the restrooms at the Filbert Grove Day Use Area and planned on hiking a mix of the equestrian loops and paved biking trails.

From the parking lot we picked up the paved bike path and followed it back along the entrance road.

Dark-eyed junco

Common toadflax (invasive)

We stuck to the pave path following it into the woods.

We turned left when we came to a “T” junction and soon emerged from the woods.

Northern flicker

Robin

We veered left on the dirt equestrian path that led us down into a high-water channel near the Windsor Island Slough.

The high-water channel. This area floods in winter and remains so through most if not all of spring.

After crossing the channel, the trail briefly passes along the Windsor Island Slough where we spotted a belted kingfisher, a great blue heron, and several ducks.

Mallards

We continued on the equestrian trail staying straight when we passed the South Hill Trail on our left and then staying left when the trail split at the start of the South Loop.

Sparrow

The start of the South Loop. Last year I had taken the right here and returned via the South Hill Trail (post) so this section of the South Loop would be new to both Heather and I.

The trail quickly arrived at a large field where the South Loop turned left.

There was no discernable trail for this section of the loop.

We looped around the field for 0.9-miles before arriving at the South Hill Trail junction. There were lots of birds and a few squirrels in the trees along the field.

One of many robins.

Steller’s jays were also abundant.

Squirrel

At the South Hill Trail junction I reassessed how my hip and heel were feeling to see if we needed to cut the hike short and head back or if we could continue around the field on the South Loop. Everything was feeling good so we continued on the South Loop and detoured on a short wide path down to Goose Lake.

Wood duck

At the far end of the field the loop arrives at a hazelnut orchard and turns left next to a gravel road.

Whie Crowned sparrow

Primrose

We turned right onto a dirt road following pointers for the loop and soon found ourselves back in the woods.

Hazelnuts on the ground.

The loop soon entered more open lowlands where more birds were spotted (but few were photographed).

Golden-crowned sparrow

We completed the loop and returned to Windsor Island Slough where the number of herons had multiplied.

Great blue heron #1

Great blue herons #2 & 3

The GBHs were joined by a great egret who was perched at the mouth of the slough.

We recrossed the high-water channel and stayed straight on the equestrian trail and followed it along the Willamette River then crossed the paved bike path.

American kestral

Bald eagle

We had not gone unnoticed.

Another northern flicker.

There were dozens of cedar waxwings in the trees along the river.

The equestrian trail crossing the paved path.

We forked left when the equestrian trails split and followed this section of trail to the equestrian trailhead near the Filbert Grove Day Use Area.

Ground squirrel near the day use area.

Fall has arrived at the Filbert Grove Day Use Area.

This was a 6.5-mile hike with minimal elevation gain.

We saw a lot of wildlife and heard even more which made an enjoyable hike. My heel held up really well and my right hip did too. My low back did start to tighten up just a bit in the last third of a mile or so, but after getting home and doing some stretching that felt better too. There’s still definitely something not right and I have more appointments later this month, but it was encouraging to be able to get out again and enjoy nature. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Willamette Mission State Park

Tags Bald Eagle, birds, cedar waxwing, Equestrian trails, Filbert Grove Day Use Area, hiking, Oregon, South Hill Trail, South Loop, Willamette mission State Park, willamette river, Windsor Island Slough

Hiking Oregon Salem/Albany Trip report Willamette Valley

Otters at Last: Minto-Brown 9/26/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date September 30, 2026
1 Comment on Otters at Last: Minto-Brown 9/26/2026

We had plans to head to Eugene in the afternoon to celebrate our son’s birthday with my parents. My heel was feeling well enough to attempt another short hike prior to meeting up with them, but then I woke up with a stiff right hip making it hard to even walk. We had planned on a short walk at Minto-Brown Island Park to once again try and spot an otter. After my morning PT routine and a round of anti-inflammatory medication, the hip had loosened up enough that walking actually felt better than any sedentary position.

We decided to give Minto-Brown a try and headed out a little before 8:30am to make the 15-minute drive to Parking Lot 4 on Homestead Road.

We checked the slough near the parking area for wildlife and spotted a pair of pied billed grebes.

Pied billed grebe in the fog.

After checking this section of slough we headed out to Homestead Road (which becomes Faragate St S) and followed it along the slough to a gated road where we turned right to cross the slough.

Brown creeper

We spotted this Great Blue Heron from the bridge over the slough. We had also heard some loud splashing in the water and Heather and seen a dark shape in the slough but couldn’t make out what it was.

After crossing the bridge we turned right on the Blue Heron Loop to visit the slough where several otter photos we’d seen had been taken and where I’d seen the Green Heron on my previous visit (post). We checked a number of viewpoints and spotted a lot of wildlife but once again no otters.

Hawk as the fog was burning off.

Great blue heron

Closer look at the GBH.

Wood duck

Mallards and American wigeons

Great egret

Closer look at the egret.

We watched it for several minutes as it moved around in the algae, occasionally sucking in some of the water and expelling it. I had to post a photo and video to the Friends of Minto-Brown Facebook group to figure out this was almost certainly a carp.

Killdeer

Greater yellowlegs

Sandpiper on the far side of the slough.

After striking out on otters here we detoured on the spur trail I’d taken during my previous visit to the backside of Oxbow Slough.

There wasn’t much happening here other than some wood ducks in the distance, but a photographer we’d seen a couple of times already was here and he let us know that there were often otters in the slough next to the bridge we’d heard the splashing from.

With this new information in hand we continued on the Blue Heron Loop and made our way back to the bridge.

Field along the Blue Heron Loop.

Spotted towhee

When we got back to the bridge we scanned the slough where we’d seen the heron earlier but still no otters. At this point we decided to try walking up Faragate St. along the slough to see if there were any other viewpoints of the water. There was really only one obscured view, but just as we were about to turn around a red-tailed hawk landed in a tree above the road.

The hawk was a nice consolation prize, and we headed back toward Lot 4. However, as we were passing an obscured view of the slough I spotted three otters!

They spotted us too and swam off. We went back to the bridge for one last look and this time the otters were visible. There were at least four and possibly a fifth. Two of them were having what I decided was second breakfast.

We could have stayed and watched the otters for a long time, but my hip started hurting again while we were on the bridge, so we tore ourselves away. The good news is my heel felt much better during this 3.1-mile walk and the hip eventually loosened up again allowing me to enjoy the birthday celebration. Happy Trails!

Dotted line is today’s route.

Flickr: Minto-Brown (Otters)

Tags blue heron loop, Blue Heron Trail. Great Egret, hiking, minto-brown island park, Oregon, otter, Parking Lot 4, red tailed hawk, Salem

Hiking Oregon Salem/Albany Willamette Valley

Minto-Brown: In Search of Otters – 09/21/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date September 23, 2026
4 Comments on Minto-Brown: In Search of Otters – 09/21/2026

It’s been a bit since our last post which is unfortunately due to a new (old) issue that I am now dealing with. While my PT has been seemingly progressing on my back, hip and left leg, my left heel suddenly decided to start giving me issues near the end of our hike to Bobby Lake (post) in August. The peroneal tendon, which I had an issue with back in 2017 (post). My heel stiffened up after that hike then improved through the week only to repeat the cycle over the next two weeks.

Following my outing to Minto-Brown Island Park on Labor Day (post) it flared up enough that I could not walk without a limp so I took some time off and worked on some exercises I was given at PT the day after that hike. While I took a couple of weeks off Heather was on her own and she made the most of it by heading out to Silver Falls State Park on 9/12 and to Duffy Lake on 9/19. I haven’t been able to convince her to write up her trips, and she takes about 1/100 of the photos I do but here are a few notable items from those trips.

Silver Falls 9/12 – She followed our 2025 route from the South Falls Parking Area (post) which was similar to a shorter loop she’d done without me back in March when my left leg issue kept me sidelined. In March she’d had to cut the loop short due to winter storm damage along the Rim Trail and returned via the Winter Falls Trail. This time around the Rim Trail was open but the Winter Falls Trail was closed due to a slide hazard.

South Falls in Sept.

South Falls in March.

Lower South Falls in Sept.

Lower South Falls in March.

Lower North Falls in Sept.

Lower North Falls in March.

Middle North Falls in Sept.

Middle North Falls in March.

North Falls (inaccessible in March)

Upper North Falls (inaccessible in March)

Repairs along the Rim Trail.

Storm damage

Looking down toward the Winter Falls Trail and the landslide.

Duffy Lake 9/19: Heather visited Duffy Lake then headed to Santiam Lake for a 10.8-mile out-and-back.

This was a shortened version of a hike we did in 2010 (post).

Vine maple in the colors of Autumn.

Duffy Butte from Duffy Lake

Three Fingered Jack from Santiam Lake.

California tortoiseshell joining her for a break at Santiam Lake.

Santiam Lake

It took until Thursday 9/18 before I wasn’t limping and a couple more days before I wasn’t feeling any discomfort on the outside of that heel. After a couple of days free from discomfort, I decided to try a short walk between an oil change and a PT appointment I’d scheduled on the first day of a staycation. After the oil change, I headed back to Minto-Brown hoping once again to find the otters that others have been sharing photos of. I parked in Lot 3 which is at the end of the park entrance road and headed left on the paved trail along Oxbow Slough then crossed the slough on a footbridge following pointers for the Blue Heron Trail. I forked right onto a dirt path when the Blue Heron Trail split.

Recent photos online had confirmed that otters had been spotted in the algae filled slough that some maps label the “Green Heron Slough” and this portion of the Blue Heron Trail offers a number of views of that slough. Before reaching those viewpoints though I turned left on a well-established but unsigned trail that appeared to lead into a meadow.

The path ended after a little less than 100 yards at Oxbow Slough.

There wasn’t a lot happening here outside of a log lined with wood ducks.

I headed back to the Blue Heron Trail and started checking out the various viewpoints in search of the otters. The first viewpoint produced nothing while the second provided various ducks, a belted kingfisher, a great blue heron, and a lone turtle.

American wigeons and mallards.

Turtle on a log amid the ducks.

I continued on and after a couple more viewpoints and crossing a dry creek bed spotted another blue heron, a greater yellowlegs, and a turkey vulture from yet another viewpoint.

Turkey vulture

Great blue heron

Geater yellowlegs

American wigeon

Another angle of the turtle.

More wood ducks.

Still no otters and I was running out of slough. I continued on hoping to get a little better view of the wood ducks at the next viewpiont.

Moments after taking this picture something took off from the log that was just out of frame at the bottom of the photo. I instantly recognized it as a green heron, a bird that we had yet to see in person.

The green heron flying away.

I thought I’d missed my chance, but it landed in a snag not far back up the slough. I tried getting a photo, but I was looking toward the sun so the lighting was no good.

I slowly made my way back up the trail hoping not to scare the heron off before I was able to put the sun at my back. I wasn’t entirely successful but in a fortunate turn of events it flew back the way it had come and landed on another snag that actually provided me a better view.

The green heron is on the snag in the slough on the left.

I was able to take a good number of photos of the bird and while doing so a great blue heron landing in the middle of the slough.

No otters but seeing my first green heron was probably more exciting as we have seen otters before. After watching the heron for a good while I continued on leaving the slough behind but not the wildlife.

Downy woodpecker

Northern flicker

Rabbit

I turned right when I reached a paved path sticking briefly to the Blue Heron Trail. I stayed on pavement when the Blue Heron Trail turned left. While seeing the green heron was exciting what wasn’t exciting was that I was starting to feel a little pain on the outside of my left heel again. I took a look at the park map looking for the shortest path back to the parking lot. I wound up taking a left back onto the Blue Heron Trail when the paved trail curved right then made my way to the Brown Island Landfill where I had been on my previous visit. This time I turned right instead of left on the gravel roadbed then took a right when I reached the signed Orange Turtle Loop.

There weren’t as many small birds near the landfill as there had been on the weekend. I suspect the noise from the nearby heavy machinery had something to do with that.

Juncos

Scrub jay

Spotted towhee

Sparrow

Orange Turtle Loop

I followed Orange Turtle Loop and Shelter Parking Lot #3 pointers back to the parking area.

Trail signs and map near the Willamette River.

Willamette River

The hike wound up being 3.3-miles due to the combination of side trips to viewpoints and backtracking to get photos of the green heron.

The “Green Heron” slough is the water north of my track near the bottom with Oxbow Slough to the south.

I went home showered, had lunch, and changed for my PT appointment where I got another set of exercises to try and help with the heel. As I am typing this up the next day it’s a little sore but hasn’t stiffened up. It’s clear though that I’ll need to be patient with it so the trip reports may be sparse for a while. I do have a couple of ideas for non-trip report posts and maybe a forced hiatus from the trail will bring one or two of those to fruition. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Minto-Brown

Tags blue heron loop, Duffy Lake, great blue heron, Green Heron, hiking, minto-brown island park, orange turtle loop, Oregon, oxbow slough, Salem, Santiam Lake, Silver Falls State Park, turtle

Hiking

Minto-Brown Island Park – 09/07/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date September 10, 2026
1 Comment on Minto-Brown Island Park – 09/07/2026

I headed out on my own on Labor Day as Heather stayed home to be there when the pile of items we’d gathered to be hauled away was picked up by a local junk removal company. I decided to stick close to home and headed back to Minto-Brown Island Park hoping to see some wildlife and hike a couple of sections of trail that I’d missed on my previous visits.

I parked in lot 1 and headed to Willamette Slough just as we’d done on our visit in July (post).

Female wood duck

Black phoebe

Song sparrow

Great blue heron

Belted kingfisher

The water level was low enough that it was just a little muddy getting to the platform.

View from the platform.

After visiting the viewing platform I headed for the Willamette River following pointers for the 5k loop.

Self-heal

Most of the junctions, and all of the major junctions, have maps and/or pointers.

Hardhack

Several formations of geese flew over during the hike.

Thistle

Squirrel dashing across the trail.

I saw at least a dozen rabbits throughout the day.

Looking across the Willamette River at West Salem.

Mallards on the river.

The first new section of trail came when I veered right onto a dirt trail where the paved path turned away from the river.

This section of trail is often flooded by water draining Oxbow Slough into the Willamette.

I took a spur trail which brought me to a view of the slough.

Mallard and a greater yellowlegs.

Mallards in the foreground with a pair of wood ducks behind.

Wood duck drake

I continued past the slough to a signed junction where I turned left on the Orange Turtle Loop after a quick detour down to the bank of the Willamette River.

The Orange Turtle Loop. I had been on this section of trail during a visit in April 2023 (post).

More signs that Fall is on the way.

The trail splits at the edge of a field with the Orange Turtle Loop turning right.

Today I turned left on a connector trail that was another section of trail that I hadn’t been on before.

After a third of a mile I came to another junction where I turned left back onto a trail I’d hiked before.

Just over 100 yards later I came to a paved trail where I turned right following pointers for Homestead Road.

I stayed on the paved path for 0.2-miles then turned left at an unsigned junction just before reaching another section of slough.

This short section of trail was also new to me.

After just 125-yards the trail joined the Blue Heron Loop at an unsigned junction where I turned right.

This portion of the Blue Heron Loop offers several short spur trails where views of the slough can be had.

Killdeer

Greater yellowlegs

Snail

I just missed getting a raccoon walking up this log. All I got was its back as it disappeared into the brush.

Wood duck log.

Female wood ducks

Wood duck drakes

There is a fawn and a doe in the center of the photo.

The fawn dashed into the trees, but the doe paused for a photo.

I continued past the slough until the trail joined the paved Purple Rabbit/10k Loop where I turned right to continue on the Blue Heron Loop.

I turned left in 200′ to stick to the Blue Heron Loop.

When the trail emerged at a gravel roadbed I turned left toward the Brown’s Island Demolition Landfill.

This stretch was full of small birds.

Downy woodpecker

Lesser goldfinch

When I arrived at the edge of the landfill I turned left.

White crowned sparrow

House finch and lesser goldfinch

California quail

I followed the gravel road around to the left onto pavement.

I stayed straight on this wide path for 0.4-miles to Homestead Road.

Northern flicker

Nearing Homestead Road.

Stellar’s jay at Homestead Road.

I turned left along the road then veered left to stay on the Purple Rabbit/10k Loop.

I stayed on this paved path across Pettijohn Creek then turned right onto an unsigned dirt trail.

Pettijohn Creek

I followed this trail for a third of a mile to another paved path where I turned left again.

Black-capped chickadee

After just 150′ I left the paved path and turned right onto the Green Deer Loop.

Spotted towhee

Aster

I had attempted this loop in April 2023 but was turned back by flooded trail. That wasn’t a problem in September.

Red-breasted nuthatch

Downy woodpecker

Hummingbird

The Green Deer Loop arriving at the junction with the Purple Rabbit/10k Loop.

I turned right here and had planned to head back to my car via the Yellow Duck Loop.

As I approached the footbridge over Oxbow Slough I ran into a couple that I had passed earlier going in the opposite direction. They mentioned that there were four otters out playing in the slough. I asked where and they referred to the trail that ran along the slough. I assumed they meant the Blue Heron Trail based on where we were at the time so when I got to the footbridge across Oxbow Slough I turned left.

Oxbow Slough

I took the Blue Heron Trail when it left the paved path and passed behind the slough again. I didn’t see any otters and got to thinking that there was probably too much algae in this area for otters. I checked a couple of the viewpoints then turned around and headed back to the footbridge.

Oxbow Slough from the footbridge.

I turned left after crossing the footbridge and then turned right onto the Yellow Duck Loop after a tenth of a mile.

The Yellow Duck Loop goes around the Dog Park. The trail is almost always partially under water and today was no exception.

The off-leash dog park from the Yellow Duck Loop.

I came upon a couple looking at something up in a tree which turned out to be a barred owl.

After watching the owl for a bit I continued on to Willamette Slough where I spotted another blue heron and a northwestern pond turtle.

The flooded section of trail.

The water wasn’t quite ankle deep and I was almost done with the hike so I simply splashed through and finished my loop.

Fishing dock

View from the dock.

I left the Yellow Duck Loop here to cross the park entrance road near Parking Lot 1.

There had only been 2 cars, including mine, when I started the hike.

My loop wound up being just under 10 miles with minimal elevation gain.

Red is today’s track and cyan is from July’s hike.

It’s nice to have a park like this just 15-minutes from home where you can take a short walk or a long hike and either way you’re bound to see some good wildlife. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Minto-Brown Island Park

Tags 10k loop, 5k Loop, blue heron loop, green deer loop, hiking, minto-brown island park, Oregon, oxbow slough, purple rabbit loop, Salem, willamette river, Willamette Slough, Yellow Duck Loop

Diamond Peak Area High Cascades Hiking Oregon Trip report

Yoran Lake – 09/05/2026

September began with some much-needed precipitation including snow at higher elevations. Checking the forecast for a hike to start the Labor Day weekend revealed that the Willamette Pass area was expected to be partly sunny Saturday morning before a chance of showers and thunderstorms developed later in the day. I narrowed it down to two loops, one in the northern end of the Waldo Lake Wilderness the other in the northern end of the Diamond Peak Wilderness. Both loops would have us visiting multiple lakes however the northern end of the Waldo Lake Wilderness has been through two large fires in the past 30 years while the northern end of the Diamond Peak Wilderness has not endured a large fire. There would be more views hiking through the fire scars, but we weren’t sure if the partly sunny forecast meant that the Cascade Peaks would be visible, so we opted for the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

The loop we’d chosen was Midnight and Yoran Lake, a hike we’d done back in 2014 post. We also hiked half of the loop on our longer loop around Diamond Peak (post). For both of those outings we’d parked at the Trapper Creek Trailhead. To mix things up a bit (and cut 1.4-miles from the total distance) we decided to begin the loop from the Pengra Pass Trailhead located near the Pacific Crest Trail.

The next decision to make was which direction to hike the loop in. We chose clockwise for two reasons. The first being that we would be starting out on a short downhill which would allow us to warm up a bit versus starting with a climb. The second reason was that the longest stretch without passing near a lake at almost 4-miles and we prefer getting the less exciting stretches done first. Speaking of less exciting the first 0.2-miles followed a gravel road before reaching the Whitefish Creek Trail.

The Whitefish Creek Trail coming up from the left. The trail briefly followed the road before heading uphill.

The Whitefish Creek Trail leaving the road.

The Whitefish Creek Trail immediately entered the Diamond Peak Wilderness and gradually climbed for 0.7-miles to a junction with the Yoran Lake Trail.

Footbridge over Whitefish Creek. There was a very small amount of water flowing down the creek.

The Yoran Lake Trail junction.

We turned right onto the Yoran Lake Trail and climbed steadily for 2.8-miles to the first (unnamed) lake.

The Yoran Lake Trail was well maintained with no trees down across the trail.

Coral fungus

Blue sky above.

Despite the recent precipitation the creek beds were mostly dry.

The snowy top of Diamond Peak was visible over the trees.

Diamond Peak with fresh snow.

The unnamed lake.

We continued past the unnamed lake and in just over a mile came to a familiar unsigned junction next to a dry creekbed.

The trail crosses the dry creek bed a half mile from the unnamed lake.

The unsigned junction.

The trail to the right was a user created trail until 2019 when the Forest Service officially decided to connect the Pacific Crest Trail near Lils Lake with the Yoran Lake Trail. Before continuing on the Yoran Lake Trail we veered left and climbed steeply up the hillside to Karen Lake.

We’d camped at this lake on the final night of our loop around the mountain. We took a break along the lake shore near where we’d camped before and waited to see if Diamond Peak, which was now partly shrouded by a cloud, would make a full appearance.

We spent half an hour at the lake watching the clouds tease a reveal only to have more arrive.

So close.

After 30-minutes we were starting to get cold from not moving around so we continued on our loop hoping that maybe things would clear up when we reached Yoran Lake which was less than a quarter mile away.

The trail forks near Yoran Lake. The lefthand fork leads to some campsites while the righthand fork is the official trail. We went right and soon had a view across the lake to Diamond Peak.

Mount Yoran behind the trees to the left.

The trail climbs above the lake on a rocky shelf where we again stopped to give the clouds some time to move on. It took about 15-minutes for that to happen, and we finally had a view of the full mountain.

Mount Yoran was not dealing with clouds.

Finally, a full view.

After getting the view we’d been hoping for we continued on. The trail passed several more viewpoints above Yoran Lake before passing through the forest and arriving at Lils Lake.

Island in Yoran Lake.

Pond between Yoran Lake and Lils Lake.

Lils Lake

We followed the trail past Lils Lake to its end at the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Signpost at the junction.

We turned right onto the PCT and started a stretch of trail that passed a number of named and unnamed bodies of water.

Diamond Peak and Lils Lake from the PCT.

The PCT passing a pond.

Maiden Peak (post) beyond the trees.

Another small pond.

The first named lake was Hidden Lake which was just off a spur trail to the right, 0.6-miles from the PCT junction.

Hidden Lake

After visiting Hidden Lake we continued on the PCT passed several more unnamed bodies of water before arriving at Arrowhead Lake a mile from Hidden Lake.

Unnamed lake

One of several ponds.

Stellar’s jay

Junction with the Deer Creek Trail.

Arrowhead Lake

Buffleheads on Arrowhead Lake.

From Arrowhead Lake it was 1.4 more downhill miles to a signed spur trail for Midnight Lake, the last of the named lakes.

Foamflower, one of the few blooming flowers remaining.

Midnight Lake sign on the spur trail.

Midnight Lake

After a short break at Midnight Lake we continued our loop. It was 0.2-miles from the lake to a junction with the Midnight Lake Trail and then another 0.9-miles to the Pengra Pass Trailhead.

The Midnight Lake Trail on the left.

Another unnamed lake at the trail junction.

I was just a bit too slow to get a picture of this belted kingfisher before it took flight.

Rhododendron along the PCT.

Ski runs at the Willmaette Pass Ski Are on the far hillside.

Fuji Mountain (post)

Leaving the wilderness area near Pengra Pass.

Wilderness permit kiosk at Pengra Pass.

The trail dropping down to the trailhead.

This loop came in at 10.8-miles with approximately 1300′ of elevation gain.

This is a nice loop with a variety of lakes and few good mountain views (when the clouds cooperate). We were a little surprised to have only run into 9 other hikers all day. The trails were also in excellent shape with only a couple of small logs to step over. The fresh snow on Diamond Peak was a nice bonus and a good reminder that Fall is on the way. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Yoran and Midnight Lakes

Tags Arrowhead lake, cascade mountains, Diamond Peak, Diamond Peak Wilderness, hidden lake, hiking, Karen Lake, Lils Lake, Midnight Lake, Mount Yoran, Oregon, Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, Whitefish Creek Trail, Yoran Lake, Yoran Lake Trail

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Washington Area Oregon Three Sisters Area Trip report

Black Crater – 08/29/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date September 1, 2026
No Comments on Black Crater – 08/29/2026

When we were working on our goal of hiking William L. Sullivan’s featured hikes (post) we had a few outings where we didn’t get a view from a viewpoint or summit due to the weather. Now that we’ve completed that goal we are revisiting some of those hikes in an attempt to get those views. One such hike was a 2016 outing to Black Crater in the Three Sisters Wilderness. We had tried several times in the past couple of months to re-hike this trail but either smoke from wildfires or possibly thunderstorms had stymied us. A mostly sunny forecast coupled with a high of just 49 degrees (Fahrenheit) meant it was finally time for a second visit.

Before tackling the climb up Black Crater we thought it would be a good idea to warm up with a short hike at nearby Dee Wright Observatory and the Lava River Trail.

While the plan was to “warm up” it was anything but warm as the cool morning air combined with a stiff breeze. We took advantage of the restrooms then visited the observatory where on a clearer day we would have had views of numerous Cascade peaks. Today however, despite the presence of some blue sky, nearly all of the peaks were hidden.

Black Crater, which is straight ahead, was one of the peaks covered by a cloud. We hoped that the mostly sunny forecast was still in the cards.

Mt. Jefferson through a break in the clouds.

Interpretive signs near the observatory.

Black Butte (post) to the right with Green Ridge (post) behind it.

Viewing holes are located around the observatory to help identify the peaks.

There is also a mountain finder atop the observatory.

List of what we could have been looking at.

After visiting the observatory, we walked to the east where the interpretive Lava River Trail leads into the Yapoah lava flow.

While we had visited the observatory before this was our first time hiking this short loop. The interpretive signs were very informative which more than made up for the lack of mountain views.

Little Belknap Crater (post).

Mt. Jefferson making another brief appearance.

There was no chance of spotting the Three Sisters.

Black Crater was still looking awfully cloudy.

The Dee Wright Observatory on the left.

As we concluded the hike it looked like the clouds might be breaking up over Black Crater.

After a rather chilly warm up hike we drove to the Black Crater Trailhead.

On top of not getting a view from the summit on that visit the 2017 lightning caused Milli Fire burned over the majority of the trail.
Forest at the trailhead before the Milli Fire.

The sign at the trailhead states the summit is 4 miles away however it is really 3.6-miles. Either way the trail gains approximately 2300′.

The trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness a short distance from the trailhead. In fact the wilderness sign is visible from the trailhead and as I was zooming in for a photo I realized there was a doe next to it.

The hike is about as straight forward as one can be. There are no trail junctions, no creek or river crossings, and no faint sections of trail. The climb is steady but rarely feels steep. There are plenty of views due to the Millie Fire but today the clouds were limiting those.

Mt. Washington hidden by a cloud.

Black Butte

Lupine

Cascade aster

Another aster, not sure which one.

Cloud hovering over Little Belknap and Belknap Craters.

The trail is well maintained.

Looking up toward the summit.

Rabbitbrush goldenweed
Junco

Yarrow

Bleeding heart and northwestern rabbit-tabacco

The fire spared the trees closer to the summit.

Beardtongue

One-sided wintergreen

Black Butte managed to stay out of the clouds for most of the morning.

Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Clouds passing by.

Cable for the former fire lookout.

The final stretch to the summit. There was a cloud passing over when I arrived and I wondered if there would be any views.

It was windy at the summit, but I took a seat on the rocks above the former lookout site hoping for the clouds to pass.

View to the NE into Central Oregon.

The summit of North Sister.

Scott Mountain in the center which we climbed a few weeks ago (post).

I had a snack while I waited but the clouds seemed to be getting worse and it was cold in the wind, so I decided to start back down.

Looking toward Broken Top and the North Sister.

Heading down from the summit.

I detoured to the western end of the summit where another rock outcrop sits.

Little Belknap and Belknap Craters beyond the rock outcrop.

It only took a minute or two to reach the other outcrop, but by the time I had the clouds had begun to finally open up.

Broken Top with Mt. Bachelor (post) behind to the right.

The summit from the second outcrop.

The Three Sisters. The summit of Middle Sister is just visible to the right of North Sister.

The west side of the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Collier Cone (post) below the North and Middle Sisters.

The Husband with Yapoah Crater (post) at the lower left of the frame.

I stuck around for a while as the clouds continued passing by, but when I started losing the view again I headed back.

Dwarf alpinegold

The clouds coming in from the right were quite a bit darker than any had been so far.

Alpine mountain buckwheat

Mountain bluebird

Pussypaw

Fireweed and northwestern rabbit-tobacco.

It felt like it could start raining at any moment.

Beetle

Back at the trailhead.

The hike up Black Crater was 7.2-miles and we did about a mile at Dee Wright Observatory. Cumulative elevation gain was close to 2500′.

The two hikes for the day.

While it wasn’t quite a clear as we had hoped the views were vastly better than they had been on our first visit.

Dee Wright Observatory is a must stop if you are driving the McKenzie Highway and the Lava River Trail would be a great place to bring out of state visitors. The Black Crater hike is also a great hike providing a good workout and excellent views when the conditions are right. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Black Crater

Tags Black Crater, Black Crater Trail, Black Crater Trailhead, Dee Wright Observatory, hiking, Lava River Trail, McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Pass, Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness

High Cascades Hiking Oregon Trip report Waldo Lake Area

Bobby Lake – 08/22/2026

Due to the number of wildfires and corresponding smoke this summer we have been waiting until the day or two before a hike to decide where we will be going. A favorable forecast for the Cascade Crest led us back to the mountains. Our destination for the day was Bobby Lake, located two and a quarter miles east of the Waldo Lake Road (Forest Road 5897).

A 4.5-mile hike isn’t quite long enough to warrant a 2:30 drive to the trailhead so I had come up with a loop incorporating several trails in the area including the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which passes within a quarter mile of Bobby Lake.

We’d visited Bobby Lake in 2019 after hiking up The Twins (post). We’d started that hike from the Twin Peak Trailhead. For today’s hike we had planned to start at the Bobby Lake Trailhead however there didn’t appear to be any open spaces so we parked across the road at the Betty Lake Trailhead (Betty Lake 2024 ).

The Bobby Lake Trailhead across Waldo Lake Road from the Betty Lake Trailhead.

Trailhead ambassador (Canada jay).

We crossed the road and picked up the Bobby Lake Trail.

We followed this trail for 0.4-miles to a 4-way junction with the Gold Lake Trail.

Coming up on the junction.

From the 4-way junction loops are possible in either direction. On our previous visit to the lake we’d headed north on the Gold Lake Trail to return to the Twin Peak Trailhead. Today’s loop would be incorporating the southern portion of the Gold Lake Trail. We had decided to save the visit to Bobby Lake for later in the day, so we turned right onto the Gold Lake Trail and followed it downhill 1.7 forested miles to a junction with the Mount Ray Trail.

Aster

Sickletop lousewort

Trail sign ahead on the right for the Mount Ray Trail.

Up to this point the hike had been on new trail for us with the exception of the Bobby Lake/Gold Lake Trail junction. In 2025 I had been to this junction during my Mount Ray/Island Lakes loop (post) so the next 1.7-miles were new only to Heather. This section of the Gold Lake Trail crosses Ray Creek then passes along Gold Lake Bog and Gold Lake before reaching a junction with the Fuji Mountain Trail.

Entering the Gold Lake Bog Natural Research Area.

Ray Creek

Aster

Mushroom

Fireweed

Monkshood

Skunk cabbage

Gold Lake Bog from the trail.

The northern end of Gold Lake through the trees.

The only blooming lupine we spotted.

Bunchberry

The Fuji Mountain Trail junction.

It was 0.2-miles from the Fuji Mountain Trail junction to the end of the Gold Lake Trail at Gold Lake Campground.

We’d been here in 2024 when we visited the Gold Lake Shelter and Marilyn Lakes (post).

We walked up Gold Lake Road (FR 500) for 0.6-miles to the Maiden Peak Trailhead.

Crossing Salt Creek, the outlet of Gold Lake.

Looking toward Gold Lake from the bridge.

Salt Creek

Gold Lake Shelter

Leaving the campground.

The Maiden Peak Trailhead. There was room for a small number of cars on the opposite side of the road.

We turned up the Maiden Peak Trail and followed it uphill a total of 2.4-miles to the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail gained a total of 650′ and was mostly well graded. It did steepen over the last quarter of a mile where it gained 200 of the 650′.

Like most of the trails in this area it passed through a mature forest which limited views.

Fuji Mountain to the left and Mount Ray to the right through the trees.

The Merlin app says Hammond’s flycatcher.

Skyline Creek

Just beyond Skyline Creek we passed a junction with the Skyline Trail.

Signs at the Skyline Trail junction. The area is a popular area for cross-country skiing.

Chipmunk

Canada jay

The Pacific Crest Trail junction.

The PCT junction was another junction that we’d been to before. In 2016 we had come down the Maiden Peak Trail to the junction after summiting Maiden Peak and turned south onto the PCT (post). Today, after a short break to recover from the final steep climb, we turned north. It was 2.3 gradual downhill miles to the Bobby Lake Trail. Again, the trail passed through a lovely forest which provided a peaceful hike but no views to speak of.

This snake was the only other trail user we passed on the PCT.

This may have been the chillest snake we’ve come across. It never moved as we passed around it.

The Bobby Lake Trail junction.

We turned right onto the Bobby Lake Trail and followed it a quarter of a mile to the lake.

There is a large rock outcropping on the lake shore approximately 0.2-miles to the south of where the trail arrives at the lake while the Moore Creek Trail continues east along the northern end of the lake. Our previous visit had been in September, and we’d had the rock outcrop to ourselves. Today there were already several people on the outcrop, so we took the Moore Creek Trail and found a different spot for a break.

Maiden Peak and the rock outcrop from our break spot.

Maiden Peak. The rock outcrops on this peak make it one of the more identifiable peaks in the Cascades.

Damsel fly

After a good break we headed back to the Bobby Lake Trail and followed it 2.25-miles back to the Betty and Bobby Lakes trailheads. The 1.6-mile section between the PCT junction and the Gold Lake Trail junction seemed to be a continuous up and down.

This loop came in at 12.5-miles with approximately 1300′ of elevation gain.

This was an enjoyable loop despite the lack of any big views. It provided quite a bit of solitude and a lot of nice, unburned forest. Bobby Lake was obviously the highlight and is said to be one of the best swimming lakes in the Cascades.

There are no restrooms at either the Betty or Bobby Lake Trailheads, so we made a quick stop at Salt Creek Falls (post) on the way back to Eugene to use the facilities there and to give Heather a chance to see the falls since she wasn’t with me earlier this year when I’d visited.

Happy Trails!

Flickr: Bobby Lake

Tags Bobby Lake, Fuji Mountain Trail, Gold Lake Bog, Gold Lake Shelter, Gold Lake Trail, hiking, Maiden Peak Trail, Mount Ray Trail, Oregon, Pacific Crest Trail, Skyline Creek, Skyline Trail, Trail

Central Coast Hiking Oregon Oregon Coast Trip report

Fogarty Creek State Recreation Site – 08/15/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date August 17, 2026
No Comments on Fogarty Creek State Recreation Site – 08/15/2026

I had a solo outing planned but not a destination. Going into the weekend rain showers and possible thunderstorms were in the forecast for the mountains so I once again turned to the Oregon Coast. No thunderstorms or even precipitation was called for south of Lincoln City and I’d had my eye on a hike from the Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area to the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area.

My planned route was a combination of two entries in the Oregon Hikers Field Guide involving the Fishing Rock overlook. I began my morning by parking at the Fogarty Creek North Trailhead.

I had decided to do this hike in reverse of the field guide description in order to make the crossing of Highway 101 before 6:30am when there would be few cars out. I hiked out the park entrance road to Highway 101 and made my way across.

On the far side of the highway I turned right on the sidewalk had headed north for 120-yards to Fishing Rock Street where I turned left and followed it for a tenth of a mile to the Fishing Rock State Recreation Site.

Small parking area at the recreation site.

I picked up the Oregon Coast Trail next to a signboard and followed it into a dark corridor of trees.

I had to use the flash to get a picture.

Soon after exiting the trees an Oregon Coast Trail pointer showed that trail veering off to the right.

The OCT pointer.

I stayed left and continued out the headland until I could see Fishing Rock, a small rock island just off the headland.

Pigeon guillemots

Fishing Rock just beyond the end of the headland.

I turned around and made my way back to the Oregon Coast Trail and followed it north off the headland and down to Lincoln Beach.

Seaside daisies near the beach.

Once I was on the beach it was 2.25-miles to the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area. It was another foggy morning so visibility was limited, but there were a number of shore birds in the surf.

They weren’t all shore birds.

Seagulls

Sanderlings

Black-bellied plovers

The large group of trees marked the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area.

I headed across the beach up the trail to make use of the facilities here. Back in 2015 we started our Salishan Spit hike here (post).

Aster

One of several rabbits I spotted.

I returned to the beach and headed back toward Fishing Rock. The visibility was still poor, but the tide was nearing the morning low tide which revealed some nice tide pools near the Fishing Rock.

Sand flea

Coming up on the headlands and Fishing Rock.

I followed the Oregon Crest Trail back up to the Fishing Rock Recreation Site and then turned onto gravel Fogarty Avenue.

OCT pointer at the recreation site.

The OCT follows Fogarty Avenue 0.2-miles to Highway 101.

At Highway 101 I followed another OCT pointer along the shoulder for 500′ where it dropped down to Fogarty Creek Beach.

Fireweed

Thistle

I headed north along this beach back toward Fishing Rock.

There were a number of seals on these rocks.

The field guide indicated that you normally can only go a short distance in this direction, however at the time of my visit it would have been possible to continue all the way to Fishing Rock.

I wasn’t sure how quickly the tide might come back in and cut off access, so I turned around after taking the photo above. Heading south I got as close to the ocean as possible attempting to get a better look at the seals, surf scooters and cormorants offshore.

Surf scooter

Cormorant

More surf scooters.

Fogarty Creek

Rabbit Rock sticking out into the Pacific.

At the southern end of the beach I turned inland along the cliffs where a number of shorebirds were nesting.

Cormorants

I made way back inland toward Fogarty Creek eventually passing under Highway 101 on a paved path on the south side of Fogarty Creek.

I followed the paved path through a picnic area and to the South Fogarty Creek parking lot. On the far side of the lot is a gated gravel road which I hiked up 0.5-miles past a water tower to a saddle at the boarder of the State Park.

The gate maintenance road from the south parking area.

The road was pretty steep, but the forest was nice.

I assumed this gate was the park boundary. There were not any signs posted though so I continued up to the saddle to see if there was a view.

Unless you like looking at clearcuts there is no reason to climb past the water tower.

On my way down I circled the water tower and snacked on a few ripe berries.

Salal

Blackberries

Pearly everlasting

Coastal brook foam

Slug on a shroom.

From the south parking area I turned right to cross Fogarty Creek on a footbridge then turned left to return my car in the north parking area.

Fogarty Creek

This hike came in at 8.4-miles with 350′ of elevation gain.

Combining it with a hike out Salishan Spit would have nearly doubled that distance and of course the hike could have been shortened in various ways. One could also avoid having to cross Highway 101 by going out to the beach along the creek and following the OCT along the highway in both directions.

This was a nice hike that benefited greatly from my visiting at low tide. Fogarty Creek especially would be a fun place to stop with kids. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Fogarty Creek

Tags Fishing Rock, Fishing Rock State Recreation Site, Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area, hiking, Lincoln Beach, Oregon, oregon coast trail, Rabbit Rock, Tide pools