wanderingyuncks

Hunts Cove – 11/08/2026

Due to the warm and dry 2026 some hikes that would normally be snow covered in November remain accessible. We did get some lower elevation snow at the end of October, but warm and dry conditions returned during the first week of November. A partly sunny forecast for Saturday called me to the mountains for what I hope is the last mountain hike until early Summer 2027. It’s not that I don’t love hiking in the mountains, but we badly need a good snow year.

Heather opted to be responsible and stay home to prep the house for some work being done later in the week. I decided to head to the Pamelia Lake Trailhead and head toward Hunts Cove. We had visited Hunts Cove in 2013 on an epic 18.2-mile loop (post). I know I am not physically up to a hike like that and wasn’t sure if I would be able to make the 6-plus mile hike to Hunts Cove but there were several good turnaround points along the way.

There were just a couple of cars at the trailhead when I arrived.

A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead, and a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required to hike from June 15 – October 15.

The Pamelia Lake Trail leaves the trailhead following Pamelia Creek through a beautiful forest and into the Mount Jefferson Wilderness.

This is one of a few remaining areas in this wilderness that hasn’t burned in the 2000’s.

After 2.2-miles of gradual climbing the trail arrives at a junction just before Pamelia Lake with the Grizzly Peak Trail (post).

At the junction I detoured down to Pamelia Lake where the water level was evidence of how dry 2026 has been.

I walked to the right around the lake to get a view of Mt. Jefferson and some of the recent snow.

Morning sunlight hitting the mountain and ridge below.

I returned to the junction and took a right back onto the Pamelia Lake Trail and followed it another 0.2-miles uphill to the Hunts Creek Trail.

A left at the junction would have taken me to the Pacific Crest Trail (post) while a right turn heads to Hunts Cove. You can also reach the PCT from Hunts Cove as we did in 2013. I turned right and followed the trail around the lake passing numerous use trails down to campsites.

Grizzly Peak

The trail crossed several unnamed streams and creeks, one of which was flooding the trail.

The wetlands behind Pamelia Lake that the creeks from both sides of the valley flow into.

Hunts Creek flowing toward Pamelia Lake.

The prettiest of the side creeks.

The trail briefly used this downed log.

Makeshift bridge across one of the streams.

Approximately 1.2-miles from the Pamelia Lake Trail junction the Hunts Creek Trail arrives at the bridgeless crossing of Hunts Creek.

I used the two logs to the right to cross dry footed.

After crossing Hunts Creek the trail climbs over 1000′ in 1.8-miles to a junction with the Hunts Cove Trail. The climb is gradual with just a couple of sets of switchbacks.

The tread got a little narrow crossing this slide, but it wasn’t too sketchy.

I believe this is a Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus).

Orange peel fungus

At one point I spotted a huge waterfall, or series of falls on the opposite hillside.

There were occasional views of Mt. Jefferson too.

There is a waterfall on Hunts Creek just off the trail from the first switchback of the second set (1.6-miles from the creek crossing).

I saved the side trip to the waterfall for the way back down and continued up to the Hunts Cove Trail junction.

Here I did take a side trip and before heading to the cove kept right on the Hunts Creek Trail for 50 yards to visit a talus field where I could hear the “meeps” of pikas.

I hung around for several minutes while meeps rang out from all directions, but I was never able to spot one. I returned to the junction and followed the pointer for the Hunts Cove Trail where I quickly encountered some patches of snow.

Mt. Jefferson came into view across the meadows below and while I was looking at the mountain, I noticed a suspicious looking white spot on the rocks across from me.

Typically, when I spot things like that it winds up being a rock or weathered stump, but this time it was a mountain goat.

(I couldn’t get a decent picture from the distance.)

It’s a fairly level 0.4-miles to Hanks Lake where I detoured right along the shore to get another view of the mountain.

I turned right just before reaching the outlet of Hanks Lake.

The Cathedral Rocks from Hanks Lake.

Common mergansers

Ouzel (American dipper)

I had planned to take a snack break here but the amount of snow along the shore convinced me to wait until Hunts Lake so I headed back to the trail and crossed the outlet creek. It was another 0.4-miles to Hunts Lake where I had more views of the mountain goat, who was not watching me from atop a rock outcrop.

Another makeshift bridge kept my feet out of the creek.

I stayed left at the junction with the Old Hunts Cove Trail, the route we’d taken out of the cove in 2013.

Based on the size and shape this may have been bear tracks, but the snow had melted and refroze enough times that the details for me to make that determination had been lost.

Hunts Lake

The goat watching me watch it as I was having my snack near Hunts Creek and the lake.

Hunts Lake from my break spot.

After my break I said goodbye to my new friend and headed back the way I’d come.

Pamelia Lake from just below the Hunts Cove Trail junction.

The switchback with the spur trail to the waterfall.

Heading for the waterfall.

I can’t remember noticing this colorful outcrop before.

Candyflower

A semi-ok photo of a varied thrush.

Coral fungus

When I got back to Pamelia Lake, I took the first left and veered toward the lake past a sign reminding people not to camp within 100′ of the lake.

I’d only seen one other person all day, another hiker as I was leaving Pamelia Lake in the morning. I didn’t see anyone during this pass either with all of the campsites appearing empty.

I made my way around the lake shore one more time to get a last look at Mt. Jefferson before returning to the trailhead.

Geese hanging out at the lake.

Bunchberry leaves

Arriving back at the trailhead.

With the several detours this wound up being a 13.1-mile hike with approximately 2100′ of elevation gain.

If this was my last hike in the mountains for the next 6 to 8 months it was a great one to end on. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Hunts Cove

Tags grizzly peak, Hanks Lake, hiking, Hunts Cove, Hunts Cove Trail, Hunts Creek Trail, Hunts Lake, mountain goat, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon, Pamelia Lake, Pamelia Lake Trail, Waterfall

Bull of the Woods/Opal Creek Hiking Old Cascades Oregon Trip report

Little North Santiam River – 10/31/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date November 2, 2026
No Comments on Little North Santiam River – 10/31/2026

A number of trails and recreation areas in the Central Cascades have been closed since the Labor Day fires in 2020. A few of the remaining closures were lifted on 10/21/2026 when the Willamette National Forest updated their Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure Order. The Little North Santiam West Trailhead was one of the newly opened sites allowing access to the Little North Santiam Trail. (The Little Santiam East Trailhead remains closed.) We had hiked the Little North Santiam Trail way back in April 2012 (post) but had not been able to hike the entire 4.4-miles due to the bridge over Little Cedar Creek having been washed out. It had been on our list of hikes to revisit since then, but we hadn’t gotten back to it before its closure. After seeing the trail reopening reported by the Statesman Journal, I double checked the Forest Service closure map and updated order to verify, and everything checked out so we decided to make it our next hike.

We made our way to the trailhead using the current detour over Gates Hill Road due to North Fork Road being closed for construction through 5pm on 11/03/2026.

While the Forest Service had updated their website they hadn’t sent anyone out to update the trailhead information.

The barricade was turned and moved but still in the road.

Closure signs still on the signboard. They reference 36CFR 261-53 which governs special closures and restrictions created by orders. With the 10/21/2026 now in place this no longer applies.

It was right around freezing when we set off through the fire scar and headed down toward the river which was covered in a layer of fog.

The trail was overgrown in many places with flagging present to help locate the tread.

New bridges have been put in place.

The fire burned nearly all of the trees along the route which opened up views.

Little North Santiam Falls

Evergreen violet

The trail was overrun by trailing blackberry in many places which was a huge annoyance as the vines were working hard to make us trip.

Salal

Triple Falls along Henline Creek in the distance. (It was more of a double falls today.)

At the 1.2-mile mark the trail arrives across from Triple Falls.

Beyond Triple Falls the trail became even rougher than it had been as it climbed away from the river. For the most part the fallen trees had been cut but there were a few smaller ones that appeared to have fallen more recently that needed to be navigated.

In several cases the downed trees were tall enough to leave.

Henline Mountain which we hiked just three months before the 2020 fire remains closed (post).

Looking back along the river.

Looking back down the trail at Heather making her way up.

View further up the canyon. The peak in the distance to the left is Whetstone Mountain (post).

At the crest of the trail conditions got even rougher and the flagging became increasingly important. At times it felt like we were playing a game of find the flag.

Just over 2-miles from the trailhead, on the descent back down to the river, we came to a downed tree that caused us to pause.

I cleared a couple of branches creating enough space to squeeze underneath next to the hillside. Heather decided she’d had enough adventure for the day though, so she decided to head back while I attempted to continue on. The conditions improved when the trail leveled out although the blackberry vines were back in force for about a quarter of a mile.

For the next two miles the trail stuck close to the river. The clear water provided numerous beautiful views.

Pacific wren

Vine maple

One of a couple small stream crossings.

The (still closed) Three Pools Recreation Site on the far side of the river.

Rock pillar at Three Pools.

Looking back toward Three pools.

The footbridge over Little Cedar Creek. This is where we were turned back in 2012.

Little Cedar Creek

Some trees near FR 2207 survived the fire.

The FR 2207 bridge over the river.

FR 2207 with the Little North Santiam East Trailhead on the far side.

I turned around at the road and headed back.

It was a fairly quiet hike back other than my occasional frustration with the berry vines.

I was surprised to see this rhododendron blooming.

Some of the climbs like this one felt very steep.

This combo of blackberry vines and slick rock almost got me.

Heading down to one of the footbridges.

Bleeding heart

Due to the overgrown trail conditions this was a fairly hard 8.8-mile, 900′ elevation gain hike.

We only saw two other hikers, likely due to lack of awareness that the trail is finally back open. Hopefully some trail work will be done to brush things out and shore up some of the tread. Given the fire damage there will likely need to be ongoing maintenance for a while to keep the trail clear. Regardless it was great to get the chance to hike this trail again. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Little North Santiam

Tags Henline Mountain, hiking, Little Cedar Creek, Little North Santiam Falls, Little North Santiam River, Little North Santiam Trail, Little North Santiam West Trailhead, Oregon, Three Pools, Triple Falls

Coastal Range Hiking Oregon Trip report

Northrup Creek and Jewell Meadows – 10/24/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date October 26, 2026
No Comments on Northrup Creek and Jewell Meadows – 10/24/2026

Our run of unseasonably warm weather came to an end with a freeze watch for western Oregon. However, the lack of precipitation continued. We took the opportunity to check out a new hike to us, the Northrup Creek Loop in the Clatsop State Forest. The 8.7-mile loop as described in the Oregon Hikers Field Guide link above includes a ford of Northrup Creek that can reportably be treacherous at times. Given the lack of rain this year we knew this wouldn’t be the case now, making it a good time to visit.

We had originally planned on parking at the winter trailhead which is the only trailhead available from December 1st through May 15th when the road to the Northrup Creek Horse Camp is gated closed. The winter trailhead is located near the ford, and our plan had been to hike the loop counterclockwise in order to leave the ford till the end of the hike. We wound up missing the winter trailhead, so we decided to park at the Northrup Creek Big Tree Trailhead.

The Big Tree Trail is an optional 0.9-mile hiker only trail separate from the horse loop. By starting here, we could pick up the loop as it passed the picnic area and then, if we felt up to it after the loop, we could check out the Big Tree Trail.

The horse loop from the Big Tree Trailhead.

We picked up the loop and turned right heading for the horse camp.

The trail crossed a forest road where we encountered a trail closure sign. A portion of the loop at Cow Ridge was closed due to an active logging operation. Normally I would have found out about this while doing my pre-hike research, but the Oregon Department of Forestry is lacking when it comes to providing information. We turned around and discussed our options on the way back to the car. We decided to at least do the Big Tree Trail since we were already here so we when we arrived back at the trailhead we headed down that trail.

Map of the big trees along the trail and the campground.

Big leaf maple

Northrup Creek

The grand fir unfortunately toppled.

The grand fir down along the trail.

The Big Tree Trail ends at the entrance road.

Sign along the entrance road near the end of the Big Tree Trail.

During our hike on the Big Tree Trail, we had decided to stay here and modify the loop by hiking the entrance road as a replacement to the NE half of the loop. We turned right on the entrance road and followed it just under a mile and a half to the winter trailhead.

Ferns on a snag.

Passing the winter gate.

Bridge over Cow Creek.

Cow Creek flowing into Northrup Creek.

The Winter Trailhead.

From the winter trailhead we forked right and briefly followed Northrup Creek before arriving at the ford.

Self heal

The ford.

Our assumption had been correct, and the ford was barely ankle deep. We did switch into our water shoes to keep our shoes and socks dry, but the ford itself was not a problem. The trail made a steep climb on the far side of the ford before leveling out and arriving at an old forest road.

Cinquefoil

Mile 5 of the actual loop, this was the only mileage sign we noticed.

We turned left onto the road following the pointer and followed this road for 0.6-miles past a gravel pit to a road junction.

We were surprised to see some non-native foxglove still blooming.

My second hike in a row with a varied thrush sighting.

The gravel pit.

We turned right at the junction following another pointer and in another 0.3-miles came to Foster Mainline Road.

From the junction the continuation of the trail was visible across the road.

We crossed the road and continued on the loop which was now descending back toward Northrup Creek.

Canada jays

After reaching the creek again the trail made a series of ups and downs before finally arriving at the Northrup Creek Trailhead.

Another big maple.

Hedgenettle

Several small footbridges crossed seasonal creeks.

Thistle

A good sized cedar.

Vanilla leaf

Road crossing near the Northrup Creek Trailhead.

The Northrup Creek Trailhead.

From the Northrup Creek Trailhead the trail joined the entrance road to cross Northrup Creek and reach the Big Tree Trailhead where we’d parked.

Our modified loop came in at approximately 6.5-miles and 720′ of elevation gain.

The closed section of the loop is in the upper right portion of the snip.

This was another nice forest hike with lots of mushrooms and solitude (one group of 3 hunters). While it was a little disappointing not to be able to hike the full loop, our route worked out fine. It left us a little short of what I had hoped for so on the way home we decided to detour a mile west on Highway 202 and stop at the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. We were hoping to see some elk which we had not seen yet in 2026. As we were driving out Northrup Creek Road Heather spotted elk at the far side of a field.

Despite now having seen some elk we did stop at Jewell Meadows where there was a large herd in one of the fields. A few of the elk came closer to graze under the old orchard trees.

Robin

There were also a few elk clear across this field next to the brush, and I spotted a coyote running across through the grass.

A blurry shot of the coyote who was also on the far side of the field.

There is a fee to park at the wildlife area which can be paid online if you have cell service. We didn’t have enough service to get the payment through until we were back on our way home, but Heather did eventually get the payment to go through.

While there isn’t really a hike at Jewell Meadows looping around the grassy tracks provided a half mile loop. Getting to see the elk made for a perfect end to the morning. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Northrup Creek & Jewell Meadows

Tags Big Tree Trail, Clatsop State Forest, Cow Creek, elk, hiking, Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, Northrup Creek Horse Camp, Northrup Creek Loop, Oregon

Hiking Oregon Salem/Albany Trip report Willamette Valley

Silver Falls State Park – 10/21/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date October 23, 2026
No Comments on Silver Falls State Park – 10/21/2026

I headed out to Silver Falls State Park for a waterfall Wednesday hike. The volume of water at this time of year can vary greatly depending on how wet the beginning of Fall is. This year has been unseasonably dry (and warm), so I wasn’t expecting much from the falls themselves, but the park always provides good scenery. Given my recent setbacks with my heel and hip sticking close to Salem made sense and if necessary, I could cut the hike short. My plan was to hike the Trail of Ten Falls from the South Falls Trailhead, possibly adding in the paved Bike Path loop which I hadn’t ever explored. I also planned on skipping two of the most seasonal falls, Double and Winter, as they are off spur trails and due to the lack of rain would be running extremely low if at all.

I got a front row parking spot at 8am when the day use area opened and made my way through the South Falls District to the Canyon Trail at South Falls.

I was going to be a couple of minutes early so I stopped at the south entrance viewpoint first.

The cafe.

The nature store.

The chipmunks were out in force.

South Falls

Steller’s jay

I made my way down to and behind South Falls which I had to myself for a couple of minutes for the first time ever.

I continued on the Canyon Trail for a total of 3.7-miles to a junction with the Rim Trail.

Looking down at the stairs leading to Lower South Falls.

Lower South Falls

View from behind Lower South Falls.

It was a bluebird day above the canyon.

Footbridge over North Fork Silver Creek.

Lower North Falls

The spur trail to Double Falls is to the left just before the bridge above.

What little water there was in the creek below Double Falls from the footbridge.

Viewing platform for Drake Falls.

Drake Falls

Storm damage from the prior winter. This section of the Canyon Trail had been closed for a few months earlier in the year.

First view of Middle North Falls, my personal favorite.

Middle North Falls

A short spur trail leads behind this fall and to views from the other side.

The junction with the Winter Falls Trail (on the right). This trail had been closed when Heather visited in September due to a slide but had since reopened.

North Fork Silver Creek from the Winter Falls Trail footbridge.

Twin Falls with only one of the twins flowing.

First view of North Falls.

View from behind North Falls.

Climbing to the Rim Trail from North Falls.

I turned left at the junction with the Rim Trail and detoured on the spur trail to Upper North Falls.

Heading under the highway and footbridge from the North Falls Trailhead.

I had only seen about a half dozen people so far and had all seven of the waterfalls to myself for at least a minute or two. That ended when I arrived at Upper North Falls where a couple were doing multiple poses in front of the waterfall. I had to get a little creative to avoid having them in my pictures.

I used the vegetation to hide them here.

I rock hopped to the middle of the creek for an angle they weren’t in.

Then I zoomed in when they got too close for the angle trick to work.

After getting a few shots I took a break on a bench nearby and had a snack before continuing on. After the break I returned to the Rim Trail and followed it for 1.1-miles before forking left to the Bike Path Loop.

More winter storm damage.

The top of North Falls from the Rim Trail.

Passing the Winter Falls Trailhead.

There didn’t appear to be any running water in the creek above Winter Falls.

Coral fungus

The left fork to the Bike Path. The white line was one of many markings left over from the Silver Falls Trail Runs held Oct 16-18th this year.

I had to cross the highway to reach the Bike Path Loop.

The 1.8-mile loop began a little over 100 yards on the far side of the highway.

I opted to hike the loop counterclockwise. The path climbed gradually, passing a couple of pointers for “Ranches” (Davidsons & Foothill) before descending back down to complete the loop.

The creek that feeds Winter Falls.

The doe paused when she saw me then decided I wasn’t a threat and crossed the trail only to disappear in the vegetation on the far side.

The first trail to the Ranches.

Varied thrush. If you follow the blog, you know this is my nemesis. For me this is a pretty good picture of this elusive forest dweller.

Douglas squirrel

The end of the loop.

I recrossed the highway and stuck to the paved Bike Path for 0.4-miles then forked left when the Rim Trail crossed the path. I then followed the Rim Trail 0.4-miles back to the South Falls District where there was a school field trip in progress. That was a little too much chaos for me, so I hightailed back to the car.

This hike came in at 9.8-miles with approximately 1350′ of elevation gain.

My track from today (cyan) over Heather’s from March (pink).

As always this was an enjoyable hike. The one drawback for me to the park is that it is very popular. Starting early helps and if you aren’t dead set on waterfalls the backcountry trails (post) are never busy. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Silver Falls State Park

Tags Bike Path, Canyon Trail, Drake Falls, hiking, Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls, Oregon, Rim Trail, Silver Falls State Park. North Falls, South Falls, Twin Falls, Upper North Falls. Lower North Falls

Hiking Oregon Salem/Albany Trip report Willamette Valley

Minto-Brown Island Park (again) – 10/19/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date October 21, 2026
2 Comments on Minto-Brown Island Park (again) – 10/19/2026

My ongoing issues with my back/hips have made it necessary to change the way we normally approach hiking. One of the biggest impacts has been our inability to travel for a vacation where we would typically hike 5 or 6 days out of the 10 days from Sat through Sun. My final week of vacation was going to be more of the same. Instead of a hiking trip I had a couple of appointments scheduled and was working my way back from not being able to hike for a couple of weeks due to heel and hip issues.

An afternoon PT appointment on Monday meant I needed to keep my driving time down and I also wanted to keep my distance options open, so I made the 15-minute drive to Minto-Brown Island Park for the fifth time this year. I parked in Lot 4 along Homestead Road which would give me a chance to check on the otters (post) first thing and on the way back.

The trail from Lot 4.

My plan was to check the slough for otters then proceed to Green Heron Slough where there always seems to be a good deal of wildlife. From there my plan, assuming my heel and hip cooperated, was to hit several of the other bodies of water where wildlife tends to hang out. My body cooperated and I wound up doing a counterclockwise loop past the fishing pond, Willamette Slough, and Oxbow Slough then returned to Lot 4 via Green Heron Slough. Along the way I visited the old cherry orchard and took a new to me path through the center of the orchard.

The new to me section through the orchard is the straight line at the top of the loop. This was a 7.5-mile route.

No otters on this day but there was still plenty of wildlife and excellent scenery. Here are some of the highlights.

One of several great blue herons seen throughout the morning.

Deer on the far side of the slough from Faragate Road. This was the first time I’d seen deer in this area.

While I didn’t see the otters in the slough where we had before, this belted kingfisher was at the far end.

The leaves are really starting to fall now.

Another GBH in Green Heron Slough.

Egret

Mallards

Sparrow

One of at least a dozen rabbits I saw.

Squirrel!

The perpetually flooded trail near the fishing pond. I was able to stay dry by walking on my heels today.

Wood duck in the fishing pond.

They mowed some of the fields.

Red-tailed hawk that was heading down to the field.

It didn’t get whatever it had dove for.

Nutria family

Willamette Slough

Black phoebe

Northern flicker

How many robins do you see?

Heading into the old cherry orchard.

Scrub jay

Spotted towhee

The new to me section of trail.

Cedar waxwing

An egret, mallards, and two greater yellowlegs in Oxbow Slough.

One of the greater yellowlegs.

Geese further out in the slough.

Egret, mallards, and a GBH.

The Willamette River.

A greater yellowlegs and a turtle sharing a log in Green Heron Slough.

Geen winged teal and an American wigeon

Stellar’s jay

Still no otters today.

It was another nice day at the park. There were a number of other species of birds that I saw/heard but couldn’t get a picture of. The amount and variety of wildlife in the park makes every visit unique and provides a reason to keep returning. In addition to all the critters we’ve seen in the park mink, beaver, bobcat, and even cougar have been spotted at times here.

Tags deer, Egret, great blue heron, hiking, minto-brown island park, Oregon, Salem, turtle

Coastal Range Hiking Trip report

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
2 Comments 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