Showing posts with label River. Show all posts
Showing posts with label River. Show all posts

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Bagby Hot Springs

Hello It's Tim & April!
This weekend finds us in a new place,
"Bagby Hot Springs", Bagby is one of Oregon's many hot springs. This is our first trip to this hot spring , the hike is an amazing well kept 1 1/2 mile hike with easy grades and so much to see , it runs along side a creek for alot of the trip , the water is crystal clear with many access spots and deep pools if you don't mind the cold water. What you should know about bagby- The water is hot! 134 degrees so
you will need to mix it with some cold creek water (buckets are provided) ,also there is a good chance you are going to see some naked people there are two areas to soak one is a public area where clothes are optional and people do use that option, there are five private soak rooms with hand made tubs made from a single log ,as well as a large 6 foot round tub a little further up the trail for a group. Go early! getting there early is a great way to get a soak log fast, it seemed like alot of people showed up in the after noon , this is a 24 hour use area so you can soak after dark, bring candles, we heard it does get a Little rowdy on the weekends at night even though alcohol is not allowed.

The place is amazing and pretty but of course there are people who have carved into the walls and not cared for the place like you would hope other than that the place is worth the hike and walk , it is way out in the woods so pack water and lunch.
The hot spring was discovered in 1880 by a hunter....you guessed it named Bagby. The first cabin was built in 1913 and still stands today. There used to be a telephone switchboard located there at one time, in the 1920's the bathhouse was built. In the 70's a fire destroyed the place and it was rebuilt by the friends of Bagby in 1974.
You cant camp at the springs but there is an 8 spot campground further up the trail.
There are a ton of campgrounds in the area you'll see them on the drive up.
You'll also pass the Ripplebrook ranger guard station about 14 miles before the Bagby parking area , they do have wood , some snacks and a map I would recommend you get , note it is also $5 to park at the trail head for state park day use.


The soak is great , we went right to the spring & got a tub in about 15 minutes , there are toilets at the springs , plan on packing out any trash you bring. We went to the creek and found a nice smooth rock to have lunch on and soak our feet , take your time and enjoy the walk the bridges are great and there are so many trees and rocks to see look the the leaner's.
The drive to the falls is just as great following the river . Bagby is defiantly on our you should do list !
Oh ! and its free!
To get there go through Estacada on Hwy 224 go 26 miles to the Ripplebrook Guard station at the road 46 and 57 junction take rd 46 go 4 miles take the Road 63 fork go 4 miles take the road 70 fork go 6 miles to the Bagby parking area there are road signs .

Well that's it for this weekend, keep an eye out in two weeks well be celebrating our 11th anniversary for two days doing nothing but enjoying the historic Embassy Suites In Portland.



Till next time Happy Travels
Tim & April.




















Sunday, February 22, 2009

Cascade Head Preserve

Hello It's Tim& April Again,
This time time we explored Cascade Head Preserve a 4 to 6 mile round trip trail just out side of Lincoln City, Oregon.

The trail head is only 47 miles from McMinnville and just a mile or two from Lincoln City, go North on Hwy 101 and turn on Three Rocks Road and follow it to the Parking area.

The trail is clearly marked and runs through some private land as well as forest land, There are bathrooms and paved parking at the trail head and a very nice view of the Salmon River Estuary and a cute little dock, the view from the dock alone is worth the drive even if you don't want to hike the trail, if you have a fishing boat you can launch it at the boat ramp and do some fishing too.

If you do want to see the view from the top but aren't up to the 2 1/2 mile trek you can drive up to an alternate starting point on Cascade Head Road and its a short walk without to much uphill.

What can we say about this trail? View View View! You will start out at sea level and depending on how far you want to hike you will go up as high 1200 feet, There are no dogs or bikes allowed on the trails. The trail is very well maintained and has a complete view of Lincoln City, The Salmon River and on a clear day the ocean as far as your eyes can see, you will see moss covered trees, thick forest, streams, grass land and more.

The trail will get you warmed up very fast with a heart pounding dirt and wood staircase not far from the trail head, those hours on your stair master will pay off here, they seem to go up forever before having you meander always gradually uphill through moss covered trees with the occasional view of the ocean .

You will keep going through a more dense forest pack like they cut the trail right through the brush till you break out on an amazing grass land that overlooks the Ocean.

Its not to much further to the lower lookout where you overlook 3 rocks and the Point.

The trail continues on if you wish up another mile to the end of the trail but its only 1/2 mile to the top view point at the 1200 feet elevation , totally worth the extra hike , bring lunch and pick a spot in the grassland and enjoy the view the hike back feels like a breeze because its pretty much down hill.

It is a little rough on the knees and would be considered a moderate hike but take your time and you will make it just fine, the hikers you meet along the way are all friendly and never seem to pass with out friendly hello, Bring lunch, water and your camera at the end of the day you will be happy you came and your heart will thank you for the workout.
Happy Hiking Tim & April.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art6796.html

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Drift Creek Falls Oregon



Hello this is our first post.
We thought what a great way to see and really get to know our Oregon together.
We hope to give an idea or two, enjoy!

This hike is definitely worth the drive!

Drift Creek Falls, Oregon
It's not too far from McMinnville, Oregon turn at Rose Lodge and make sure you look for and follow the Drift Creek Camp signs. It's only 9 miles from Highway 18 but feels like it's further due to the curvy road.

On your way, make sure you take time to stop and see
Oregon's oldest Covered Bridge. It's before your turn from Highway 18 and has a great story.

This hike is an easy stroll and ends with crossing a 200Ft suspension bridge 100ft above the creek. The bridge is an adventure in itself and quite a fun crossing even tough it does sway!
The bridge was flown in piece by piece by chopper. The view of the falls from the bridge is awesome! If you continue on, it goes to the bottom of the falls where water polished rocks and cool water awaits.

You'll see some great flora and a beautiful horsetail fall,
a relaxing easy hike and your their.

The trail is a bit muddy so bring shoes to change in to and lunch at the bottom of the falls is a must! It is $5 to hike but the donation station is broken at the time of this blog.

This 3 mile round trip hike in the woods of the northwest is a great way to start or end your day when visiting Lincoln City , Oregon.

looking where to hike? use this tool from the Portland Monthly
http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/travel-and-outdoors/find-a-trail/

Happy Travels
Tim & April

http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Oregon-Coast/Outdoor-Recreation/Hike-Oregon/Hiking-and-Walking/Drift-Creek-Falls-Trail.aspx