Weather was unstable – most people thought it was going to rain, cloudy and cold at best. Could there be better opportunity in March to go up and down Hardesty Mt? A hiking buddy and I took off initially to Goodman Creek trail to Eagle Rest, but in reviewing recent trip reports (and a sign…
… of the Willamette River. Last night I had four hikes on the table waiting for the morning’s weather, snow pack, and my mood (especially about driving) … North Fork of Middle Fork Willamette River was the choice. I was just at the same TH for recent Alpine hike, so had a good idea about…
On a rainy March morning, some times hiking can be best done umbrella in hand right from my front door. With local park walking / running paths in Pre’s Trail and Hendricks Park, a good long walk visiting neighbors can easily avoid concrete surfaces. While the weather report inferred light rain for a couple of…
A quick dash out to Westfir on a most beautiful day… high 50s and sunshine. A perfect day for the first cascade foothills hike of the 2025 season – Alpine Trail. I arrived at the Covered Bridge Park before 0700 and was hiking shortly thereafter – 1 other car ‘camping’ in the parking lot. It’s…
Longer days, warmer temperatures and a crescent moonset … After a couple of hard rainy days and raging valley rivers from melting snow, Ridgeline Trail seemed like a good idea – waiting for further snow melt in the cascade foothills for later in the week. I started early at 0600 from Spring Blvd trailhead and…
Last night, I had 4 options to hike today. I just couldn’t force myself to drive even 45 minutes to Westfir for Alpine and North Fork hikes. Pisgah was the best option with less driving – given Tuesday’s Spencer jaunt. A quick 10 minute drive around 06:00 and I’m at the West Trailhead with 2…
I needed to stay in town for a possible run to PDX so Spencer Butte was the hike and a bit later than typical. The weather prompted rain probably but light – huge dilemma on top outer gear. I chose to stay light – started with just base-layers (2) and hiking vest (pockets, camera and…
Rambling around Alton Baker Park around sunrise / moonset before the rain came this morning. Crows atop trees under insufficient light and a very serious fishing heron topped the day. Best part of it … meet other humans out and about an hour before sunrise – we’re all such chipper / happy people in greetings….
As of last night, 50-50 Alpine and North Fork were my destination with colder weather and possible rain / snow. When I got up this morning the NOAA (quite important to keep funding) snow depth had the snow covering all of Alpine and very close to North Fork. The weather had temperatures in the high…
For shoulder seasons when it’s cold and probably wet too, I need a heavier fleece than I carry in the warmer summer season (go-to then is Sky Goat waffle fleece). I looked at several different versions from popular brands including Patagonia and Smartwool, but from Garage Grown Gear (product list), a new local brand from…
