Sometimes, plans morph surprisingly with great results. I had intended, PLANNED, to take on a new hike this week on the north side of Willamette River valley … but for several reasons, decided to forgo driving more than 15 minutes staying close to home for a conditioning testing hike around Spencer Butte.
Started on the trail around 7:00 – warmer than last week with sun and promises of >60s temperatures.
Heading up the Ridgeline Trail northwest side of the butte, the flowers were still amazing.
The miles just ticked away but on the back side of the butte after going up 2x, the day’s surprise came across my vision. In the one pic, you can see how far the owl can turn its head
All Trails Factoids
Distance: 14.92 miles | Elevation Gain: 3,871 ft | Avg Pace 23:14 / miles — Recording
| Gear Type | For this Hike |
| Pack | NorthFace ION 20L |
| Shoes | TOPO Trailrunners |
| Top Layers | Baselayer LS |
| Bottom Layer | Columbia polytech shorts |
| Socks | Dual layer REI Poly liner + REI lightweight Merino wool |
| Water | Bladder 2 L – drank >3/4; 14oz nalgene (finished at lunch) |
| Supporting tools | No Trekking pole No Knee brace No Gaiters Note: longest hike in 2 years without right knee brace 🙂 |
Michael you photoed a barred owl (probable) or a northern spotted owl. Wow!!
From my friends at The Cornell Lab “all About Birds”. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl – A Barred Owl … hearing them is pretty common around the foothills, but seeing them is something uncommon. Sounds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/sounds