Escaping fog on North Fork Middle Fork

The Willamette Valley was socked in with cold fog but just outside in Westfir there was no fog, sun and a wonderful frost. Hiking with another human this time, we chose North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River (say that 3 times fast!) over another more ‘valley’ oriented hikes that remained in fog all day long – and colder!

North Fork Middle Fork trail leaves from a beautiful and well maintained Westfir city park at the covered bridge – same trailhead as the lower end of Alpine Trail (MBT). One of the best trailhead facilities in OR. At arrival there was 1 other car (a woman and young husky we met later); when we returned to TH there were 6+ cars. – Bikers and hikers. Note: this is a great summer hike to avoid the heat (all shade and cool water) and find tremendous swimming spots.

The Route

Left the parking lot around 8:15 and hiked upstream for a bit and then turned around. Along the way, we met 2 humans and 1 dog until the end then there were 2 more humans leaving the TH. Trail conditions were really good considering the season; there were only 2 sections of mud and they hardly wetted above shoe-sole. – Perfect hiking for December.

There is only one location – near the first forest road crossing – that is a short old slide / fall that takes the trail to river’s edge; easy to slide down w/ poles. However, expect that to be under water with a higher river (hiking buddy had to turn around last time at this spot due to high water) – today, the river was very low – with frost on the trees and rocks.

Here is the recorded track (link)

Along the way

When we started frost covered opened areas and the tops of trees. Crossing bridges (there are 2) we crunched over the frosted leaves covering the surface. The only animals were small birds, one woodpecker and ravens gliding along, following the river.

At the beginning with the sun still behind the ridge, a solitary tree skeleton welcomes hikers to the path

Later, along the river a veil or curtain of mossy lichen (Bearded Lichen Usnea Longissima Ach.) hung from the trees holding ice pellets reflecting in the sun as it topped the ridge. Magical

Driving back from Westfir, at Lowell the wall of fog welcomed us back into the valley and colder weather … almost like landing on a different planet.

Data Devil Cellar

• Shoes: Altra WP Lone Peak lowers
• Pack: Yar.gear Ultra 38L – full shoulder season kit
• Upper Layers: 3 (base layer, med Patagonia tech, FarPointe Fleece)
• Upper shell: None
• Trekking Poles: Yes – minimal usage
• Approximate Times: 08:15 to 13:00
• Carbon ratio: 2 total driving – 6 target, 4.75 actual – 122.1 banked YTD
• Notes: Pace was more of a tourist pace catching all the sights, sounds and smells that the cold clean air and river shared