Another July day sandwiched between really hot July days for a close-in day hike. Last week was lower McKenzie River, so this week targeted Willamette River valley: Salt Creek Falls (opposite Waldo Lake) to Vivian Lake and then on to … Read More

After hiking the upper and middle sections of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and the weather forecast in the upper 80’s, a perfect time to hike the lower McKenzie River section – completing all the trail but the detour. … Read More

For the last several years, I have worn Topo Athletic trail-runners, waterproof boots and urban hiking shoes (running shoes). Their design with wide toe-box, low/0 heel to toe drop, and cushioning kept me in their shoes – buying >10 pairs … Read More

Hiking Fuji Mountain and South Waldo Lake loop was planned for last week as the last of the snow melted, but high heat >90 postponed the trip until Sunday, July 9. Weather forecasted clear and low 80’s. A couple of … Read More

The day’s plan originally was Fuji Mt for some photos of snow-covered sisters. Hot weather just made the plan stupid, so nearby Ridgeline Tr is an always-welcome contingency. A 30 minute total car-time hike that started at 5:00am at Spring … Read More

Over the last year, I have bought 2 new Enlightened Equipment jackets: Torrid and Copperfield. The Torrid is part of ‘keep warm’ kit, and replaced my Patagonia Nano Puff, and Copperfield goes everywhere in pack belt pocket for wind. Enlightened … Read More

In an attempt to finish the entire McKenzie River trail (USFS, AllTrails) both directions (upriver and downriver), Tuesday, June 27, I hiked the middle section of the trail (upper section earlier this year). This hike started at Blue Pool trailhead … Read More

Summer solstice seems a good day to be in the woods — last year. This year the weather was cool, potentially cloudy but no rain in Willamette Valley, and after last week’s long trip (Ochoco, Smith Rock, McKenzie River) a … Read More

As part of the contingency plan after bailing out of the Old Summit trail hike from Round Lake (post), the upper McKenzie River trail was right on the way home … I stopped around 10:00 on Saturday, June 17. At … Read More

After hiking at Smith Rock for sunrise, and camping at Gorge CG, Camp Sherman, the original plan had a long day hike on the east side of 3 Finger Jack along the Old Summit Trail (US FS). Some older hikers … Read More