Travel Oregon: Winter Waterfalls

22 10 2019

My latest for Travel Oregon dives into a topic I adore – waterfalls in winter! Click here to read the story.





Travel Oregon: 5 Must-See Waterfalls Along the Rogue and Umpqua Rivers

7 11 2016

The good folks over at Travel Oregon recently interviewed me about my favorite waterfalls in Southern Oregon. Click here to read the interview and see which five topped the list.

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Central Oregon Magazine: A Fondness for Falls

14 10 2014

In my first piece for Central Oregon Magazine I list my favorite cascades in the region. From the article:

“One could argue that the almost embarrassing abundance of natural beauty in Central Oregon is punctuated by waterfalls. Some of the best cascades and cascade hikes in the state reside in this region. Sometimes the thrill is in the quality of the hike, other times it’s the grandeur or uniqueness of the falls, or some combination thereof. On occasion the main draw is the increasingly rare chance for solitude on a trail. For all those reasons and more, this part of the state is paradise for those of us that like a good waterfall. Here are some favorites.”

Check out the full article here.

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Portland Mercury: The Falls of History and God

26 06 2014

In my first article for the Portland Mercury I encourage people to visit some of the area’s waterfalls for more than just their inherent beauty. From the article:

“Some waterfalls are more than just pretty places to visit. While the opportunity to prance around in a forested scene straight out of a Kinkade-ian masterpiece is typically inspiration enough to seek one out, sometimes you want more from your experience. Luckily, there are a number of waterfall hikes in the Portland area that dangle alluring carrots of added interest, like “fascinating regional history” or “a chance to commune with a faith-based deity.” So for those of you who need a little extra motivation to get your butt outside and next to a beautiful waterfall, here you go.”

Click here to read the entire article.

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“Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon” Now Available for Preorder

11 12 2013

While it still might only be in the editing phase, the project that has consumed much of my time over the last two years is now available for purchase….preorder anyway 🙂 The “Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon” guidebook from Falcon Guides won’t be available in stores until June, but my local bookseller is selling it at a screamingly good preorder discount price of $16.46! Click here to check it out.

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Picture of the Week: Butte Creek Falls

24 09 2013

With work on the forthcoming “Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon” guidebook wrapping up, I offer a photo from one of my favorite little hikes of the year – Butte Creek Falls. The hike to Butte Creek and Upper Butte Creek Falls would be fine destinations all by their lonesome. They are both beautiful and unique. But pair the two in the same hike with a truly memorable forest trail and you have as fine an outing as 1 mile can produce. Click on pic for larger view.

From the town of Scotts Mills, follow Crooked Finger Road for 11.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 400. Drive 1.8 more miles to the Butte Creek Falls trailhead on the left. GPS: N44 55.266 / W122 30.682.

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Video: Slide Falls, Opal Creek Wilderness

14 09 2013

I now have the GPS tracks for all of the “Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon” guidebook! And I may have saved the best for last. The Opal Creek Wilderness is a low-elevation ancient forest that is home to the largest intact stand of old-growth forest in the western Cascades. Trees in this area can range up to 1,000 years old. Because the forest has remained intact for so long, the flora and fauna interact the way nature intended. Cycles that can take hundreds of years to complete have been left alone to do so, and in the process the forest filters Opal Creek to a state of pristine beauty. And it has a waterfall you can slide down!





Picture of the Week: Ice Lake

29 08 2013

Last week I took a quick overnight backpacking trip to track some waterfalls for the forthcoming Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon guidebook. Of course the waterfalls were great, but the view of Ice Lake from my tent in the morning was a jaw-dropper. Known as the “Oregon Alps,” the Wallowa Mountains certainly lived up to their reputation on this warm, summer morning. Click on pic for larger view.

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Picture of the Week: Waterfall Road Trip

29 07 2013

I’m back from my epic road trip to photograph and document waterfalls for the forthcoming Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon guidebook!

Over the last 17 days my girlfriend and I drove over 3,200 miles, or what would be Portland to Miami. Went on 40 individual waterfall hikes and visited numerous other natural wonders. In the course of hiking we covered close to 90 miles, gained over 17,000 feet of elevation, and encountered 63 individual waterfalls. My injuries were limited to 1 strained knee and 1 atrocious thigh bruise. We were scared witless by 1 black bear and were visited by numerous timid but cordial dear. We stayed in primitive campgrounds and posh hotel suites. We ate wild berries, beef jerky, microwave burritos, and the freshest, finest Northwest seafood to be found. It was the trip of a lifetime. I feel physically strong, mentally rejuvenated, happy to be home, but very sad it’s over. Today feels like the day after Christmas. Now I have to clean up all the wrapping paper 🙂 Photo courtesy of Stephanie Paris.

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Picture of the Week: Taking Pictures of Taking Pictures at Lower Oneonta Falls

8 07 2013

While doing more work for the Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon guidebook my girlfriend, Stephanie, lines up the perfect shot of Lower Oneonta Falls. I’ve had this waterfall featured a few times as Pic o’ the Week before, but if you haven’t seen it or would like to know how to get there, check out this link. Click on pic for larger image.

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