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.
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.
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.
In my second feature for Northwest Travel Magazine I tell the story of my week long journey with Rogue Wilderness Adventures. This was easily the best time I’ve had doing “research” for a story. From the story:
“I had been rafting before, but only on a handful of quick half-day trips; never anything like this. I always experience butterflies when getting back in a raft. My senses are heightened, eyes are widened, but all worries go away once I hit the first rapid and get doused with cold mountain water. Like some sort of fear-baptismal, the trepidation is washed away and I’m born again with an ear-to-ear grin.”
Click here to read the online version.
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.
I like this shot of Ramona Falls taken on a recent hike. It features sun breaks and highlights on the cascade as well as my girlfriend, Stephanie, introducing herself to the lower segment of the falls. Click on pic for larger view. For more information on the hike, read my column about it here.
Wahclella Falls receives far fewer visitors than the average Columbia River Gorge waterfall, perhaps due to lack of stature and visibility, as well as length of hike. Although it is often overlooked by hikers feeling the need for more exercise, Wahclella rates as high as any hike in the area in terms of beauty, if not distance. For more information on the Wahclella Falls hike, including directions, click here.
I was recently hosted to an ATV tour of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area by Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rentals. However, I struggled getting photos of the dunes. No matter where I placed myself, I just couldn’t capture the vastness of it all. Then near the end of my ride I spotted this tree in the middle of the dunes. Kind of away from the other oasis areas, and trying to make a go of it on his own. And by the looks of him, having a rough time. I fell in love with this tree. I don’t know, it might not be all that exciting of a shot, but that tree and me, we shared something 🙂
So I decided to branch out a little bit and create a YouTube channel. Here is my first video, essentially an introduction. I plan on taking videos of all the wonderful places and things I get to see, do, and consume in the Northwest. Please check it out and if you’re into it, please subscribe. Thanks!
Adam Sawyer 