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Hosmer Lake

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DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Kayaking, Scenic Views

Date: June 3, 2020

Hosmer Lake sits at about 5,000 feet above sea level and is 20 miles from Bend and what a magnificent body of water. The water is so clear that my friend Bruce was pointing out salmon, and trout like crazy. But we were there to take in some other sites, which were wondrous at every bend.

We were graced by the regal Mt Bachelor, the breathtaking South Sister, and the wild Broken Top all while paddling on beautiful blue water, surrounded by dark green forest, passing vibrant lily pads with bright yellow blossoms, shoreline adorned with fragrant flowers, under a crystal clear sky. It really was spectacular.

Just as Bruce was exclaiming how lucky we were to have this special scene without the crowd, people started arriving and by the time we left the small parking area was just about full. So, the ticket is like so many places arrive earlier paddle around the many twists and turns through marsh and lily pads to the other side of the lake and enjoy.

  • Apparently there is good fishing on Hosmer Lake.
“A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” – Henry David Thorea

Thanks for joining Bruce and I as we paddled through superb natural surroundings with brilliant views of the Oregon Cascades while “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“. We could have not asked for a more perfect day to take in these astounding views. What a nice way to step out of the chaos of deadlines, boardrooms, phone calls, sales quotas, and budgets, and into the realm of her majesty, Mother Nature, how calming, how peaceful, and tranquil. We need to embrace nature as much and as often as we can because that is a wonderful way to find that balance that we all seek. There is more balance ahead so please COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW, and by all means SHARE. Gear up at SHOP APPAREL. Checkout the menu above for a place to find adventure by the way, they are all independent sites from each other, divided by area, and need to be followed separately.

Paddle Hard,

Roger Jenkins, Pursing Balance Through Adventure

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Crater Lake

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NATIONAL PARK

I spent 3 magnificent days hiking and backpacking at this national treasure, staring into a blue that can be found no where else, taking hundreds of pictures, basically because I had found myself bewitched by the unmatched beauty of the sight before mine eyes. Crater Lake is a magical place.

I invite you to join my soul-stirring journey ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ to arguably the most aesthetically pleasing lake in the world, Crater Lake. It’s luminous sky and mesmerizing ‘Crater Lake Blue’ will wash over you, kindling a feeling of peace and tranquility.

You can find my Crater Lake Adventures with these links to my sister site: National Parks Hiking ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure‘:

Scenic Rim Drive

Cleetwood Cove Trail

Back Country Camping

Mount Scott Trail

Crater Lake Lodge

Discovery Point Trail

Garfield Peak Trail

I hope you enjoyed the links to my exploration of Crater Lake. I have more than a dozen ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ websites and if you go to the above menu you can do some exploring of your own. These are all separate sites and thus need to be followed separately. If you would like to support both ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure as well as get some great top quality workout, adventure, casual wear then checkout Shop Apparel. Please COMMENT, LIKE. FOLLOW and SHARE.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins, ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’

Special Thanks to Wick Smith of BTOPhotos.com for allowing me to use his professional photo of Crater Lake as the feature photo. He has many beautiful photos from all over the country that I implore you to enjoy on his site. Wick Smith is a Hobie Cat racing friend of mine, another adventurous hobbie of mine.

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Todd Lake Loop Trail

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DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR BEND OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 29, 2019

Distance > 2 miles, 82’ elevation change, 90 minutes duration, rated Easy

When I arrived at Todd Lake I knew there was a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. I thought that I could get in and out of this hike quickly before the storm. When I arrived there were nice views of the lake and the neighboring mountains Broken Top and Mount Bachelor. There was a little sun beaming through the clouds, but all of that was about to change. Quickly clouds rolled in masking the mountain views, a few claps of thunder, a flicker of lightening and then the heavens opened up and I got a pretty healthy down pour. I was prepared in my sailing foul weather gear jacket so there was nothing to do but enjoy Oregon’s “liquid sunshine” after all that is why everything is so plush and green.

Hearing the rain on the lake, seeing the puddles collect on the trail, feeling the damp air, the breeze through the firs, the scent of freshness mixed with a dank whiff of wet decaying wood really lets you experience the Oregon Wilderness.

Trailhead parking is $5 unless you have a NW Forest Pass or other excepted annual passes. Todd Lake is a great little hike for the whole family. Very scenic even on a stormy day, so I can only imagine how beautiful it would be on one of the picture perfect Blue Bird Central Oregon days. The trail is delightfully forested, with views of the lake and mountains. On the far end is sort of a marsh meadow area. I found what I will call a little feeder stream filled with tadpoles. Fun little hike.

  • Todd Lake with Broken Top in the background
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene    
Todd Lake with Mount Bachelor in the background

Todd Lake, in the Deschutes National Forest, is a great place to be ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, won’t you join me next time for another journey? You can do so by FOLLOWING, SHARING, LIKING, and COMMENTING.

Happy Trails, Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Additional Video Clips from Todd Lake

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Tumalo Falls & Double Falls

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DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR BEND OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 28, 2019

Distance 2+ miles, 320’ elevation change, 90 minute duration, rated Easy

If you like waterfalls then the Pacific North West is definitely the place to be, boasting more waterfalls then anywhere in North America. Oregon has some splendid falls and Tumalo Falls, a short drive from Bend, is a good one. Be advised that the last couple of miles or so are unpaved gravel, washboard National Forest roads. It can be done in everyday vehicles, but it can be a rough ride. Also this is a popular spot so plan accordingly as parking can be tough in the small lot at the trailhead. If you don’t have a Northwest Forest Pass then it will be $5 cash.

Tumalo Falls in Tumalo State Park is 89’ tall and is on Tumalo Creek, part of the Deschutes River watershed area which is glacier fed. Tumalo, it is believed, is an Native American word for icy water. That would make sense if it is glacier fed. But one thing is for sure it is a grand falls and the whole area is magnificent. There are two viewpoints a short distance from the parking area. After taking in the beauty of the falls I headed out with Bruce Petersen, my good friend and fraternity brother, whom I had not seen in decades. Bruce is from Bend and he guided me along the North Fork Trail, which was easy to follow, along Tumalo Creek. We took in multiple wonderful smaller waterfalls along the route including Double Falls. Double Falls has a similar drop to Tumalo Falls but broken up into several drops.

It was late in the day, and although Central Oregon brags about 300 days of perfectly blue skies, on this day a light rain began to fall, (lovingly referred to as “liquid sunshine” which of course keeps Oregon green and beautiful), and a few lightening flashes accompanied by the rumble of thunder aided in our decision it was time for us to head back. Also Bruce was a trooper as he was rehabbing from knee surgery, but was quickly on the mend and his doctor okayed our couple miles or so hike, but if you have more time there is more trail and more waterfalls to be enjoyed.

Educational Display
  • Bruce Petersen at Tumalo State Park
About Nature – A Waterfall
Never before had I seen such a splendid sight of grace and beauty as a waterfall. Life was being given to the green flowing lush vegetation on either side of a glittering strip of fluid motion moving down the land like a snake through grass. How enchanting the sight was and oh how comforting. -By George Krokos

Waterfalls are enchanting, magical, places of awe… let’s find some more because who doesn’t love waterfalls? If you love waterfalls like I love waterfalls then please LIKE, FOLLOW, COMMENT, and SHARE. Thanks for joining Bruce Petersen and I while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Paulina Falls Trail

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DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR LA PINE, OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 27, 2019

Distance: 1/2 mile, 115’ elevation change, 20 minute duration,

This is a very short hike, actually more of a nature walk, to a couple scenic view spots of Paulina Falls. This is a beautiful 80 foot double falls. One of the view points is looking at the falls from almost straight across. The other view point is at the bottom which is achieved by taking the trail with a few switch backs. The falls is quite nice as the water cascades from the double falls to a jumble of rocks below.

If you wanted a regular hike instead of a nature walk there is a trail called the Paulina Creek Trail which I did not try but the small section of it that I did see looked very nice. It can be sourced from the same parking area that I was in to do the Paulina Peak Trail.

  • Paulina Creek
“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can”. – John Muir

Thanks for joining me at Paulina Falls. I just love waterfalls don’t you? Well, one way to join me on more adventures to waterfalls so that you can be inspired to be ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure then LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, and SHARE.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Some fun Paulina Falls and Paulina Creek video I shot during me adventure. Video is always the best when we are talking about moving water.

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Deschutes River Trail

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BEND, OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 26, 2019

3 miles, 140’ elevation change, 2 hours duration, rated Easy

Bend is Central Oregon’s largest city situated in the foothills of the Eastern Cascade Mountain Range, with the Deschutes River running through it. It is a meca for outdoor activities. In the winter Bend’s semi-arid, high desert location, means a lite and dry powder, compared to the ski resorts further West. Mt. Bachelor draws skiers and snowboards from the West and beyond with it’s great snow, terrain and blue bird sky.

There are activities year round in the Bend area with hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding, fishing, golf, camping, and white water rafting.

On this day I decided to stay locally in Bend and checkout a recommended hike right in town along the river, the Deschutes River Trail. Not expecting that much from a urban type of hike I started out at the River Bend Park. A lovely park with expanses of perfectly groomed lawns, flowers, sculptures, nice bathrooms, just a wonderful little park to spend an afternoon at. What makes it special is the Deschutes River and the walking trail along the river. There were people strolling, children playing, dog walkers, sun worshipers, joggers, folks paddling the river in kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP). All very, very nice. But this blog is about hiking not parking.

  • Kayakers on the Deschutes River
  • SUP Dawg!

I crossed a foot bridge which provided a great view of the river and the park. Afterwards I was making my way along the river on the footpath on the opposite side. At the moment I made it to the sign that announced the Deschutes River Trail it was as if I had stepped into a wilderness even though I was still in a city. What a grand taste of nature for the locals and visitors alike. Because this trail capture that essence, for those that don’t have the time or inclination to go out into the backcountry and experience what it is truly like to walk along an enchanting trail, smell the ponderosa pines, hearing the rushing water, view river and sky. Of course then you are brought back to reality for there are still the condos peaking through the trees on the above cliff, but hey you aren’t actually in the wilderness you are just getting to get a taste of it for crying out loud. But there are places along this well thought out route that do a pretty good job of blocking out some of that humanity with well placed strips of trees and forest so Deschutes River Trail is definitely worth a look.

It was as if I had stepped into a wilderness even though I was still in a city.

Along this portion of the trail there is a nice educational piece regarding types of trees and fauna, Native American lore, the strange affect that animals have on trees and the funny formations they take as a result, a little history and even hydro power.

“A river is water is its loveliest form; rivers have life and sound and movement and infinity of variation, rivers are veins of the earth through which the lifeblood returns to the heart.”
-Roderick Haig-Brown
Wow, is this restful…

Thanks for joining me in this turn along the Bend, as I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ along the river flow. What you should do now before you forget is LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, and SHARE, because there is oh so much more to do to inspire, motivate. Get off the couch, put on your hiking boots and just enjoy what God has given us.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Tam McArthur Rim Trail

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SISTERS, OREGON

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST- THREE SISTERS WILDERNESS

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 24, 2019

5+ miles, 1,276’ elevation gain, 3 hour duration, rated Moderate

Tam McArthur Rim is a must do, but then again there are some many stupendous hikes in this area, can you really say that? One thing is for certain if you venture to the Rim the only thing that you will be sorry about is that you did not do this earlier.

I drug my friend and fraternity brother Marcus Walker away from his work, (as owner of Secure Storage with 6 locations including local Bend, and Redmond, btw no finer storage), to guide me to a captivating view of the Cascade Mountain Range as we clambered atop Tam McArthur Rim near Sisters Oregon.

The trailhead is across from Three Creek Lake, which looks like a delightful place to spend the day boating, swimming or fishing. We were entering into the Three Sisters Wilderness area of the Deschutes National Forest and we were able to fill out the necessary permit right at the trailhead. It is a moderate hike through green pines and when you get to the top, an elevation of 7,732’, you have a multitude of mountains to enjoy. Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, Three Sisters, Mt Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt Jefferson, and Mt Hood, on display in all their splendor.

I whole hardly recommend this hike. I need to mention the top is snow free only a few months out of the year, so you will need to plan accordingly, but in late August it was a marvelous hike.

  • Cascade Mountains
When I saw the mountains my weight lifted and my restless spirit calmed. I knew this was were I belong.
  • A long distance shot of me standing on Tam MacArthur Rim.

Thanks for joining Marcus and I ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ on Tam McArthur Rim in Sisters, Oregon with an outstanding views of the Cascades. You do not want to miss the next episode of Oregon Hiking so take a moment and LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, AND SHARE.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

It was a little windy, but Marcus, after complaining about me dragging him up the mountain on the opening day of college football goes on to name the Cascade Mts in view from the Rim.
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Welcome to Oregon Hiking

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PURSUING BALANCE THROUGH ADVENTURE

Having lived in Oregon while going to college at Oregon State University I know how special the NW is and in particular how exceptional Oregon is. While living in Oregon I experienced the Northwest as a sailor racing Hobie Cats all over the region and as a skier swishing down many outstanding mountains. I did some hikes, a little 4 wheeling, and just tramped around in the local forests.

Coming back to Oregon and getting out into some wide open spaces I though to myself, “Now these are some proper mountains”. It was so nice to once again be awestruck by this magnificent adventure playground called Oregon. A place to fill the lungs with fresh air, stretch the legs, take flight with imagination, share togetherness and memories, or find solitude in the quiet of wilderness. Fill our souls. Finding balance to our stressful, plugged in, overworked lives through a taste of adventure. It is the journey not necessarily the destination, or said another way what is important is “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure”.

Once again Welcome to Oregon Hiking Pursuing Balance Through Adventure. I am your host Roger Jenkins, let’s find some adventure shall we?

If you appreciate what I am trying to inspire and instill in each of us than please LIKE (so highly prized), COMMENT (otherwise I will not even know that you were here), FOLLOW (how else can we share this experience), and SHARE (let’s get the word out, put down your phone and lace up your hiking boots).

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure