5.8 miles. 318′ elevation gain, 3 hour duration, rated Easy
I visited Clear Lake basically as recon for the future. My Fraternity brother Bruce was giving me the grand tour of Central Oregon and I am afraid that we did not have time to squeeze this hike in. I can tell you of the short portion of the trail that I was on, snapping a few quick pics, it looked like a beautiful spot. The trail was gorgeous with big heavy timber, the blue Clear Lake was so tranquil, and Mount Washington in the back ground framed the area perfectly. It appears that in a non Covid-19 year this would be a pretty popular spot and it is easy to see why.
I am always outside on the inside.
Sadly enough this was the last of my Summer Adventures with my fraternity brother Bruce, who took me trekking around Central Oregon. It was so grand! Thanks so much bro! I can hardly wait until together we once again find ourselves ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’! Followers of PBTA you don’t have to wait because if you look at the Menu above you will find many adventures that you might want to go explore yourselves. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Speaking of FOLLOWING please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for all of your Adventure Wear needs it’s all top quality.
I was trekking across Central Oregon with my good friend and Fraternity Brother Bruce leading the way. He was kind enough to share his expertise and local knowledge on the area. We stopped at extraordinary Sahalie Falls. We had squeezed in many fantastic adventures during our 3 days enjoying this magnificent place called Oregon. So unfortunately our final day was running to an end and thus we did not have time for much of a hike at the falls. Still, we did go above the falls as well as down stream to partake in the wondrous views of this gorgeous spectacle.
Bruce could tell that I was astounded by what was before me. Upon first sight of the Sahalie Falls my eyes widened and my jaw dropped. I love chasing waterfalls, so it was not like I have not seen a lot of wonderful falls. But the power of the McKenzie River was quite literally launching the stream into space. This is a must do, and even my Fraternity Brother who lives in Central Oregon will make a stop here just to check it out when passing by.
There Is Nothing Like A Waterfall
There is nothing like a waterfall When rhododendrons bloom in spring The sound and the earthy smells Two of the joys that nature brings.
Green moss grows on everything A soft and spongy feel So magnificent the scene is Why, it doesn’t seem quite real.
Just listen and close your eyes The world just floats on by There is nothing like a waterfall
by Marilyn Lott
We appreciate you chasing Sahalie Falls with us. It’s time for you to go out and find an adventure that can ignite the passion of your soul, while you stretch your legs, feel the light spray from the waterfall on your face, and drink in all that Mother Nature has blessed us with… or heck you certainly can tag along with us as we continue ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, – We’re perfectly fine with that, but to do so you will need to FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE. If however, you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire you just go to the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Yes, that is a PBTA cap atop my noggin. You can buy one at SHOP APPAREL where there is currently a SPECIAL DEAL going on.
Distance: 4.5 miles, elevation: 5,476’, 1,276’ elevation gain, >2 hours duration, rated Hard
Date: 6-4-20
“Iron Mountain is a large jagged rock, situated in very rough country,” was an early description of this adventure describing the perch over looking the Santiam portion of the Willamette National Forest. It would be used at different times over the years as a fire lookout and it would be destroyed more than once by heavy snow, high winds, and wildfire.
We were on Iron Mountain early Summer of 2020. There were a good amount of wildflowers decorating the landscape and to be sure this spot is well know for it’s flowers due to the rich soil. The biggest bloom, I understand, takes place in July, but even just after snow melt the flowers ’Spring’ to life and there are blooms through out the Summer.
The day that my college fraternity brother Bruce introduced me to this splendid hike was a warm Summer Oregon day with a mixture of blue skies and whimsical clouds. The hike found us ambling through quiet forests, thick with wondrous fir trees, as well as green meadows dotted with beautiful wildflowers. Then on to some switch backs, passed scraggy volcanic rock, a left over section of snow, and then out on the top with fabulous views of lush evergreens as far as the eye could see, with boundless layers of mountainous ridges, and snowy peaks far in the distance.
Sadly late in the Summer the area was besieged once again by wildfire, and as of this late posting, (Oct 2020), it is closed for that reason.
Oh worrisome thoughts of what has become of this tranquil place. The kind of place that one might find balance from an otherwise over worked, over stressed, over political world that – oh yeah just happens to be smack dab in a pandemic, with a side of firestorm to boot. Prayers for the firefighters, prayers for Mother Nature, prayers for us all.
Even at the beginning of Summer there is still a small section of snow.
The Lookout on the top is nicely done. There is even a map pointing out all the peaks.
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” -Walter Hagan
Hey thanks for joining my fraternity bro Bruce and myself on this joyous journey in nature, while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Don’t forget to COMMENT, FOLLOW, LIKE and SHARE. There is still more coming up in regards to Beautiful, Fabulous, Wonderful Oregon and if you go to the menu above you will discover that PBTA goes to many spectacular locations to give you inspiration. You don’t need to thank me, that’s my job. Speaking of which, if you would like to support PBTA then I just got a big shipment of T-Shirts: (thinking that maybe you don’t need the best, top quality gear maybe you just want a darn T-Shirt, well then boom gotcha covered) SHOP APPAREL.
This is not really a hike. It is more of a nice little outing in nature. Just a real pleasant walk through Ponderosa Pines, to a quiet and tranquil scene of a slow flowIng river that started at that spot. Along with the spectacular river scene, which is absolutely idyllic, you will take in picturesque green meadows, beautiful fir trees and Mt Jefferson perfectly framed. What a zen like place.
What is unusual about the phenomenon that is the Head of the Metolius is that most of the time rivers are started by mountain snow run off, or a bunch of springs all which join together over a pretty good chunk of land to form a river, that is not the case here. The Head Waters of the Metolius River comes right out of the ground right at that spot, and not in a trickle by any means. We are talking 50,000 gallons a minute.
After checking out this peaceful setting we stopped by the quintessential General Store type of establishment that is a must do. Just outside the doors the river runs by and there is great fishing to be had.
Really cool outing for the whole family.
“A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.” -Laura Gilpin
Thanks to my good friend Bruce for sharing this enchanting scene as we adventured across Central Oregon, and thank you for joining us ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. If you liked the post then take a second and COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you glance up at the menu you will see that PBTA goes to many different locations you might just find a few to put on your list. Please note that each locations is a separate site and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. For the very best quality adventure gear stop by PBTA’s SHOP APPAREL.
Black Butte Trail is a fun and popular hike in Central Oregon not far from Bend. The views along the way are worth the price of admission, which by the way you will need an America the Beautiful or other more local pass for parking. Like many of the mountains in the area Black Butte has volcanic origins. It is an extinct stratovolcano.
Your hike starts out in beautiful lush green forest. Enjoy the shade while you can as you will climb out of the forest and that will be the end of the shade. The views from Black Butte are utterly amazing along much of the hike. Even the forest provides peak-a-boo glimpses to spur you on along the trail. On top the Cascades come into full view and they are outstanding. Tam McArther Rim, Broken Top, the Sisters, Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, and Mount Adams all laid out before you like the most lavish banquet for the soul.
Mount Washington
North Sister elevation 10, 090’
Sisters
Cascade Mountains
Cupola Building 1924 observation and living quarters.
Mount Jefferson elevation 10,497’
TFJ, Three Fingered Jack, elevation 7,844’
Mount Washington
Tam McArthur Rim, South and North Sister is blocking Middle Sister, and Belknap Crater
Sisters
Tam McArthur Rim, South and North Sister is blocking Middle Sister, and Belknap Crater
Mount Washington elevation 7,794’
Three Fingered Jack through the firs.
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.”-Henry David ThoreauBlack Butte
I appreciate you joining my good friend Bruce and I as we found ourselves drinking from the cup of replenishment ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ with the Cascade Mountains on display in all their splendor. To take in so much beauty all at once is almost staggering. Nature has a way of bringing that needle back into balance offsetting our hectic lives and that is exactly what PBTA is all about. There is much more to come. Be sure to COMMENT, FOLLOW, SHARE, and LIKE. Stop by SHOP APPAREL and gear up and then get your boots dusty. Need a place to go? Checkout the menu above each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.
What a wonderful day to be experiencing Oregon at it’s best. I joined my good friend and Fraternity Brother Bruce for several days of journeying into incredible beauty, as he hosted these first days of Summer “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“. Our days were filled with some of the bluest skies you’ll ever see, stunning views of the snow capped Cascade Mountains and on this day from a kayak, surrounded by deep sapphire blue water.
Waldo Lake is the second largest and second deepest natural lake in Oregon. It’s waters are some of the purest and cleanest on earth. On a calm day it is said that you can see over 100 feet deep. The lake is a little less than 6 miles long by 3 miles wide, and the nearest major city is Eugene about 70 miles south. Waldo Lake is surrounded by thick, green, lush forests of Douglas Firs and Western Hemlock, and it is a perfect spot for hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and kayaking.
It was early in the season, as we did hit a few patches of snow driving along our route, but it was crazy that we had this big beautiful lake all to ourselves. We launched from Shadow Bay and we only saw a few other people- some hikers and a mountain biker. There was a light, but building breeze as we paddled through the indigo water, and took in views of the mountains to include Broken Top, South Sister and Middle Sister. We headed across the lake against the wind thinking if it really came up strong that it would be at our back for our return trip. We also figured that once we got to the other shore the forest would provide a wind break as well. We put in some miles as we struck out for Rhododendron Island which wasn’t in bloom, but full of natural beauty just the same. We circumnavigated the small island taking pictures and video to recreate Bruce’s daughter‘s perfect day, which the two experienced last year together.
If timing is everything then it sounds like we hit the nail on the head. Not only was the weather perfect, but it sounded like we dodged a bullet. We kayaked Hosmer Lake earlier in the morning, and met a Stand Up Paddle Boarder that told us his favorite lake was Waldo Lake because of it’s vast beauty and it’s deep blue water, but that he would never go there again due to the mosquitos. Well, we seemed to have escaped that issue. We experienced none of that, although we did bring the insecticide and head nets. The hikers we encountered in the parking lot, who make this an annual pilgrimage, said that this is the perfect time to come. It is all timing when everything just opens up with the snow melt and before the mosquitos are out in force.
The water was amazing, the scenery was stunning, the exercise was perfect, recanting our college days was awesome, what a great time! When can we do it again?
The pictures you always hear don’t do the experience justice, nor does video clips, but video is a little closer because of the moment of water. We launched into Waldo Lake out of Shadow Bay.Shadow Bay at Waldo LakeBruce lands his kayak on Rhododendron Island.Worry less, paddle more.
Thanks for joining Bruce and I as we paddled- “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“, on this pristine and gorgeous lake in the Wilds of Central Oregon. It doesn’t matter the question a little wilderness is the answer. Good, friends, paddles, blue sky, blue water- “Ya’ Just Gotta Love It!“ Bruce and I still have adventures left to put to pen. So make sure that you COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE– you don’t want to miss a single moment to be inspired by nature. Hopefully this will get you out there in the wilderness taking it all in. It’s good for the soul. Need a hat like my PBTA logo cap? The answer is yes you do, lol. SHOP APPAREL. Need adventure? Again same answer- yes you do, so go to the menu- there are suggestions for adventures all over the West. Each of the locations has a separate website and you should check them out. They all need to be FOLLOWED independently.
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.
Original quote from Roger Jenkins of Pursuing Balance Through Adventure, and important message regarding the Corona Virus, as part of my regular postings. Please Click Below
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‘:
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’
Oregon Hiking 