Todd Lake Loop Trail

January 18, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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

Tumalo Mountain trail

January 14, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR BEND OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 29, 2019

Distance 4 miles, 1,440’ elevation change, 3 hour duration, rated Moderate

Tumalo Mountain, a shield volcano, sits adjacent to majestic Mountain Bachelor near Bend Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest. At over 7700’ it affords wonderful views of Mt Bachelor at 9000’. From the top Tumalo Mountain is optimally located for spanning views of the northwest. Splendidly on display are the Sister’s Mountains, Broken Top and in the other direction Tam McArthur Rim.

Something very special for me to observe was occurring while I was on top of Tumalo Mountain. Yesterday in the late afternoon I was hiking Tumalo Falls. During the hike there was a light rain and distant lightening and thunder. That lightening touched off small forest fires in the area and fire fighters were working hard to make sure they stayed small. From my vantage point atop Tumalo Mountain I could see the aerial attack on that fire and found it fascinating. Crews made drops over and over with orange fire retardant to halt the advancing fire. Thank you fire-fighters for your valiant efforts.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required, and during the winter, if you are snow shoeing, a Snow Pass is required for parking. The trail gains altitude from the get-go as you weave through a sparse evergreen forest, an alpine meadow, until you reach an open portion at the top adorned with twisted white bark pines, and craggy trees. The backside of Tumalo Mountain confirms it’s volcanic origins with a steep hillside of volcanic pumice scree.

I highly recommend this hike. I hike mostly during the week, so the fact that this is a popular hike, simply because it is a great hike with superb views, is close to Bend, and is easy to get to, doesn’t affect me as much, but be aware that if you are hiking prime time – prime season that you won’t be alone. You know that you must be spoiled, in this manner, when you are hiking on a Thursday, and you discover a very chatty group is coming up behind you. I pulled over and let them go by. I believe that they figured out the reason that I stopped, mentioning something along the lines and apologizing. I replied. “Good morning, there is plenty of mountain for everyone.”

Mt. Bachelor playing peak-a-boo through the trees.

**It is funny to think that in just a few short months Mt Bachelor will be packed with skiers and snow boarders, being one of the finest resorts in the country.**

**Fire Fighters drop fire repellent just in front of the fire to keep it from spreading.**

The backside of Tumalo Mountain is steep, made up of volcanic pumice scree.

Thanks for coming along on this journey of mine ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. It is my hope that my accounts will inspire you to seek your own counter balance to our busy work a day world through profound encounters with nature. Besides the stretching of the legs, and the breathing of mountain air, it is about setting the soul soaring to the mountain tops, the deserts, the oceans, rivers, lakes or canyons. If you are unable to take an adventure of this nature, for whatever reason, then do so vicariously through me and together we will experience freeing our souls through this medium. So please COMMENT, FOLLOW, LIKE, and SHARE.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure Videos regarding the hike

Tumalo Mt in the Shadow of Mt Bachelor

Views of Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt Bachelor from Tumalo Mt.

Firefighters make aerial assault on Wildfire as seen from Tumalo Mt.

Tumalo Falls & Double Falls

January 10, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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.

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

Burma Road Loop

December 31, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

NEAR TERREBONNE, OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 28, 2019

Distance: 7 miles, 1,253’ elevation change, 4.5 hours duration rated Moderate.

Smith Rock is one of those special places that is almost spiritual it is so beautiful. This was my second time to hike at Smith Rock, the last was hiking up Misery Ridge a few years ago with my fraternity brother Marcus, my son Alec, (then about 12), and a bunch of college guys, friends of Macus’s son. I found Misery Ridge to be aptly named for the crazy switch backs and quick elevation change, not only a challenge, but a stunningly beautiful hike and a fantastic climb.

Wanting a different hike and experience I chose the Burma Road Loop. The loop is made up of multiple trails: The Chute, River, Summit, Burma Road and Wolf Tree Trails. It completely circumnavigates Smith Rock so you view it from every angle including looking down at it from the neighboring ridge. So any thoughts that this would be easier than Misery Ridge would be mistaken. Actually it is less aggressive in my opinion as the elevation is more spread out and over a longer distance. That being said however, there is a section with some fairly challenging switch backs as well.

The trail drops down to the Crooked River which surrounds Smith Rock on three sides almost like a moat adorning an majestic castle. At this point the trail is easy following the awe inspiring walls of Smith Rock and along the River Trail, which is fabulous.

This was one of the hottest days of the year expecting to top out at 96 degrees. I was glad that I was getting an early start at 7:30 AM, which was most pleasant in the mid seventies, but by the time I completed my journey it was about 90.

As I mentioned, the Crooked River wraps around Smith Rock. On the backside I headed up into a high desert scene. This is where the elevation starts going up and at a pretty quick rate with a number of switchbacks until you have a wonderful view of the river, the valley, Smith Rock, and the Cascade Mountains off in the distance. Just an spectacular view and with the wonderful rock faces and formations of Smith Rock it is simply a must do.

As I dropped in elevation the single track trail joined a double track road that was steep and not interesting, well… aside from the adjacent view of Smith Rock. My point is taking the Burma Road Loop clockwise is the way to go because going up a steep boring road with no switch backs would not be as pleasant, but working my way down it quickly with views of the valley and Smith Rock was perfect.

Once down to the valley floor there are more rock formations to take in, a wooded area, and then back to a delightful adventure along the Crooked River with ducks and geese, and a beaver. What an adventure filled with wonder… when you are Pursuing Balance Through Adventure.

“**What do I do for a a living? I live for a living.” -Peter Karina**

Wow, Smith Rock, ya’ just gotta’ luv it! Adventure and Balance is what we are pursuing so FOLLOW, LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE so together we can accomplish this type of harmony.

Roger Jenkins Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Video Clips of Smith Rock ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure‘

Paulina Falls Trail

December 25, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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.

“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.

Paulina Peak Trail

December 22, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR LA PINE, OREGON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: August 27, 2019

Distance: 6 miles, 1,600’ elevation gain, 3.5 hours duration, rated Difficult

Paulina Peak Trail is a wonderful hike from lakeside at Paulina Lake, through a delightful forest. The first mile is easy, as you hike through thick forest, but progressively gets more difficult as it rises in elevation. The trees get larger and more spread out. By mile three you know it’s difficult when your heels don’t touch with each step and your breathing is accelerated. Pictures, of course, never show the incline. Finally the peak comes into view over the greenery of the forested land. As you rise even higher in altitude the White Pine becomes the predominant vegetation. There are some nice educational pieces regarding this species near the top. The scenic view of the blue lakes, both Paulina Lake and East Lake, along with the magnificent Cascade range in the distance takes you aback, it is a sensational experience.

Once on top, at an Elevation closing in on 8000’, the vista is amazing in every direction. In my title shot can be seen the Three Sisters, a bit of Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor. Besides the sight of the exquisite Cascades from Mt. Adams all the way to Mt. McLoughlin, Paulina Lake and East Lake, you have a nice view peering down on the Obsidian Flow. Paulina Peak is the highest point of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and dozens of small cinder cones can be seen rising from the volcanic plain surrounding the Newberry Crater.

This makes the Paulina Peak Trail a must do. The humorous thing is that I could have driven to see this spectacular view. I was disappointed that after hiking a strenuous trail to find at the peak there was a parking lot. So I good naturedly ribbed a guy and his young teen son’s about them driving while I hiked up a tough trail. He replied, “Good for your heart.” Which I thought was nice, but then he added, “You need it, you are not skinny.” Okay… I thought that might have been a step to far, lol. But everyone can certainly use more exercise and that is part of what Pursuing Balance Through Adventure is all about.

Paulina Peak with a view of Paulina Lake

Obsidian Flow, part of Newberry Crater Volcanic Monument.

**Life is like a mountain, hard to hike, but once you get to the top, the view is beautiful.**

Thank you ever so much for joining me ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ to the top of Paulina Peak. Let’s meet up again and the way to do that is LIKE, FOLLOW, COMMENT, and SHARE.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Ya’ Just Gotta’ luv’ it!

Now this is what I am talking about.

Deschutes River Trail

December 14, 2019 Roger Jenkins 2 Comments

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.

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*

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

Tam McArthur Rim Trail

December 10, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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.

**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.

Welcome to Oregon Hiking

December 6, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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

Pursuing Balance through Adventure