Tag Archives: Central Oregon

Head of the Metolius

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Deschutes National Forest

Near Camp Sherman

Activity: Sight Seeing, Nature Walk

Distance half mile, elevation change 30’, rated EASY

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.

Checkout the Free Drawing for Free PBTA Merch which runs through 11-15-20.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Black Butte

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CAMP SHERMAN, OREGON

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

4 miles, 6,436’ elevation, 1,538’ elevation change, 3 hour duration, rated Moderate

June 4, 2020

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 Thoreau
Black 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.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Waldo Lake

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WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

WALDO LAKE WILDERNESS

Activity: Kayaking, Scenic Views

Date: June 3, 2020

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 Lake
Bruce 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.

See you in the great outdoors,

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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

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

Tumalo Mountain trail

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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.
  • Background is Mt Bachelor, Sisters, and Broken Top. Foreground is volcanic pumice scree.
Home is where the mountains are.

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

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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

Burma Road Loop

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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.

  • Climbers at Smith Rock
  • Looking down on Misery Trail
  • Snack break
    “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

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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.

    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