Tag Archives: Day Hike

Burma Road Loop

December 21, 2025 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‘

Willamette Valley

Bald Hill Trail System

September 5, 2025 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

BALD HILL NATURAL AREA

NEAR CORVALLIS, OREGON

Activity: Sight Seeing, Nature Walk

3 mile, elevation gain 328’, rated Moderate

The Bald Hill Natural Area in the Corvallis area is a community treasure. It is not something that you would go out of your way to partake in, but if you live in the area it is fantastic.

As an alumni of Oregon State University I returned to campus for the first time since my graduation to attend an event at my fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. It was awesome to be back on campus, see my fraternity brothers, and take a walk down memory lane. The campus is beautiful and I got to checkout the “new to me” stadium as we all attended the Football game.

I stayed with my fraternity brother, Oregon hiking buddy and good friend Bruce Petersen. Being hikers we of course needed to fit in at least a little hike. Bruce introduced me to his local Corvallis hike in the Bald Hill Trail System.

It was so fun to be out in the country even if it was along a paved bike trail, but lo and behold I discovered that that this natural area had a little bit of something for everyone.

It could be an easy hike or a little more moderate as we went off onto an actual dirt trail with some little switchbacks. I loved the tree cover with a variety of different types of vegetation. We even enjoyed wild berries for a snack.

So in summary Bald Hill Trail System is fun in a variety of ways road and mountain bikers, walkers, horses and hikers all enjoy nice views of the Willamette Valley and Coast Range Mountains.

Thanks to my good friend and fraternity brother Bruce for sharing his great local spot. We enjoyed this nature hike in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Much appreciation to our readers for joining us at ‘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 to-do list. Please note that each locations is a separate site and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. For the very best quality adventure gear, as pictured stop by PBTA’s SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Water Falls

Silver Falls

June 20, 2022 Roger Jenkins 1 Comment

Silver Falls State Park

Activity: Camping, Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

7.2 miles, 1224’ elevation gain, 2.5 hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: May 25 & 26, 2022

Silver Falls was a stop we made on our Road Trip from SoCal to Washington. It is outside of the city of Silverton and not far from Salem. I had been there once or twice as a boy and never forgot it and I wanted my son Alec and daughter Marina to experience it’s magic.

We were short on time and made a push from one last outing at Yosemite all the way to Silver Falls not arriving at the Silver Falls State Park Campgrounds until well past quiet time. I think we woke up half the campground as we pulled my Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro into our reserved camp spot. I know that we woke our neighbor as it took us awhile to get situated and set up the tent. He asked, “Are you about done?” – Sorry…

About an hour or so after zipping up my sleeping bag I heard a noise just outside my tent. I wiped the sleep from my eyes and though maybe that guy is really mad because he is right outside the fly of my tent. I got the flashlight and unzipped the tent not sure what was going on to find myself eye to eye with a cute little raccoon. He was cute for about 5 seconds as he had eaten a hole in our food bag and was munching away. I tried to shoo him away and saw that there were two of them and they were right in my face and they were not backing off, but inching forward despite me waving the flashlight at them. They were not worried about me at all rather each other. I did not know that raccoons growled, but it started as a low guttural growl and grew into a loud hissing crazy thing. About another hour after that disturbance all hell broke loose a few camp spots away and it sounded like World War Raccoon had just broke out with a whole gang of raccoons going at each other.

After a long drive and lots of activities the only thing that was going to get my kids up was camp grill breakfast. After eating, getting cleaned up and packed up we headed for the falls.

Silver Falls is the largest State Park in Oregon. It has a couple dozen miles of hiking paths across it’s 9,000 plus acres. In addition to that there are horse and bike trails as well. Silver Falls is a waterfall lovers paradise. You can see 10 stunning falls in less than an 8 mile hike. The forest is lush and spectacular, the stream are flowing and fabulous, but the star of this show is the waterfalls and boy are they certainly don’t disappoint. One would be happy with some of the little side show waterfalls that we are not even counting, but the 10 waterfalls are lovely, enchanting, and whimsical.

If you happen to be ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ I cannot think of a better way than chasing waterfalls and at Silver Falls there are plenty to chase.

My son Alec summed it up like this: “If I could only go on one hike for the rest of my life it would be this one”. Marina nodded in agreement to her brothers statement.

The only way to view a waterfall is in motion. Please CLICK THE PIC for the PBTA YouTube Channel Episode.

**Life Like A Waterfall**
**Between the rocks of mountains**
**Emerged as the purest of spring**
**Gushing, whooshing and pushing**
**Over the rock by bashing and crushing**
**Ferocious water swash**
**Cold and strong making its own path**
**Tickling over pebbles**
**tumbling, whizzing and then swishing**
**Curving tight round the bend**
**Terrifying plunges wilder onto the rocks**
**Finally cascading down**
**Creating incredible splash**
**Loud with echoing sound**
**Leaving the waterfall starting to calm**
**Now flowing gently as a river**
**Leaving the trails of thrashing life behind.**

**Alec and Marina behind the looking glass.**

Thanks for joining Alec, Marina and I as part of our Chasing Waterfalls Road Trip at Silver Falls, certainly one of the most enchanting places we have ever been. Stay with us on this Road Trip as well as many other adventures by doing some super easy things: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you like the hat and shirt that Alec has on in the pictures then I invite you to go to SHOP APPAREL for all of your Adventure Wear needs. PBTA travels extensively throughout the West if you go to the menu above you will see that the areas are categorized by area or activity. I am sure that this will fuel ideas when planning your next adventure.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Taft Waterfront Park

March 3, 2022 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

LINCOLN CITY

Taft Waterfront Park is a lovely spot for reflection and to find peace while exploring soft, golden sand, and miles of twisted, aged grey drift wood. Turbulent waters enter Siletz Bay from the wild Pacific, yet this restless flow provides a calming affect. Brilliantly blue skies show through despite big puffy clouds unsuccessful attempt in obscuring radiant sunshine. Verdant fir trees set a boundary between this perfectly natural scene and the world of man.

**Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach.**

Thanks for joining my loving Mother Tory, Sister Peggy, and Brother in Law Dale all ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ along the beautiful Oregon Coast. My Mom’s wish to return and set eyes on the Oregon Coast one more time and feel the magnificent bounty of Mother Nature was our beloved mission. We enjoyed our time together and with Nature. Our nearby condo took in tremendous views of the waves crashing upon the beach in the wild abandonment that only the Oregon Coast can provide. World Famous Chowder is something my family cannot miss out on when going to the Oregon Coast, and “Moe’s” is our favorite. There is always a long wait since it is quite popular, but that is not a problem when you have a place like Taft Waterfront Park to enjoy.

In order to take more adventures into the splendor that is Oregon I invite you to COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you please, checkout the menu above for spots all over this great West of ours that PBTA ventures to. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You will need Adventure Wear so go to SHOP APPAREL for top quality gear that bears the PBTA logo and mantra.

Life’s a Beach-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

January 22, 2022 Roger Jenkins 2 Comments

Brookings, Oregon

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic View

Date: 10-12-21

I had Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor on my list, as I have seen the incredible pictures. Scenic doesn’t begin to describe it. Corridor however is a good word as this is not just one stop or one spot, but it is a lengthy passage.

I had one picture in my mind that was a must see, so I stopped multiple times and went on multiple little hikes. They were all short hikes and as I said numerous ones so I am going to break with my tradition of mapping out a hike in this instance, but I will say this- each hike, each stop, was amazing so you really cannot go wrong by stopping at each turn off and checking it out once you get to this Corridor. Of course the whole Highway 101 in this entire stretch is pretty extraordinary so it is all good, strike that it is all magnificent.

The pull outs have views of places with names like: Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, Thunder Rock Cove, Secret Beach, and Coast Trail. The Coast Trail and some of these trails do connect one stop to another, I know that I did that in at least one instance.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor displays immense beauty. The kind of beauty with your eyes peeled wide, you hold your breath or it will be taken away. All of your senses come alive, absorbing every minuscule detail. Time moves slower so that you can enjoy each and every minute, etching it into your mind, imprinting it on your soul. Breath in the splendor, capture the moment, take a picture with your heart, because no photo or video can record this, at least doing it any justice. The best that photos can do is serve as a reminder of this instance of how it felt. Feeling the damp air, smelling the fragrant firs mixed with the dank scent of the moist earth and the salt of the sea, hearing the crashing waves below, the cry of a lonely gull, sights of forest, ocean, cliff, tiny islands, delightful coves, rugged volcanic rock and formations that are simply divine are intoxicating. Drink in as much of Nature’s Goodness as you dare.

The colors are so strong, so vibrant, the green firs, the lush ferns, the blues and greens of the Pacific, the midday sky with its wisps of white clouds… Rambling along the perfectly forested trails that provide peek boo glimpses of the ocean beyond, the turbulent sea catches your attention, but take caution you will come across dizzying heights, so be mindful of your step. The glory that beholds can act as a Siren just as the myth of Mermaids luring seafaring men onto the rocks, but in this case the view beckoning you ever closer to the edge for that perfect view. Be warned that these cliff edges could be undercut and give way. Even some large trees have their roots eroded and exposed to air and space. This is a strange, mystical, magical and wonderful place and very powerful.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel. Click the pic and listen to the waves and see the power.

**This would be a gorgeous place for wedding pictures, but I will say around the time of this picture a wave cornered the bride and groom and soiled her beautiful gown.**

“There is pleasure in the pathless words… There is rapture on the lonely shore… There is society where none intrudes… By the deep sea and music in it’s roar… I love not man the less, but nature more… From these our interviews, in which I steal… From all I may be, or have been before. To mingle with the universe and to feel… What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.” – Lord Byron

Thank you for joining me in a forest, on a cliff with a view of complete splendor. While I found myself ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ amongst the trees, nature provided “Natural Bridges” from the busy life of man to the sweet embrace of Mother Nature. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor was a good one and I will be hard pressed to try and top this place, but try I must and try I will. To join me: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above has wonderful places throughout the West that PBTA explores check it out to spawn ideas of your next adventure. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. SHOP APPAREL has top quality adventure wear for you to adorn yourself for your journey.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley National Forest

Sahalie Falls

November 20, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Scenic View Point, Chasing Waterfalls

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.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Peak Bagging

Iron Mountain Trail

October 14, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

CASCADIA, OREGON

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

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.

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

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Head of the Metolius

October 7, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Black Butte

September 6, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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.

Cupola Building 1924 observation and living quarters.

TFJ, Three Fingered Jack, elevation 7,844’

Tam McArthur Rim, South and North Sister is blocking Middle Sister, and Belknap Crater

**“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.”-Henry David Thoreau**

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

Uncategorized

Crater Lake

February 22, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

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‘:

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’

Oregon Hiking

Tag Archives: Day Hike

Burma Road Loop

Bald Hill Trail System

Silver Falls

Taft Waterfront Park

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Sahalie Falls

Iron Mountain Trail

Head of the Metolius

Black Butte

Crater Lake

Pursuing Balance through Adventure