Tag Archives: Day Hike

Highway of Waterfalls, Hot Springs

Umpqua Hot Springs

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UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Hot Springs Soaking

>1 mile, 250′ elevation gain, >1hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 19, 2025

Umpqua Hot Springs can be found in Umpqua National Forest not far off of the High Way of Falls, Hwy 138 also know as the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway.

Camp for the night.

This was part of my Epic Road Trip that I took from SoCal to Washington adventuring my way there and back. The night before I found a great dispersed camping spot off of the old logging road not far from the Hot Springs. I was a little apprehensive about driving back on this lonely road, seemingly in the middle of the wilderness that evening. It was evident by the debris that things can tumble down the adjacent steep wooded hillside such as limbs, rocks and even trees and boulders. Many of which could block me in. I suppose that all adds to the adventure.

I arrived at the trailhead for Umpqua Hot Springs which is a fee area and my America the Beautiful Pass suited me just fine for that. It is a short hike to the Hot Springs. A portion of the trail is a bit steep and can be slippery depending on the weather. There is a little bridge that crosses the scenic North Umpqua River.

Bridge over the North Umpqua River

The Umpqua Hot Springs is in a idlic location. Old growth forest to gaze out upon the hot pools are just above the river. There are multiple pools and the water temperature varies somewhat in each one.

Umpqua Hot Springs

I have read some bad reports about trash, but there was none of that when I was there.

You should be forewarned that this Oregon Hot Springs is clothing optional. When I was there it was about 50-50.

The pools were a melting pot of sorts, with all age groups, shapes, sizes, genders and colors represented in the option of birthday suits. The pools were a melting pot of sorts, It wasn’t crowded, but certainly well stocked.

There is an abrupt decline down to the river and even a hot springs pool down next to the water which is not as warm as the ones above. So if you are over heated from the hot springs you can do a Cold Plunge in the river for maximum health benefits.

Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure YouTube Channel
Umpqua Hot Springs
CLICK THE PIC!
“In the gentle embrace of hot springs, worries dissolve like steam and we rediscover the essence of our true selves, refreshed and reawakened.” – Traveller’s Elixir

Umpqua Hot Springs is set in a magical environment. Nature provided the state of zen: hot water and the pools, the rugged, but beautiful forest scenery, and the calming sounds of a lovely river. All you have to do is bring your suit… or not. Very relaxing to be ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’ in this enchanting spot. So that you can be informed of more adventures please do this: FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE.  If you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire in the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Be sure to visit SHOP APPAREL for all your Adventure Wear needs because although the hot springs maybe clothing optional most of the rest of the world in not, so cover yourself with PBTA hats, beanies and shirts.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Highway of Waterfalls

Toketee Falls

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

1 mile, 130′ elevation gain, < 1hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 18, 2025

Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure
YouTube Channel
Toketee Falls
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My ‘epic roadtrip’ from SoCal to the Pacific Northwest took to me to many spectacular places with so many extraordinary views. Toketee Falls with it’s approximately 120′ drop over two sections was not the tallest or the most powerful waterfall of my trip, but it will forever be etched in my mind and in my soul.

Toketee Falls and it’s setting defines beauty, splendor and magnificence. It simply takes your breath- stripping away all worry and woe. Your eyes get big, a feeling of calm settles over you and time stops.

Located in the Umpqua National Forest along Oregon’s stunning Highway of Waterfalls the hike to Tokeete Falls is about a mile through a wonderful old growth forest of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Red Cedar. Staircases, footbridges and a viewing platform at the end makes it a short moderate little hike.

This pothole resembles a heart from this angle, formed by swirling sediment.

In the Native American Chinok language “Toketee” means “pretty or graceful.” Pretty and graceful are just the start of the superlatives attempting to describing this amazing vision. I am here to say that the Ancient People as well as Modern Man cannot easily paint the picture in words to describe the feeling and the beauty of this incredible natural phenomenon.

Tokettee Falls

From the observation deck Toketee Falls plunges 120′ into a stadium of columnar basalt rock. I noticed a couple of risk-taking 20 somethings sneaking through the fence at the observation deck to go down to the falls. Fool-heartedly I attempted to follow the daredevils using a ratty rope tied onto a root making my way down a near vertical cliff. I went down the first sketchy section then regained my wits after seeing the next section was even worse realizing I was not 20. People have died trying to get a better look at this falls. So such shenanigans is not advised. Still afterwards I wished I had finished going down the cliff.

After a day of chasing waterfalls it was time to find a dispersed campsite in the Umpqua National Forest. I headed down a Jeep Trail past Umpqua Hot Springs, which was to be the next days event. Further and further I four-wheeled down this desolate logging road. It became a bit worrisome when I saw trees that had fallen from the hillside above across parts of the trail. I could get around them, however what if one fell during the night and completely blocked the Jeep Trail? A number of trees looked rather precarious along with boulders and the like.

Camp for the night.

I scouted a couple spots where I could pull in off of the road and found one that was perfect. I could tuck in nicely and far enough that I would not easily be spotted from the dirt road. It was in beautiful forest, had plenty of space for my rig and even had a fire ring. Hunters or someone had used this spot before. I did not start a fire as I wasn’t sure if it was allowed during the Summer, plus I would be ready to turn in as soon as the long shadows of evening turned into the black of night. Tomorrow would come early and there were more Adventures to Pursue.

There are places that are not only visited but felt.  The waterfall carries all of the fatigue away in its wake.  

From the moment I saw a picture of Toketee Falls I knew that I had to travel there and experience it for myself. Toketee Falls is simply magical and the basalt rock framing it makes it both lovely and picturesque in the most unique manner. Thanks for joining me chasing waterfalls in the captivating Umpqua National Forest. Tokeete Waterfall is a stress reducer, gazing out at the falls lowers anxiety, improves your mood scientifically by lowering cortisol while increasing dopamine. This is what ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’ is all about. This is what Nature can do for you. However, when you listen to the thundering falls, and take in the visually stunning beauty of the waterfall you aren’t contemplating the scientific effects this scene has on your psyche because you are too busy being bewitched by it’s magnificence. Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls has more wonders in-store just ahead so stick around by doing a couple easy tasks,  FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE.  If you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire in the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Be sure to visit SHOP APPAREL for all your Adventure Wear needs, plus it helps support this PBTA initiative.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Highway of Waterfalls, Water Falls

Watson Falls

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

Date: September 18, 2025

Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure
YouTube Channel
Watson Falls
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I was on my road trip from SoCal to the Pacific Northwest, which took me to many extraordinary places and certainly the Highway of Falls aka the Rogue-Umpqua River Scenic Byway was one such spot,

If you are going to be chasing waterfalls Highway 138 needs to be on your list. I was Westbound after traveling down Highway 97 from Bend Oregon. As far as the Highway of Waterfalls, my first stop was Clearwater Falls and the second was White Horse Falls.

Watson Falls

Stop number three was one of the highest waterfalls in the state of Oregon, Watson Falls. The water crashes a short distance from the upper falls before plummeting 294′ over the edge, free falling to the rocks below.

It is a short hike to the falls. I passed through an old growth forest of Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock along the path adorned with lush greenery and vibrant ferns. The path was a bit steep in places gaining 374′ in elevation. The bubbling sound of the creek and the background noise of the falls added to the enchantment of this place.

When you reach the base of the beautiful falls you are greeted with mist, moss a site to behold.

“Mesmerized by the beauty of this incredible waterfall cascading peacefully down a moss-covered cliff deep in the forest.  The sound of rushing water and the glow of sunlight filtering through the trees make it feel like stepping into a dream of pure Pacific Northwest serenity.” – Matt Swack   

I appreciate you chasing waterfalls with me in lovely Umpqua National Forest. Waterfalls like Watson Falls brings about a feeling of peace and tranquility. It is such a wonderful feeling that you want to do it again and again. Luckily for me I was in the perfect place for that as Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls does just that, presents one after another. “Ya’ just gotta’ luv’ it!” The reason my labor of love, that I call ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’, exists is to inspire you to 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… A good way to get started is to FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE.  If you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire in the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Yes, that is a PBTA cap upon my head. You can buy one at SHOP APPAREL along with various Adventure Wear items. Be sure to check them out.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Highway of Waterfalls, Water Falls

WHITE HORSE FALLS

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

Date: September 18, 2025

The Highway of Falls aka the Rogue-Umpqua River Scenic Byway is an exquisite spot to be chasing waterfalls as there is one after another along Highway 138 as I headed West after traveling down Highway 97 from Bend Oregon. The first stop was Clearwater Falls and the experience was only getting better.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
YouTube Channel
White Horse Falls
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This segment of my “epic roadtrip” from SoCal to Washington State was ending with this route along this wonderful “Highway of Falls” in green, lush spectacular Oregon.

Epic Road Trip

Now this is the type of Adventure one Pursues to gain Balance via Nature. Falling, cascading, rushing water tumbling over a cliff. The sound, the feel, the taste, the visual satisfaction, waterfalls are pure magic.

White Horse Falls has a short hike and a short 15′ drop, but what it is not short on is natural beauty. This lovely waterfall on the Clearwater River, in Southwest Oregon is an easy stop. The waterfall is set in a wooded picturesque setting, moss covered rock, framed by a peaceful tranquil old-growth forest.

Fallen timber has been tossed about it’s clear cool pool all part of this exquisite scene which can be viewed from the observation deck, so this waterfall is easy for one and all to checkout the affect that Nature and water can have on the human soul, mind and spirit.

“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says its natures way of laughing, go with the flow, and if you’re flexible falling won’t hurt you.” -Dreadhead_Derek

The waterfalls are getting better on this quest for bigger, taller, stronger, prettier, more magnificent. It’s all good. They are all beautiful on this Oregon “Highway of Waterfalls!” ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, Chasing Waterfalls, ya’ just gotta’ luv it ! 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.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

Water Falls, Willamette Valley National Forest

Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls Trails

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Willamette National Forest

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

4.2 miles, 758’ elevation gain, 2.5 hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 18, 2025

As part of my “Epic Road Trip” where I traveled from SoCal exploring many exciting and beautiful places in California, Oregon and Washington I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in Central Oregon.

Once again I had a yearning to chase waterfalls and Oregon has some of the best.

(Checkout my trip to Silver Falls which has so many fabulous falls and all accessible if you are willing to hike a little… well, maybe a more than a little.)

The hike I chose on this day encompassed two stunning waterfalls. It was a lovely hike through verdant forest, beside a still lake and along cliffs presenting sweeping views overlooking a breathtaking rugged gorge.

Salt Creek Falls

From the parking area I took Salt Creek Falls Trail. The magnificence of Salt Creek Falls is only a hop and a skip away for those in a hurry or perhaps less mobile. But- the way to experience this treat of nature, these extraordinary waterfalls, is to hike them.

I stuck my head over the side to take in the view and indeed it was spectacular. It is easy to become mesmerized by the tumbling water as it flings its flow over the cliff, falling 286′ to the turbulent dark pool below. (Second highest waterfall in the State, the first is Multnomah Falls.)

I had to break myself of its spell and follow the trail down down down to an observation spot to see its wonders from a different angle and as you might imagine it did not disappoint.

Then I retraced my steps back up to the top never missing an opportunity for another glimpse even if I had just seen it on the way down. Once on top I had to tear myself away again and ramble on down the trail connecting with Diamond Creek Falls Trail.

My trek was a delight with one final view up close and personal of Salt Creek Falls just before it goes airborne. I passed ‘Too Much Bear Lake’, which I am sure was named that for a good reason, but on this day I did not see any bear.

I would cross the stream a couple times and carefully creep up to the side of the cliff, which warning signs hand mentioned beforehand.

The trail led through an enchanting forest, pine scent and all. The sound of the flowing stream was a constant companion, but as I drew closer to my next objective the welcome sound of crashing water beckoned me onward.

Diamond Creek Falls was much different than Salt Creek Falls both incredible in their own way. The water coming down Diamond Creek Falls fanned out, tumbling down the slanted face of the moss covered rock to the shallow pool below, perfectly framed by lush forest.

Diamond Creek Falls
How about this chair carved from a stump?
How cool is this log stair case?
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls
CLICK THE PIC!
“Moving through lush forest vegetation to reveal a stunning waterfall pouring gracefully over a rocky grotto deep in the woods.  The sound of rushing water thunders through the canyon – a perfect moment of peace surrounded by nature’s beauty.” – Matt Swack

Thanks for joining me on my epic Road Trip from SoCal through Pinnacles National Park and then Mount Shasta in NoCal. I traveled on to my main event, Backpacking the Mount Jefferson Wilderness in Oregon. Afterwards I journeyed to the Northern parts of Washington. During my return I visited Mount Rainier National Park and outlying areas. I then set my sights on the Highway of Waterfalls. How intriguing does that sound? My tour would encompass many waterfalls in close proximity such that I could do it justice and complete this endeavor in just a couple days of hiking. This undertaking would leave me enchanted, spellbound and my soul full. There are many waterfalls to come so I wholeheartedly suggest that you LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you like the hat I have on in the pictures then I invite you to go to SHOP APPARELfor 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

Smith Rock

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‘

Willamette Valley

Bald Hill Trail System

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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.

Oregon State University Stadium

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.

Paved Bike Path

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.

Mary’s Peak off in the distance
Feeling good-natured

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

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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

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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

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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.
Gold Beach
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