Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls
Date: September 18, 2025
During the return portion of my “epic roadtrip” from SoCal into the Pacific Northwest enjoying the bounties of Nature and the stunning beauty of Oregon and Washington, I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in the form of chasing waterfalls. Chasing waterfalls is one of my favorite activities and Oregon is chock full of them!
I was just at Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls which only wet my appetite for more. In researching Oregon Waterfalls I heard of the “Highway of Waterfalls’ and that seemed to be exactly what the doctor ordered.
“Highway of Waterfalls” is a nickname given to a portion of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. The “Highway of Waterfalls” I enter from the Highway 97 to Hwy 138. It boasts one after another proper waterfalls. I headed West on Hwy 138 “The Highway of Waterfalls. My First stop Clearwater Falls.
Clearwater Falls
It is a very short hike, in fact I think I would consider it more of a stroll, but the forest is thick and bountiful. Clearwater Falls is about 30′ tall so it is not as overpowering to the senses as some of the tall thundering waterfalls, that being said it is rather enchanting. At the bottom of the falls is a log jam of timber. Some of the logs and boulders are encased with thick vibrant green moss.
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel Clearwater Falls CLICK THE PIC!
Grace be the waterfall in the wild of my mind.
Very delightful and appealing waterfall. So excited for more of these Oregon beauties along the “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 pleaseLIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, andFOLLOW. Also checkout SHOP APPARELfor all of your Adventure Wear needs. It’s all top quality.
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.
42 miles, 10,630’ elevation gain, 4 days out, rated HARD
Date: 9/7-10/22
Day 4
11 Miles with 3993’ Elevation Gain
After a restful night, lulled to sleep by the sound of the tumbling water cascading down the face of Romona Falls, I packed up my tent and stuffed it into my backpack for the last time on this journey. I spent some time, before we set out on our final day of this spectacular trek around Mt Hood, sitting next to the glorious falls letting it’s magic envelop me.
Romona Falls
I had an important task to complete, doctoring the blisters that I had undoubtedly received from miles of hiking in wet boots when we waded through the frigid water at Elliott Glacier Stream.
It would be a long hard day with the elevation gain being almost double that of any of the other days. There would be a long slog out of windy, dusty, canyons. We would experience more water crossings, one of which I decided that my best bet across the Zig Zag River was to do the standing broad jump from a rock to the shore with my heavy pack- and hooray, I stayed dry! There was more smoke in the sky from the nearby wildfires. But there were thick green forests to enjoy and handfuls of huckleberries to consume.
We maneuvered through a portion of forest with downed timber that we had to clamber over, under or around, and up a steep switch back trail. One spot seemed particularly treacherous with massive logs precariously perched above being held in place by saplings. It was quite unnerving to come around the bend and find trail all but wiped out by such a tree coming down the mountainside.
It was a bit worrisome to see large fallen trees precariously perched just above held in place by saplings. Some large timber had fallen in places just about wiping out the trail.
It was tiring, it was hard, it was glorious! Finally late in the afternoon I spied a most welcome sight, that of the roof of the Timberline Lodge which signified the end of the fantastic journey.
What a wonderful four days that Anthony and I spend with Mother Nature on arguably the Best Hike in America, Timberline Trail.
‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ YouTube Channel. The best way to view a waterfall is with motion. CLICK THE PIC!
“These type of adventures do a body good, but it is the soul that finds it most beneficial.” – Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Thanks for accompanying my Through Hiker friend Anthony and I on this multi day backpacking extravaganza. Day 1,Day 2,Day 3 When you work hard toward a goal, but the reward of each step is profound beauty than it is not hard, it is soul nurturing. This my friends is what ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ is all about. Such a trek brings so much balance into the grind that can be everyday life. The circumnavigation of Mount Hood is a grind, but such a beautiful grind and I invite you to stay with PBTA because there is alway more. It is not the destination, but the journey that brings that balance. Stay tuned by completing these easy tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. We all need to seek out more journeys. As an aid to your discovering your own expedition I invite you to go the menu above where I have categorized outings mostly by location. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You will find Adventure Wear with the prized PBTA logo and mantra at SHOP APPAREL.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
Oregon Hiking 