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Close Encounters

Of Gods, Men and the Mists of Multnomah

by M. Kim Lewis, a Pacific Northwest writer-photographer and co-owner of Main Street Adventure Tours.

On my ‘Anniversary Get-Away,‘ I got a ‘two thumbs up’ to take an extended weekend adventure to the Columbia Gorge.

We spent two nights at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, just 35 miles east of Portland on the Washington side, near the small town of Stevenson. That would be our rallying point. Crossing the bridge to Washington from Portland we took Highway 14 thinking the traffic would be less and the scenery unique. Good move.

Wild. Life.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area - Trail Guide

Coyote Creek Nature Trail, ODFWThe Coyote Creek Nature Trail - in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area outside of Eugene - winds its way through a stream-side riparian area, which is bordered on one side by Coyote Creek, and on the other by various fields and marshes. This area provides excellent habitat for many wild animals, including deer, coyote, beavers, rabbits, birds, frogs, and snakes.

A Splashy Backdrop

Exploring the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon

Deschutes River, Oregon.comHike along it, bike along it, fish it, raft it, canoe and kayak it, swim in it, or merely gaze at it while you dine. The Deschutes River, cutting like a knife through the heart of Oregon, hosts recreationalists of all pursuits and persuasions.

In the bustling city of Bend, Oregon, in the center of Oregon, the Deschutes River splashes along, bordered by a trail that runs next to homes, through the downtown core, past the shopping and dining district, and into the wild and scenic territory towards Sunriver.

On the Wings of Happenstance

The Santiam Birding Loop

Evening GrosbeakAhhh … morning coffee, the daily news, and blue skies draw my thoughts out the window. I know that spring is here, not because the month is April, or the sun is making more and more frequent appearances. No. Today, a tiny wren announces the arrival of spring, and a great big season of exploration and adventure.
There are 138 excellent birding spots in the Willamette Valley, where mild winters, fertile grasslands, and blooming trees draw a compelling variety of birds to the area year ‘round. A self-guided driving itinerary takes you from urban parks to sprawling wetlands to winding mountain trails.

The Lucky Boy Mine Trail

Exploring Blue River, Oregon

McKenzieRiverTrail.comBetween 1887-1959, over 10,000 ounces of gold came out of the Lucky Boy Mine in Blue River, Oregon. The area’s largest gold mine also yielded up hydro-quartz crystals for the casual explorer. These days, however, the gem of note is the 27-mile trail through dense forestland

So if you’re looking for a secluded, little-known trail, and you’re anywhere near the McKenzie River Valley, find the tiny little burg of Blue River, just 44 miles east of Eugene and 14 miles downstream of Vida, Oregon. Tucked into the mountains lays the super-secret trailhead to Lucky Boy Mine Trail. I can tell you the GPS coordinates (44.2121°N, 122.3456°W) or you can stop into the nearby McKenzie River Mountain Resort and owner Chris Lavoei will direct you to the trailhead.