Waterfall Wednesday #6

McKay Falls

This short waterfall cascades over an ancient basalt flow next to the town of Scotts Mills, Oregon. Located in what is known as Scotts Mills County Park, McKay Falls had once been cut off by a short dam and the flow diverted into a switchback channel. all this was done to give a local flour mill some power for operation. The mill has been long gone, but the side channel and dam still remain. A section of the dam was destroyed to allow water to flow back over the basaltic columns of the Columbia River Basalts, thus re-creating McKay Falls. Due to the side channel, and the rest of the dam, this waterfall is smaller in streamflow and steam width than it was before the mill was built.

If you feel like viewing McKay Falls, the Scotts Mills County Park is open from May 1st to October 31st. Until next time, get outside and enjoy hiking to one of the many waterfalls in the great Oregon Outdoors.

Mountain View Monday #11

Even though the Spirit Mountain Casino near the town of Grand Ronde, Oregon is one of the most visited places in Oregon, few people know why the casino was given this name. The name, as it turns out, originates from a 1,776-foot mountain just three miles north of Grande Ronde. Although this mountain is nowhere near the largest in the Oregon Coast, and looks more like a large hill, it is still called a mountain nonetheless. This mountain, along with others like it in the Coast Range most likely was formed by the folding of underlying bedrock and perhaps has some basalt sills or dikes cutting through it. Portions of it are harvested for timber; and, as you can see in the photo below, are burned after the section of forest has been clear-cut. After the burn, two trees will be planted for every tree that was harvested.

State Park Saturday #8

If you're looking for one of those lesser-known state parks, or just so happen to drive past the town of Grand Ronde, stop on by at Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area. This state park sits on a low hill just northeast of the Spirit Mountain Casino, but overlooks the real Spirit Mountain for which the casino was named after. While at Fort Yamhill, let your imagination take you back to a time when the Kalapuya and other tribes of Western Oregon were pushed onto the reservation. Maybe you can imagine yourself as one of the natives, or one of the soldiers that were stationed at this fort while you hike the interpretive trail.

While most of the buildings on the site have been long gone, a few still remain such as the Suttler's Store where people from the tribes came to trade with those at the fort. One of the Officer's Quarters had been relocated a short distance away and was used as a house for some time after the closing of Fort Yamhill. A third building, the Blockhouse - where they watched over the valley below and jailed natives and unruly soldiers alike, was dismantled, taken to the town of Dayton, and reassembled in Palmer Park.

 The relocated Officer's Quarters -- note how small it is compered to modern-day apartments.

From where the blockhouse once stood, you can see across the Grand Ronde Valley and Spirit Mountain to the northwest.

A Sentry box was placed at this location to control the movement of people - natives and settlers alike - along an ancient trail.

 A section of the Killimuck Trail still exists today as part of the trail that you walk on. Maybe someday the whole trail, or at least sections, can be once again be remade like the Ice Age trail of Wisconsin

Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area is open year-round, but I believe that Autumn is the best time to go. Not only will the Maple and Birch trees be out in full color, but there will be less crowds. On the day I went, I practically had the whole park to myself - you can see my car in the parking lot above. If you like bird watching, don't forget to bring your binoculars as many birds including the Red-tailed Hawk call this place home. So if  you are interested in the park, check out the Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area's website to find all the information you need to have a good time. Until next time, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.

Mountain View Monday # 10

While not a mountain in the typical sense, Mary's Peak in the Coast Range of Oregon is a mountain nonetheless. At just over 4,000 feet high, this small mountain can be seen from the countryside surrounding Albany and Corvallis. While it pales in comparison to Washington's 7,980 foot Mount Olympus, Mary's Peak is the highest mountain in the Coast Range of Oregon. A road takes travelers to the top, where on clear days it is said that a person can see the Cascade Peaks and the Oregon Coast. But with clouds, field burning, and fog, to see either the Cascades or the Oregon Coast is a rare occasion.

Mountain View Monday #9

Near the Willamette Pass and Odell Lake is a volcano known as Diamond Peak. This mountain was first climbed in July 1852 by William Macy and John Diamond. At under 9,000 feet, Diamond Peak is no where close to being one of the tallest in Oregon, but still its 3,000+ foot prominence allows it to stand out as you drive along the Willamette Highway. In the picture below, Diamond Peak is the big mountain on the left. The smaller cones on the right are Mount Yoran.

Earth Speak Sunday #9

The Trail by Jonathan Patzer (me)

 

Walk someplace new, 

on a trail through the trees. 

Take in the view, 

of high mountains or blue seas.

 

Past a waterfall,

or across a lava flow.

Oregon has it all,

even over deep, powdered snow.

Mid-Willamette Explorer is now up

My newest blog, featuring just the mid-Willamette Valley, is now posted. In a magazine format, the June issue is the first to be created. Check the nine articles out at Mid-Willamette Explorer

Native Talk Tuesday #10

The plant featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Rododendron macrophyllum, commonly known as the Pacific Rhododendron. This type of Rhododendron produces pink flowers from May to July, depending on elevation and latitude. Almost all Pacific Rhododendrons in the forests will be scraggly instead of the bushy rhododendrons seen in many yards across the Willamette Valley. This type of plant is found from the coast to middle elevations and range from northern California to the Canadian border.

Although more widely spread in Oregon, the Pacific Rhododendron is the state flower of Washington. This species of rhododendron readily sprouts after a clear-cut or forest fire, bringing color to cleared or burned areas.

Native Talk Tuesday #9

The plant featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Rosa nutkana, commonly known as the Nootka Rose. For those that do not know the distinction between this rose and other wild roses, it is also refered to as the Wild Rose. Usually growing to 10 feet high, with soft, straight thorns at the base of each leaflet, this rose can sometimes be seen along the roadsides of the Willamette Valley. The leaflets, which alternate along the branches, contain 5 or 7 serrated leaves. The flowers are differentiated from the Baldhip Rose as they are larger, at 1.5 to 3 inches across. Unlike the Clustered Wild Rose, the Nootka Rose has only one flower at the end of each stem.

The Nootka Rose has pink, 5-petal flowers that are up to 3 inches across.

The Nootka Rose is often found in a variety of open habitats such as along the streambanks, clearings, meadows, thickets, and along roadsides of the Pacific Northwest from Southern Oregon to Glacier Bay, Alaska; occurring from low to middle elevations. This rose was named after one of several, if not many, native tribes who placed the leaves under and over their food to flavor it and keep it from burning while being cooked. Chewed leaves were applied to bee stings, and although I wouldn't recommend it, a tea made from strips of bark from this plant was used as an eyewash for cataracts or to enhance eyesight.

The Nootka Rose growing along a country road east of Salem.

Mountain View Monday #8

Across Diamond Lake from the main campground lies a volcano with a rounded top. Due to its gentle slope, compared to other Cascade stratovolcanoes, Mount Bailey is often traveled on in winter. Those who go to snowshoe, ski, or drive a snowmobile over its slopes, usually end up camping at the Diamond Lake resort.
Mount Baily is under 9,000 feet high and was a spiritual place for Native Americans, who were first credited with ascending the mountain. Even today, people still come to hike the mountain in summer.

Earth Speak Sunday #8

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth.

 

State Park Saturday #7

For those of you that live in or near Polk County, there is a small, often overlooked state park south of Monmouth. Known as Sarah Helmick State Park, this day-use park sits on more than 80 acres along the Little Luckiamute River. To get an idea of how Oregon's fist state park was created, we need to go back in time...

A short trail guides visitors to the Luckiamute River

In 1846, after traveling from Iowa by wagon train, Sarah and Henry Helmick established a claim on the land that is now the park. Fast-forward 76 years, to February 15, 1922, 5 acres was donated to the state of Oregon by 'Grandma' Helmick and her son James. This gift to the people of Oregon was the first ever and was to be used for a park. Now back in those days, there was no Oregon Parks Division, so the money was given to the Oregon State Highway Commission (now known as ODOT) to create a park. Later on, additional land was acquired through the family members to bring the size of the park up to 30 acres. After two purchases, of which one was formerly part of an artillery range of Camp Adair used in WWII, the park became the size it is today.

A secluded picnic area overlooks the Luckimute River

Although this park once had campgrounds, camping is no longer allowed, unless you decide to become a park host. Two main picnic areas can be reserved and include a sheltered table with electricity for anything you want to plug in. Beside each of the group picnic areas, is a restroom, and short trails lead down to the river. As the trails get close to the water, steps have been carved into the sand along the steep riverbanks.
 

Big Leaf Maples tower over the picnic areas

So if you plan on going to Sarah Helmick State Park, bring your dog along as this is one park Fido can enjoy, as long as he/she is wearing a leash. Although it doesn't say on the sign entering the park, fishing is allowed. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors. 

Trail Talk Thursday #9

Canyon Trail

This 3.9-mile trail takes you from South Falls through the canyon, hence its name, to North Falls. From the South Falls, instead of going back up to the lodge, this trail takes you along the South Fork of Silver Creek until you get to Lower South Falls. At this point along the trail, a series of switchbacks that are mostly stairs lead you deeper into the canyon and under the waterfall, much like South Falls, except there is a stone wall instead of a fence. If you were to come during Winter or early Spring, you would find a bit of water flooding the pathway behind Lower South Falls up to a few inches deep. Continuing on down the trail will bring you to the intersection with the Maple Ridge Trail, roughly 1 mile from the bridge below South Falls. At this intersection, there is a trail sign and bench that allows hikers to decide which way they want to go, and to rest if necessary. For those that are getting tired, it is recommended that you go back via the Maple Ridge Trail.

Lower South Falls

 From this intersection, the Canyon Trail dips into the North Canyon alongside the North Fork of Silver Creek. At roughly three-quarters of a mile from the intersection, a bridge will take hikers across to the other side. At this spot, fishermen come to try their luck at getting small Brook Trout is summer. Just upstream is Lower North Falls, a favorite in Autumn for the multi-colored Vine Maples that go perfectly with the 30-foot cascade.
  

Lower North Falls

As you travel past the Lower North Falls, there is an additional 0.2-mile round trip hike along Hullt Creek that brings you to Double Falls, the only waterfall in the park that is split in two by a ledge, creating a double waterfall. This waterfall also has another claim to fame, being that it is the tallest waterfall in the park at 177 feet high.

 Double Falls

From Hullt Creek to the intersection with the Winter Trail, a half mile upstream, there are two more waterfalls: Drake Falls, named after the photographer that brought attention to the area; and Middle North Falls. A short trail takes visitors behind the Middle North Falls. In fact, the rock layers above, beside, and under this trail are the same as the ones at the Lower South Falls. The intersection with the Winter Trail provides the weary a shortcut back to their vehicle; but be warned, there is a steep hill next to Winter Falls.

Middle North Falls

If you feel like going on, the next waterfall you will see is Twin Falls, named so because it flows over the same rock in two places. A trail that connects here will take you to the North Fall Group Campground. From Twin Falls to North Falls, many boulders line the creekbed, some as large as a bedroom. These massive boulders fell off of an ancient rock ledge, much like the ledge at North Falls. Once you get to North Falls, you can see some smaller boulders at the base of the waterfall. These likely fell off sometime in the last millenium.

Twin Falls

Under the North Falls, a cavern has allowed people to walk through it for centuries. Native American artifacts have even been found in the dirt here. If you have a flashlight, shine it up one of the holes in the cavern's ceiling; these shafts are actually the casts of ancient trees that were burned up as the lava solidified around it over 14 million years ago. Once past the cavern, a series of stairs will lead you out of the canyon and to the intersection with the Rim Trail and the Upper North Trail. The Rim Trail will take you back to the South Falls Day Use Area.

 North Falls

So if you're looking for a moderate day hike within an hour of Salem, check out the Canyon Trail at Silver Falls State Park. Until next time, get outside and and enjoy hiking on one of the many trails in the great Oregon Outdoors.

If you feel like doing the full Trail of Ten Falls, before taking the Rim Trail, hike the Upper North Falls Trail. Winter Falls can be seen with a side trip either from the canyon trail or the rim trail. The full Trail of Ten Falls is about 7 to 8 miles, depending on which way you want to go to Winter Falls. For those of you who to attempt the Trail of Ten Falls and succeed, there is a bumper sticker at the Nature Store that you can get to let everyone know that you survived the Trail of Ten Falls.

Native Talk Tuesday #8

The plant featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Heracleum lanatum, commonly known as the Cow-Parsnip. This stinky plant, which has a hollow stem, develops clusters of white flowers. The Cow-Parsnip is often found along the streambanks, moist slopes, meadows, thickets, and along roadsides of the Pacific Northwest all the way to the Kenai Penninsula in Alaska. Occurring from sea level to alpine elevations, it is quite easy to find.

Cow-Parsnip at Sarah Helmick State Park

Before the flowers mature, the young stalks and leaf stems can be pealed or eaten raw or boiled like the Natives have done for centuries. The outer skin of the Cow-Parsnip contains a type of poison that can cause skin damage such as rashes, so unless you know how to handle the Cow-Parsnip, it is better to leave it alone. Due to this problem, the Cow-Parsnip is cut down along trails in the Oregon State Park System to keep visitors safe.

Weekly Dose of Oregon #1

In an effort to include other aspects of Oregon, such as lakes & beaches, I decided to create this new weekly post that provides an extra dose of Oregon. For this week's dose of Oregon, I present you with Diamond Lake. This 3,000+ acre lake has a maximum depth of just over 50 feet. While the lake is not in the shape of a diamond, (it was named after John Diamond) the lake is still a jewel of the Oregon Cascades nonetheless. Situated in a valley between Mount Thielsen and Mount Bailey, this high-mountain lake is stocked yearly with Rainbow Trout. Many campgrounds and cabins are located around the lake, along with a lodge and tackle store.

 Diamond Lake with Mount Bailey behind it. The docks are not yet put in the water.

Bald Eagles have recently came back to Diamond Lake after many decades.

Mountain View Monday #7

Finally, I have some pictures of other mountains! Today's Mountain View Monday features Mount Thielsen and it's reflection in Diamond Lake. Mount Thielsen is a short distance away from the north gate of Crater Lake National Park. Since this volcano has been deeply weathered to show it's volcanic neck, geologsts believe it to be extinct. Called the 'Lightning rod of the Cascades,' Mount Thielsen get struck by lightning many times each year. When the lightning strikes the mountain, it changes the properties of the rick into Lechatelierite, a variation of Fulgerite. For many years now, I have been wanting to climb the mountain to get a sample of one of these Fulgerite rocks. As one of my favorite mountains due to its unique shape, I never get bored of seeing it's picture.

Trail Talk Thursday #8

Just south of Aumsville (that little town between Salem and Stayton that has a skateboard park) is a county park with a trail looping through it. That trail, which has no name, winds this way and that around Young Lake in the Aumsville Ponds County Park. Besides viewing Young Lake from several spots, the trail, which I will call Young Lake Trail, also allows hikers to view two small ponds which also do not have a name. If you are lucky, like I was the day I went hiking on this trail, you might see deer and uncommon birds, such as the Red-winged Blackbird. Other birds that were seen there included a  Great Blue Heron, Canadian Geese, and many smaller birds that like to hide in the marshes.

The trail starts out here (parking is off to the left, Young Lake is on the right)

One of the small ponds that is along the trail

Another small pond...

Young Lake (the bridge on the other side is part of the trail)

 Young Lake (you can just see the second foot bridge on the other side)

A Great Blue Heron was standing near the first bridge

So if you're looking for a short hike within 30 minutes of Salem, check out either the trail around Young Lake at Aumsville Ponds County Park. The parking is on the north side of the park - off of Bates Road. Until next time, get outside and and enjoy hiking on one of the many trails in the great Oregon Outdoors.

Native Talk Tuesday #7

The plant featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Camasia quamash, commonly known as the Common Camas. This perennial herb, which develops from a small bulb, has numerous grass-like leaves. Due to it's distinct flowers, and abundance in the Willamette Valley, it is quite easy to spot - at least in Spring. The Common Camas is often found along the roadsides and in natural areas of western Oregon and southwestern Washington. Occurring at low to middle elevations, it is quite common in the Willamette Valley. Depending on elevation, sunlight, temperature, and latitude (how far north you are), the Common Camas blooms from April to May.

Champoeg State Park has many Common Camas (photo above) near the visitor center.

Camas bulbs were planted by the Kalapuya natives at many sites in the Willamette Valley as the bulbs were later consumed during or right after flowering. After steaming in large pots for a day to make the Camas bulbs more palatable, they were used to sweeten other foods and eaten right away, or even sun dried for storage or trade. Meriwether Lewis observed what happens when ingested in large quantities, "Assuredly they produce flatulence: when in the Indian hut I was almost blown out by strength of wind." If you feel like steaming some Camas bulbs to eat yourself, make sure you are taking the bulbs from the Common Camas; as the Meadow-Death Camas (which has white flowers) are highly toxic and potentially fatal.

Now anyone can post a comment.

After receiving a tip on making my blog more readable, I began checking other settings and found out, to my annoyance, that I had a default setting that wouldn't allow every reader the chance to comment. As that is now fixed, everyone can comment on this blog. If you have an idea for my blog, Ill see what I can do.

While I post this, I figure I might as well  take the time to tell you about the posts on this blog. Some of you may have noticed that I don't post an article about a state park or whatnot every week. There are two main reasons for this:

1 - I do not have the pictures/information on whatever it is. When it comes to a state park or trail, I like to research about the park and take my own pictures. As for a native plant or animal or even a waterfall, I want to get my own picture at the time of year I think it is at it's best - that is flowers are best when blooming, deciduous trees look great in late October, and a great waterfall picture depends on the surrounding vegetation (except during wintertime when snow and ice are what determines the waterfall picture)

2 - I have limited time and money. While I would love to be in one corner of the state one week and a different corner the next, I just do not have the money for multi-day trips every week, nor do I have a job that I can schedule things around. I work at a mobile slaughter, which means I work when I can. From January to June I have the time but not the money to check out state parks, while the other have of the year, I will have the money but not the time.

To those that keep reading my blogs, thank you for staying with me. As I said above, If you have an idea for me, I'll see what I can do.

Earth Speak Sunday #7

Henry David Thoreau

The birds I heard today, which, fortunately, did not come within the scope of my science, sang as freshly as if it had been the first morning of creation.

Festival Friday #5

Here in the Willamette Valley, we have many types of festivals throughout the year. Some of these are very well known (Oktoberfest), while some of these are not (Wurstfest). For this Festival Friday, I would like to mention a festival that I had not heard of until last summer. The Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair in Scio, Oregon, will be celebrating its 78th year from May 17th to the 19th.

This fair features sheep shows, fiber arts, and crafts. Northwest Champion Sheepdog Trials will be held at the same time. On Saturday the 18th, a parade will be held, and those with baking skills can enter for a Chocolate Cake Contest. Many other events occur over the three days, and certain events only occur once, so check the website listed below to find out which day you would like to check out this festival.

You can also check out their website, Northwest Lamb & Wool Fair, for more information.

Trail Talk Thursday #7

If you are looking for a short hiking trail like no other here in the Mid-Willamette Valley, you really do not have to look far. Just south of Salem, the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge has several trails that get you off the ground and on a boardwalk that takes you through the trees and over streams to bird viewing blinds that allow hikers to watch birds without disturbing them. The Rail Trail takes hikers on a boardwalk through an Oregon Ash Wetland, while the Pintail & Egret Marsh Boardwalk takes hikers through a lowland forest to the Pintail and Egret Marshes. It is here along this boardwalk where you can here the birds calling through the woods as the trail meanders left and right through the trees before coming into the open marshes at the observation area. For those that come at the right time, you may be able to see some of the amphibians that inhabit the region, but you have to be quiet if you want to see them.

The Pintail & Egret Marsh Boardwalk

So if you're looking for a short bird-watching hike in the mid-Willamette Valley, check out either the Rail Trail or the Pintail & Egret Marsh Boardwalk at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. Until next time, get outside and and enjoy hiking on one of the many trails in the great Oregon Outdoors.

Native Talk Tuesday #6

The plant featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Trillium ovatum, commonly known as Western Trillium. This flower is easily identified due to the three uniquely-shaped leaves (sometimes there are up to five leaves). In Spring, the flower's three petals start out white and change to a pinkish purple before withering away.

This Western Trillium was found in Silver Falls State Park on 4/27/2013.

The Western Trillium is often found in moist environments such as streambanks and the temperate rainforest of Oregon, Washington, and southern Vancouver Island. Occurring at low to middle elevations, it is quite common in the Willamette Valley in moist, shaded areas such as state parks. Depending on elevation, sunlight, temperature, and latitude (how far north you are), the Western Trillium blooms from March to May. Nicknamed the 'Wake-robin' due to the fact it blooms at the same time the Robin appear or 'wake up' from Winter.

These two white-flowered Western Trillium were also found at Silver Falls State Park on 4/27/2013.

The Western Trillium below were found at Mary S. Young State Park on 4/24/2013; I think they might have been planted there.

Earth Speak Sunday #6

Zenkei Shibayama

Silently a flower blooms,
In silence it falls away;
Yet here now, at this moment, at this place,
The world of the flower, the whole of
the world is blooming.
This is the talk of the flower, the truth
of the blossom;
The glory of eternal life is fully shining here.

State Park Saturday #6

If you're the type of person that lives in the Portland metro area and want to find a new place to go hiking, or even some new stomping grounds for you favorite canine friend, you don't have to look far. Mary S. Young State Park, which is just a few miles northwest of Oregon City along the Willamette River, is the perfect place.
 

These rocks have steps carved into the back of them, allowing kids to climb on them.

I just so happened to check this place out a few days ago, and if anything, I was impressed by most of the park. As I personally don't think sports fields have a place in state parks, my first impression was that this was a glorified city park. But after finding out there were many trails, of which I didn't really walk on; several older buildings; and that most of the park seemed to be 2nd-growth Temperate Rainforest; I came to think that maybe I will have to come back someday to explore the trails. Some of the trails used to be where rails once were.

If you look closely, you can see a reflection of me taking a picture of this map.

I really liked the plants that were in bloom this time of year at the park. Trillium, False Solomon's Seal, Flowering Cherry Trees, and possibly many more blooming plants along the trails. Unfortunately, I saw two major invasive species there; English Ivy and Sticky Willy. Also it is unfortunate that I was not surprised by these two invasive species being there as English Ivy has taken over many parts of Portland and Sticky Willy has spread across the Willamette Valley like the wildfire for the past ten years.

 The flowers above are Trillium and the change from white to purple before they wither and fall off.

 The plant above is False Solomon's Seal.

The flowers above belonged to a Flowering Cherry Tree

So if you plan on going to Mary S. Young State Park, bring your dog along as this is one park Fido can enjoy. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.