State Park Saturday #9

In the heart of Salem is one of Oregon's newest state parks--State Capitol State Park. Prior to changing ownership to the Oregon State Park Service in 2008, this park was actually three parks in one--collectively known as the Capitol Mall. Wilson Park was to the west of the State Capitol, Capitol Park to the east, and Capitol Park Mall to the north. The main attraction of this park that has no day-use fees is the Cherry trees that blossom near the beginning of Spring every year, drawing many professional, semi-professional, and amateur photographers from surrounding towns.

Three water features are found within the park, including Waite Fountain (west of the capitol building), Wall of Water, and Capitol Fountain (both across the street from the main entrance to the capitol). Flags from every state in the union sit in a circle near Waite Fountain, while sidewalks north of the Capitol have stone plaques set in them which list the county seat and establishment date for each of Oregon's counties.

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.

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. 

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.

State Park Saturday #5

Everyone knows about the Ice Ages and probably know about the Ice Age Floods known as the Missoula Floods that broke through an ice dam, scoured the topsoil off most of eastern Washington, tore a gap through the Cascade Mountains (Columbia River Gorge) and continued out to sea. Few people know the whole story about the floods: they happened hundreds of times throughout the Ice Ages, the flood water backed up into the Snake River when it got to the eastern edge of the Columbia Gorge, and also backed up in the Willamette Valley. 

As you can see from the photo above, the hike to the rock is pet friendly.

When the floodwater backed up in the Willamette Valley, it created a
400-ft deep lake. Icebergs from the collapsed ice dam floated into parts of the valley, and as the water receded, those icebergs were set down when they bumped into a hill that kept them from flowing out. Some of those icebergs had rocks from Montana inside them; those rocks are now called glacial erratics.

That brings us to the state park featured today: Glacial Erratic State Park. With roadside parking long enough to hold four or five cars, this little-known state park does not have a fee to visit.

A quarter mile trail leads up to several glacial erratics, the largest thought to be 90 tons, provides a perfect place for a picnic that has a great view of the surrounding landscape. The 90-ton boulder is thought to be the largest glacial erratic in the Willamette Valley, is composed of a metamorphic rock called Argillite.

 The view from the top of the hill.

So if you plan on going to Erratic Rock State Park, remember to leave the rock alone for others to enjoy as it has been estimated the people have broken off about 70 tons over the past several thousand years. And who knows, there might be Native American archeological evidence in the area that shows the rock being used as a millstone or something else. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.

State Park Saturday #4

Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site

If you're one of those people who are more into human history than natural history, than the Thompson's Mills is the place for you. As you turn into the driveway, the first thing you see is a sign built with parts of a mill. Even the part of the property that was once owned by the Mill Keeper is set up like a historic farmyard complete with a turkey.

 

 

Before Oregon became a state, people living in the Willamette Valley needed mills to turn their grains into flour. Built in 1858, it is the last of many mills that were located along the streams throughout the region. At that time, it was called the Boston Mills, and a small village called Boston sprang up next door as business boomed. The town was doing great for thirteen years, when in 1871 the Oregon and California Railroad was built a mile and a half to the west. The residents then moved and created the town of Shedd's Station, now known only as Shedd. 

With the new railway, the mill could now ship grain all over the world to places like China in 1919 and Belgium after WWI. Unfortunately in the 1940's big business started forcing the mills to close throughout the valley because people could now buy bread in the store. As the people started buying "store-bought' bread, the fields where grains once grew were now being used to grow grass feed. Even today, Linn County bills itself as "The grass seed capitol of the world."

But instead of closing, the Thompson's Mills switched from grain to animal feed. Over the next 40 years, animal feed was created, until just like with the grain, big business would sell more animal feed for a cheaper price. So in the 1980's the mill adapted once more to the changing economy. This time, they would sell power back to the grid. The generator that was previously used to create electricity to run the mill was now hooked up to the grid.

Finally, in 2004, the mill and the grounds around it were sold to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. After a few years of renovation and the construction of a vault toilet, the 20-acre site opened in 2007. In the next two years, there are plans to renovate the Mill Keeper's House and turn it into a museum, along with the Carriage House, which I was told has a carriage in it. Inside the mill, is a tour on the first floor showcasing old pictures of the mill, equipment that was used, and other historic setups. My favorite setup showcased how they turned logs into square timbers and then fitted them together without the use of a single nail. Also on site are souvenirs that include shirts, hats, and mugs with the logo or picture on them. I was hoping to get a patch, but unfortunately there were none at this time.

 The millstones (left) came from a super hard rock only found in France.

So if you would like to visit an Oregon State Heritage or Historic Site this year, consider going to Thompson's Mills and check out the Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site website to find all the information on tour schedules that gets you a special look at the basement. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.

State Park Saturday #3

Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint

Oregon has a bit of geological oddities that few other places in America have. One such oddity is that we have two cities that completely enclose an extinct volcano. One of those places is Mount Tabor in Portland, and the other is Pilot Butte in Bend. At Pilot Butte, many locals come here to bike up the road to the top; while many other locals hike up one of the three trails to the top. Most visitors to this cinder cone end up driving to the top on the road that spirals around it. Once on top of the extinct cinder cone, visitors have a panoramic view of Bend, the Cascade Mountains to the west, and the desert to the east. Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Black Butte, 3-Finger Jack, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters Mountains, and Mount Bachelor are some of the prominent peaks that you can see from this viewpoint. With an average of 300 days of sunshine, you will almost always have a view of the countryside, even if the mountains are hidden in clouds. If you plan on hiking or biking, bring water with you as there is none at the park. So far, this is one state-owned parkland that is free to the public.

A view of Bend and the Three Sisters from Pilot Butte.

So if you plan on going to Bend this year, and would like to take pictures of the Cascade Mountains, consider going to Pilot Butte and check out the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint website to find all the information on road closures and services. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.

State Park Saturday # 2

Silver Falls State Park

With a 40-million year history which included basalt sea stacks rising from what is now the Willamette Valley, to many flood basalts scorching the landscape, to what you see today, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon at over 9,000 acres. With over one million visitors annually, it more than doubles the amount of visitors that go to Crater Lake National Park. While those who visit this park cannot see its earliest history, they can see the destruction the lava flows created when the came through the region over 14 million years ago. When you walk behind North Falls and look up at the basalt ceiling, you see many tree casts. If you look at the top of North Falls, and if you take a look at Twin Falls, you can see the gouges cut by Ice Age spring runoff. During summer and fall, visitors can see 10 main waterfalls and a few that are smaller; but in winter and spring, many more small waterfalls pop up from snowmelt and runoff.

South Falls Lodge

While many people come to the park to camp or hike, others can take advantage of the equestrian trails that offer viewing animals that you may not see where the waterfalls are. Every time you visit, there is something new to see, whether it is the snow and icicles in the winter, or a new flower to discover in spring. Every now and then, a tree or two will fall across a waterfall, adding to a picture. If you happen to love autumn more than other seasons, be sure to visit the park in late October to see the park when the trees are most colorful. For those that visit early in the day before most of the crowd arrives, a deer or two might make an appearance.

Nature Store

If you do go, make sure to visit the South Falls Lodge and the Nature Store, both in the South Falls Day Use Area. At just over 40 minutes from downtown Salem, it remains a great park to check out on a hot summer day, when you can swim upstream from the South Falls near the many picnic shelters. For those that would like to camp in a large group, check out the group campgrounds, which can accommodate 25 individuals in tents, and up to 25 RV's in a circle.

Entrance to the Campground, Horse Ranches, and Conference Center

So if you plan on going hiking this year, and want to stay close to the major towns in the Willamette Valley, check out the Silver Falls State Park website to find all the information on park rates and services, as well as any trail closures. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.

State Park Saturday #1

Tumalo State Park

Located on the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains, and less than seven miles north of Bend, this state park sits along side a small section of the Deschutes River. As it is so close to Bend, many people go shopping while staying at this campground. The best part for those who like recreation, is it's proximity to several different types of high-class experiences. This park is central to many pristine lakes and streams, including the Metolius River which offers some of the best fishing in Oregon. Many hiking opportunities are found near the park, including the Edison Ice Cave near Mount Bachelor. The Three Sisters Wilderness offers a small bit of paradise for those who like to go backpacking. Those who like geology might want to check out Lava Butte, Lava River Cave, and Lava Cast Forest south of Bend. Although the Deschutes River is shallow and narrow along this state park, it offers a chance to learn how to kayak or canoe, or even just to float or swim.

The Deschutes River at Tumalo State Park. The type of rock across the stream is called 'welded tuff.'

During Winter, campers might want to opt for one of many yurts in the campground too stay warm. At just over 40 minutes away, Mount Bachelor offers some of the best snowboarding and downhill  skiing opportunities in the Oregon Cascades. If you prefer to cross-country ski or snowshoe, there are plenty of trails on and around Mount Bachelor.

If you are more of the type of camper that likes to relax, you can set up your chair along the river and take in the sights and smells of your surroundings. You might even get to see more wildlife than you expect this way. At night, if the weather is clear and the air warm, you can look for stars and constellations in the sky.

So if you plan on going to Central Oregon this year to unwind or do some recreation, check out the Tumalo State Park website to find all the information on park rates and services. Until next Saturday, get outside and have some happy camping in the great Oregon Outdoors.