Trail Talk Thursday #14

Today's trail is located at Bonesteele County Park, located along the Aumsville Highway. The main trail head is located next to the eastern end of the parking lot, and descends into a wooded section on the property as it leaves a short dirt road that is gated off. Of course, many people start by walking uphill on that road instead of taking the slightly hidden trail. As you enter the forest on this trail, you come across a boardwalk that passes Spring Wildflowers.

As the trail continues, you will find that after walking uphill a short ways, the trail splits into two. The left trail will take you up to a section of forested hillside that is bordered by boulders before connecting with that short road that leads you back to the parking lot.

The right trail will take you out of the small forest and to another split in the trail. Taking a left here will follow the edge of the woods and down to the parking lot, while a right will take you around the perimeter of the rest of the park and offer a view of Mount Jefferson. The field located on the property also has many trails that cross it. For those of you that want to bring Fido, this park allows it as long as the dog remains on a leash and it's poop is picked up. With so many trail combinations to choose from, you and your pet can hike as little or as long as your dog is willing to go.

Native Talk Tuesday #18

Today, both a native bird and a native flower will be featured.

The bird featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Turdus migratorius, commonly known as the American Robin. This robin is found in a variety of habitats ranging from woodlands to open prairie to city parks. The most common robin in America, this bird has a diet of berries, insects, and worms. The picture of the robin below was taken at St. Louis Ponds County Park, west of Gervais.

The flower featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Cardamine pulcherrima, commonly known as the Beautiful Bitter-cress. This plant of the Mustard Family is found in moist forests and stream banks at low elevations.Unlike the Angled Bitter-cress, which has three leaflets that are lobed, this bitter-cress has three-to-five leaflets that are lance-shaped. The flower in the photo was found at Silver Falls State Park, east of Salem.

Fast Fact Friday #4

Today's Fast Fact:

The present capitol building in Salem is the third one built on the site; the previous two were completely destroyed by fires.



This fact was found on the website Oregon.gov

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.

Native Talk Tuesdays #15

The animal featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Anas clypeata, commonly known as the Northern Shoveler. This duck is found in marshes, ponds, and bays. In flight, both males and females show blue forewing patch, and both have a spoon-shaped bill. Other than the blue patch, the female is brown while the male is multi-colored. The Northern Shovelers below were found at Ankeny Wildlife Refuge, south of Salem.
 

Trail Talk Thursday #11

This week's trail is located at Stayton's Quad-Parks that I have aptly named as there are four parks interconnected by one trail. These parks are Pioneer Park, Wilderness Park, Florence Street Park, and Riverfront Park. The trail that connects these is supposedly 5 km long, but has several offshoots that can make it longer or shorter. There is a Covered Bridge that marks the trailhead that starts in Pioneer Park. Once across the Stayton Ditch (what the covered bridge crosses, the trail continues through a wooded section known as Wilderness Park that contains a backwater pond where
Western Pond Turtles and swimming Garter Snakes can be seen. The trail then doubles back along another channel that contains a fish ladder before cutting the Stayton Ditch in half and connecting to the Florence Street Park. This park, like Pioneer Park, contains a parking lot. The trail continues across the footbridge beside the parking lot and continues into Riverfront Park which is half open and half forested. Near the end of this park, the trail makes a loop around the open meadow.

Waterfall Wednesday #7

While technically considered a waterfall (water that flows over a ledge and free-falls down to earth), this week we have a man-made waterfall that really isn't supposed to be there. As a part of the Lower Bennett Dam near Stayton, this is a diversion wall that funnels water through a fish l.adder between Wilderness and Riverfront Parks in southeast Stayton. During Summer, little to no water overflows the wall, but in Winter and Spring, The North Santiam River flows over the wall, creating a long curtain-type waterfall less than 10 feet high.

Native Talk Tuesday #14

For today's Native Talk, I will actually talk about two non-native species--a rodent and a plant.

The animal featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Myocastor coypus, commonly known as the Coypu or Nutria. This river rat frequents shallow-water environments such as ponds and streams. Originally brought into North America from South America as a source of fur pelts, it is now considered an invasive species. Easily identifiable, the Nutria is as big as a beaver, but lacks the paddle-tail. The Nutria below was found at Ankeny Wildlife Refuge, south of Salem.

The plant featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Veronica chamaedrys, commonly known as the Birdseye Speedwell. This type of speedwell is native to Europe and Asia and was most likely brought over to America by someone you wanted it in their garden. The plant below was found at Stayton's Wilderness Park.

Trail Talk Thursday #10

St. Louis Ponds Trail

 Just across the highway from Gervais is a county park with a trail looping through it.  This short trail, which has no name, winds around one maze-like pond and past five others within St. Louis Ponds County Park.
The maze-like ponds were created when earthen material was needed for the highway which passes along the eastern edge of the park. As you hike along this small trail, you may see birds such as the American Robin, trees that have been felled by beavers, and local fisherman. Most of the trail is paved, making it ADA accessible, but the rest is gravel or dirt. This park is nice during late winter, but I bet looks even better from Spring through Fall.

Native Talk Tuesday # 13

The animal featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Bucephala albeola, commonly known as the Bufflehead Duck. This type of duck nests in woodlands near small lakes and ponds. The male Bufflehead is identified by the large white patch on its mostly black head, while the female is similar but with a small, white, teardrop-shaped patch on its mostly black head. Bufflehead Ducks are found throughout most of Oregon during the Winter, but will migrate north to Canada for Summer breeding. The pair below were found at the Ankeny Wildlife Refuge south of Salem.

Native Talk Tuesday # 12

The animal featured in today's Native Talk Tuesday is Anas platyrhynchos, commonly known as the Mallard Duck. This type of duck frequents shallow-water environments such as ponds and streams. The male Mallard is easily identifiable by it's green head and white collar. The female, however, looks like many other female ducks but can be identified my the orange and black bill. The pair below were found at Stayton's Pioneer Park, near the covered bridge.

Mountain View Monday # 12

Today's picture include three "mountains," with two being real mountains, and the third is a butte in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Let's start off with the third "mountain." Mount Angel is a 485-foot butte located northeast of Salem, Oregon and from whence the town of Mt. Angel was named. Atop its peak, the Mount Angel Abbey, a community of benedictine monks, enjoys a full view of the surrounding landscape.

Behind Mount Angel and to the right is the 8,365-foot Washington mountain known as Mount St, Helens, which blew it's top on May 18th, 1980 at 8:32 am. Further to the right, as well as further north is the 14,409-foot high Mount Rainier. The furthest south in the Willamette Valley that I have seen either of these two Washington mountains is at the location of the photo--east of Salem, along Sunnyview Road and between Hibbard Road NE and 117th Ave NE.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trail Talk Thursday #6

If you are one of the many people looking for a short hike to escape the city, then check out the short trail at Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area. At roughly a half hour drive west of Oregon City, this small park has a trail that takes you from a small parking lot to the side of Eagle Creek. Along the trail, you may notice blackberry and Salmonberry bushes. Many trees allow for a cooler climate below, and the shade is most welcome on a hot sunny day. I estimate the trail length to be about a tenth of a mile or so from one end to the other, so it can be a great place to go for hikers with bad joints. Once at the side of Eagle Creek you can enjoy the scenery while fishing for Steelhead (Rainbow Trout).

Oregon Grape

Blackberry

Salmonberry

Eagle creek

So if you're looking for a short hike in the mid-Willamette Valley, check out the trail at Bonnie Lure State Recreation Site. Until next time, get outside and and enjoy hiking on one of the many trails in the great Oregon Outdoors.