Cascade Head and Harts Cove

Cascade Head and Harts Cove is a little bit further off the beaten path than Cannon Beach, but the view is just as spectacular. The total hike takes around four hours and has and elevation of eleven hundred feet. Its a fairly easy hike with some areas being just a little bit more difficult. Come equipped for a breezy coastal hike...windbreaker, water, good hiking boots, and a snack or well packed picnic lunch in your day pack...Don't forget the camera to get shots of whale, ocean kayaks, Eagles, and other sea life...and a pair of binoculars is a must for any hike on the coast, and if its sunny out don't forget the sunscreen. Depending on your tolerance for the weather in Oregon this hike is available to do mid July through November...if you want to see whale check out when whale watching season is along the coast you will have a great vantage point along this trail to see the migrating pods. This is a great family hike filled with tons to see and do. Sadly Fido can't be included on this trip due to the regulations of the Nature Conservancy, and their constant efforts to protect the endangered plant and animal life in the area. Rounding out the hike with a trip to the beach to get your feet wet, and view the spectacular water fall at Harts Cove. This is a great day hike that starts with a short trail to Cascade Head through a dense forest of Sitka Spruce and Douglas Firs. Take the afternoon off and head to the beach...enjoy to day, and see the sights.

Cannon Beach Trail

Cannon beach trail offers a couple of different trails. You can hike Ecola Park trail which is six miles round trip, Cannon/Arcadia beaches which is three and a half miles one way, or 9 miles total. This is the perfect coastal hike...Not only do you have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, but cool wooded trails to meander down. Keep your eye on the Ocean and watch for Pods of Orca, Sea lions, and people ocean kayaking. The trail wanders along the beach cliff, and beach with places to sit and take in the view. It also cuts in from the beach into town filled with gift shops, art galleries, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts. This is a wonderful hike for the couple who wants to get out of the big city and spend a night or two at the beach. Take in the sights, do some shopping, horseback riding, kayaking, or beach combing. Make sure you do treat the Cannon Beach Trail like a hike bringing along fresh water, good hiking shoes, and a snack to stave off your hunger til you can get back into town for a nice meal at one of the local flavor cafes. This makes a great day trip or a weekend getaway with so many things to do and see. So grab your gear and head out to Cannon Beach...be sure to remember your camera, and a good pair of binoculars.

Lower Rogue River Trail

The Lower Rogue River hike has a rugged beauty all its own, and requires a few days to hike the entire trail, and a certain amount of knowledge about things you may run across while hiking, black bear, and rattle snakes are thick in here and knowledge about them could save you in a tight situation...honestly they would rather steer clear of you too...not to mention poison oak grows rampant along the trail...knowing what it looks like can save you from a miserable trip. The Rogue River valley sees a lot of activity during the spring and summer months...hiking, camping, fishing, and numerous people who like to kayak the Rogue's icy waters. It's the perfect place to do all those things, but it can also be fraught with peril if your not properly prepared, and outfitted with the right gear...good hiking boots, food, water, proper clothes, first aid kit, snake bite kit, fully charged cell phone, and last but not least...a healthy appreciation for the predators that live in this rugged river valley. So take the long weekend and the road less traveled head out for the rugged beauty of the Rogue River Valley.

Summer Lake Hot Springs

What can I say Summer Lake Hot Springs outside of Paisley Oregon is my favorite place to camp. The peaceful surroundings does a body good.

We usually pack our backpacks and head to Summer Lake Hot Springs the first part of October...yes its cold but we have a great tent to sleep in, great sleeping bags, and the proper clothes to wear when were hiking across the desert don't forget a good wind resistant coat because the wind can blow out there and there is nothing to break it...also keep in mind its called Summer Lake Hot Springs for a reason...so come on in the water is fine.
Layering out here is optimal the day can start off chilly, and snowy in October but by mid day you're down to jeans and a base layer, and by night fall your bundled back up to hang out by the fire. Going late in the year has is bonuses...lack of other people...stars so close at night you can almost touch them...(and if lucky shooting stars)...coyotes serenade you...and as much time in the Hot Springs as you can handle...not a bad deal.