On the trail

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Comment by Matthew Wright on May 28, 2009 at 11:56pm

Amanda!
Wow! That is what I can say! What an incredible day you had for sure. The avenue of boulders is really one of my favorite places to hike into, for a short hike. I love all of the differant forms of vegetation, the boulders, and of course the water. All of the falls you hiked into are great this time of the year. A great place for a hike, a place to find rest for the soul...great photography, and of course a great place to bring a picnic and a glass of wine. I am so thrilled to hear about your great adventure!

Comment by AmandaChantel on May 28, 2009 at 7:12pm

Matthew, Pilot Rock is amazing, but its also not for those scared of heights. Up is not the problem, but down is terrifying.


We decided that hiking was necessary this past Memorial Day. We headed out to Boundary Springs, only to have to turn back due to snow. We hiked along Muir Creek, which is a great little hike with just a smattering of snow still. We didn't get as far as hoped because the trail kind of peters out and there is no clear cut way to go.

We then went and hiked around National Creek Falls, then down to Bar and Mill Creek Falls and Avenue of Gianter boulders. I saw my first king snake with the vivid black yellow and red rings-from a nice vantage point about 10 feet above it. All in all, a wonderful day.

Comment by Anita on May 28, 2009 at 5:19pm

In today's Oregon Outdoors, Mail Tribune copy editor and columnist Steve Dieffenbacher wrote about one of my favorite sections of the Oregon Coast Trail -- between House Rock and Lone Ranch Beach.

He also shared a gallery of photos.

Comment by Kathy Hoevet on May 8, 2009 at 10:48pm

well that was quite the adventure Matthew! what a great day!

Comment by Matthew Wright on May 8, 2009 at 8:02pm

Last night I decided I have a hunger to go out and hike. Not that anyone said "take a hike"!, Matthew. The air is just right, knowing in my heart that rain is probable on my next day off I ventured into the great outdoors. I let friends know where I was going, but still went on my own. Not the ideal way to take a hike, to the top of...Pilot Rock. Leaving the safety of my SUV behind, taking my camera and some water I ventured to the beacon set before me. It was not long into my traverse, that I could hear the bellowing sounds of a brown bear. I would have given just about anything to find that bear, but the sounds he was creating were bouncing off of every tree and rock on that mountain. Trying to find this bear would be like trying to find a silver dollar dropped into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. No-can-do. So off to climb this rock. In pursuit of this giant rock, you start at the Pilot Rock trail head. They fail to mention to you however, that the trail splits into two directions. If you follow the left fork of the trial it winds you around to the backside of the rock. You can probably climb it from there, but not recommended unless you have lots of rope and cleats. Follow the fork to the right, and it will take you right up, and I do mean right, straight up to the rock. The trail begins at a gradual pace, and then it hits you hard. The climb is not intended for 1st graders or those with a pace maker. It is a steep, tough climb. When you get to the base of the rock, you will probably do as I did. I sat there for about 15 minutes. I was so high that, "no, I did not reach out and touch the hand of God", though I believe He reached out and touched me in a very real way. As I settled in and began to regain my loss of oxygen, I felt a real calm sweep over me. It was not light-headedness from a lack of air, but rather the serene feeling of being enveloped by nature itself. I could hear the birds singing, I saw deer, lizards, and wildflowers were breaking forth in bloom all around me. The variety of flowers was staggering. And, for the first time since I began my journey, I could smell the fresh air all around me. It was nearly intoxicating. I was swept away in fragrances that Johnson and Johnson would pay millions to put in air fresheners! I regained my senses and got back to my feet to climb this rock. The final part of this journey is tough, and rugged. I climbed a nearly verticle hill, full of very loose rocks to make it to the base. Then, looking up, I stood in awe of the wonder before me. It was like gazing at something, something wonderful. It not only took my breath away, but left me searching for words to describe it. I began the ascent, knowing that I probably would not make it to the top, without anyone else there with me. And, how would I be able to really revel in the joy of making it to the top without anyone there to share it with? So, with reluctance, and a good mind, I decided not to traverse to the top today, but rather I will return with friends, to climb to the top and share in the climb together. And, let's be honest, I really was looking at this with fear in my eyes, thinking this is not the way I want to leave this earth, alone! Happy trails to everyone, and I hope you take some friends and climb to the top of Pilot Rock, but.....do not do this alone!

Comment by Julie Wurth on May 7, 2009 at 8:44am

It is an excellent time to hike the Table Rocks, although it can be busy up there. Don't know how many people saw this column on other wildflower hikes. Check out his photo gallery, too. Steve, by the way, is a Mail Tribune copy editor when he's not out on the trail.

Comment by Matthew Wright on May 6, 2009 at 10:19pm

I realize a lot of you have hiked the tablerocks, and are ready for something new. However, don't forget that this time of the year is incredible on the tablerocks. Ponds with endangered shrimp, frogs, that are seasonal, and of course let us not forget the abundance of wildflowers everywhere. This will only last a few weeks longer as the heat will dry the springs, and kill the flowers. Happy hiking, and always let others know where you are going!

Comment by Kathy Hoevet on May 6, 2009 at 9:53pm

I just noticed this group after I posted a picture. I recently purchased a book that I actually saw in the Mail Tribune on hiking. It must have been in a Sunday edition and they were talking about hiking in our Area. I looked it up on Amazon.com "100 Hikes in Southern Oregon" by William L. Sullivan. It has been a tremendous wealth of information on where to go! It explains if it's easy, moderate, or difficult and if it's good for kids, which you would find helpful Julie. We go through it and pick a new place every weekend. It's really helpful so thought I'd share the info with you. Happy Hiking!
on a side note...we hiked the Britt trails a few weeks ago...I couldn't believe how much history you learn along the way! The Glory Hole depression mining hole blew me away! Have been here 17 years and had no idea any of that was even there!

Comment by Matthew Wright on May 4, 2009 at 10:39pm

Well, I know of a few that are really nice! I like going to prospect and hiking into the falls areas. I was there recently, and submitted a photo from that hike in the spring contest. There are many trails in that area, but the ones I like the most take you to the avenue of boulders, and to the falls. Also, up the road from prospect, you will find some more incredible trails. Happy Trails..and enjoy your time! P.S. Let people know your location, bring cell-phone and pleanty of water!

Comment by Julie Wurth on March 30, 2009 at 9:00am

Welcome to the site, Casey. Where do you like to hike?

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