Umpqua River and hot springs, Tokatee Falls (North Umpqua River)

We headed south to take get some stamps on our Mcmenamins passports. Tim took us on a detour while I was napping and we ended up outside of Roseburg at one of the Umpqua River trailheads. Here you can walk .3 miles to the hot springs, it was perfect weather for a soak. We had been told by several people that this is a "must see" hot spring. I would compare it in cleanliness to Bagby Hot Springs, with less privacy, it is still lovely, Terwilliger hot springs are far nicer if you are trying to decide on the two!



Maggie looking quite elderly!

Hello Magglees.

Tokatee Falls, so very pretty.

North Umpqua River Hydro Project:

http://www.pacificorp.com/es/hydro/hl/nur.html

These flumes are pretty cool, you see them everywhere, there are a total of 8 dams in the hydro system, these flumes were built in the 1940-50s, its amazing how well they have held up, especially being made out of wood boards!

View from just above the falls.

Mag

Trail up to the Hot Springs from parking lot.

One soaking pool inside the shelter, and 3 or 4 others just outside of it that increase in heat as you go down.

In one of the top, outside pools, life is good!

 

You can see as the pools go further down, they get a bit more sulfur, and most people don't go in those closest to the river. This is a view from the river side of the lean-to.

We spent some time in this pool, I have to say, this is one of the dirtier (in regards to graffiti, and people littering) of the hot springs I've seen. It's too bad people don't take better care and pack out, or clean up after themselves.

Klickitat River Trail, South Cascades, Columbia Gorge, Washington

We visited the Klickitat River Trail this week, and were treated with warm weather, gorgeous views, and found some bone treasures. Click the link for details on the trail.

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/klickitat-rail-trail

The Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. 

There is a sign about leashing your dogs on the trail (this is Chloe just before leashing I promise!) Apparently they have had a few unfortunate incidents involving dogs on the trail this last season, whether it be from rattlsnakes, or "unfriendly neighbors with guns that don't want dogs on their property". Regardless, we kept them on leash the whole way, we only went 2 miles there and back, but the trail goes for 10.5 miles, so perhaps there are some sketchy areas further in.

Using my new Goodwill binoculars that I got for $6.00!!! To watch the natives catch Chinook Salmon. There were DIY platforms all over the river, and they had so many salmon, this must be a hot spot!

Tim took this picture of the Native Lady Fisherman, using the digital camera, through the binocular lense, pretty cool!

some of the platforms you can see all down the river.

Bone treasures! So beautiful.

Back Home and in full Cuddle Puddle mode.

Leavenworth, Alpine Lake Wilderness, Central Cascades: November 2014

Tim and I celebrated our 2nd year "Date-iverssary" on November 1st. We decided to take a trip up to the Central Cascades for some hiking and to spend some time in the town of Leavenworth, Washington. We drove up through Seattle (so we could knock of some stamps on our Mcmenamins Passports) and then eastbound on Highway 2, and spent one night in Wallace Falls State Park near an 11 mile waterfall hike (which I ended up too sick to see) but it was quite breathtaking to be in the car through this gorgeous country!

Below is a picture of the cabin we stayed at at Wallace Falls State Park, they were lovely. It has a separate room with a bunk bed. (top is single, bottom is double). And the main room has a futon and table and chairs. They are in the process of building showers and bathrooms along the cabin access trail. Other bathrooms are in the main parking lot a short walk away.

We spent the next two nights at a cabin about 12 miles from the town of Leavenworth. This is a link to the A-frame cabin we stayed at. It was just perfect, dog friendly, right on the river, and affordable considering the neighboring rates including dog fees. There was a wood stove, and lots of movies. (Including the entire Indiana Jones series) http://www.vrbo.com/124353 They sit along Peshastin Creek, and there are several nearby hikes you may want to check out. We stayed in the "Wolf Den". There is a loft with a full bed, a separate bedroom downstairs with a bathroom, as well as a pull out futon in the kitchen/living room area.

View of the loft.

Tim making us a lovely fire.

The following several pictures are from the Riverfront park in Leavenworth. It actually sits on island covered in Cottonwood trees. They call it "Blackbird Island", and there are miles of walking trails throughout. It's just beautiful! Here is a link for more information.

http://www.iciclevillage.com/explore/waterfront-park/

We found the last two salmon of the season, trying to find a spot to spawn. They looked so tired! Sweet things have probably swam thousands of miles to get here.



This was a lovely little nook where we found lots of ducks and a great place for the girls to chase one another.

Best friends forever!

If you have never been to the cute little Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth, I highly suggest it! It is very popular in the winter for holiday shoppers and tourists. As well as in the summer, for the amount of nearby recreational activities. In the picture below, you can see the gorgeous backround provided by the Central Cascades/Alpine Lake Wilderness.

Tim and I had our 2nd Anniversary supper at Visconti's Italian restaurant. I had the most delicious Ravioli ever ever ever. It was pumpkin and butternut squash ravioli. Paired with a local Icycle Brewing Seasonal Porter from right next door! 

The town is just starting to get all of its Christmas lights up for the holidays!

Another shot on the bridge by "Blackbird Island" at Leavenworth's Waterfront Park.

 Heaven.

 Just east of Leavenworth...(sorry going backwards a bit)

Had to stop by Big Foot Park and see Harry! Original filming location from Harry and the Hendersons. Check it out...

http://www.markhitstheroad.com/us/wa/index-harry-and-the-hendersons-filming-location.html



Tim and Harry at Bigfoot Park.

Stopped in the very quaint and historic logging town of "Skykomish". You can see the old hotel and lodge in the background. This town was so clean and well manicured! It is a hotspot for through hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. And the local stop-n-go is known for catering to the hikers. 

One of our goals on this trip was to take our family Christmas card photo, it proved to be interesting! I was quite sick so we "car-hiked" all over trying to find a magical close to the car spot. We were supposed to hit up several hikes in the Central Cascades on the way to Leavenworth, but alas, I was too ill to go.

Beckler River, off Forest Road 6550

Family photo attempts!

 Frozen wonderland along Forest Road 6554

Alpine Lake Wilderness (just on the edge of Wild Sky Wilderness) as seen from Forest Road 6550

So beautiful!!! Also there is no edge on this road, and there are frequent wash outs, be very cautious. Here is the website for the Evergreen Mountain Lookout hike we were planning to do that is at the top of this road, over 5000 feet.

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/evergreen-mountain-lookout