SIOUXON CREEK HIKE ("SOO-sahn"): Gifford Pinchot swimming, hiking, biking, great family spot!

LINK FOR DIRECTIONS: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Siouxon_Creek_Hike

We originally found the information about this hike in this book. Best book ever for people like us, who generally stick around the greater Portland region and can't go in too far (because of Chloe's 6" long legs). Anywho, Siouxon Creek! Awesome spot. We only went about 2.2 miles in to Siouxon Falls, which is a pretty triple tier fall that has some pools you can take a dip in. We set up camp on a ledge below the falls. It was great to hear the falls rushing down while we fell asleep. The water here, while nowhere close to warm, seems to be a bit warmer than other area waterways, like the Clackamas or Washougal.

There are millions of swimming holes along this hike. We picked one randomly that offered a great sunny spot to cool of on a hot day. We'll definitely be back!

View from the top

The last bit of trail looking down to our campsite.

Chloe was sad about it.

Chloe dug her self a bed for a pre-bed nap.

Mountain goat-dogs

View from camp.

Virginia contemplating her existence.

So many beautiful pools along the hike.

Ferngully

One of several spots to access the creek and go for a dip!

Miners Lettuce all over the place lining the forest roads!

This was my old faithful Jansport's last backpacking trip. Time to get fancy with a newer pack. These things will sure last a million years though. I'm just ready for the comfort and the lighter weight of a modern pack.

As mentioned, we only made it to the first falls. We had intended to get up early and go further along the trail to Chinook Falls, but Tim slept waaaaay late, and then spent the rest of the afternoon tying knots and swimming, so that plan didn't quite work out.

Quick side note: You'll probably be surprised at the number of cars at the trailhead lot, because it's pretty far from anywhere. Most of these cars are likely going to be day-use folks, as it's a pretty popular mountain bike trail. There are multiple camping spots all along the trail at pretty regular intervals, so you'll find a spot! 

I almost forgot! Lots of awesome critters up here! Found this centipede hanging out midnight-ish. Also saw a northern red backed-salamander with a bright yellow back! No Sasquatch yet :(

Oneonta Gorge

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Oneonta_Gorge_Hike

The Gorge has such a wealth of hiking/backpacking opportunities, that I often skip the more popular trails/destination thinking that they will be too crowded. One of the great advantages of having weekday availability, is being able to experience awesome places such as Lower Oneonta Falls while most everybody else is at work. This might be my new favorite swimming hole in Oregon.


The "hike" is a 1 mile there-and-back, but it is rated as difficult for two reasons. Here is the first:

  

There is a large log jam at the beginning of the trail that you have to scramble over. I wouldn't recommend this for dogs or people who aren't so sure on their feet. I've heard the logs can be unstable at times, so definitely exercise caution here.

 

The second reason is this:

 

  

The hike isn't really on a trail at all, but rather one must follow a shallow-ish stream all the way to the falls. The stream is in a gorge, so there is no way to avoid getting wet. The deepest part in mid summer will about chest deep on an average-sized adult. If it's a hot day it will feel great, and the payoff is worth it.

 

The hike ends .5 miles from the log jam at Lower Oneonta Falls, seen here. The water gets much deeper here, so you can swim right up to the falls if you like. It's amazingly beautiful and a great way to spend a weekday afternoon.