Kayaking and Hiking Adventures

Cape Meares Scenic Viewpoint Starting Location: parking lot -  Point of Interest :  Lighthouse, Biggest Tree, Octopus Tree, beach Length of hike:   4 different hikes, about 4 miles total. Level :  moderate. Refuge trail is maintained, but can be a bit muddy, some steep inclines, tree roots. Bathrooms :  at main parking lot at end of road by lighthouse Parking : Decent paved lot at lighthouse, smaller lot by refuge trailhead. EV Chargers : No So 4 different trails. We started at the Octopus Tree trail since we needed to use the restroom first. Great views from the parking lot, with lots of viewpoints and information boards.  Then we drove to the other trailhead about 1/2 mile up the road (you pass it if you go to the lighthouse). We had tried to time it so that by the time we got to the beach it would be low tide. That way you can walk the whole beach if you like. Otherwise you are kinda trapped in a small beach at the end of the trail. The hike is beautiful through mostly woods, lots o

 Lacamas Lake, Camas Washington. Starting Location:  Boat Ramp at Lacamas Lake Region Park Point of Interest :  lake with wildlife, trail around lake Bathrooms:  Yes Parking : Large paved lot with large boat ramp and parking for boat trailers EV Chargers : Not sure Rentals: Yes, kayaks, SUP, paddles. We visited this lake with our daughter, who lives in Portland, but comes here since it is close, and also a big beautiful lake. When you put in at the boat ramp, there is a nice section of no motor boats. Motors go to the north section of the lake. We went under the bridge to the southeast, where there is a large area for just motorless craft. A very quiet and relaxing place to kayak.

Upper Clackamas River Rafting Starting Location:  Moore Creek Boat Ramp,  East of Estacada Point of Interest :  Whitewater on the river! Length of trip:  about 7 river miles, but about 3 hours  Level:  intermediate, Class 3 and 3+ rapids Bathrooms:  Yes, at boat ramp, and changing room Parking : Decent, off road gravel EV Chargers : No This was a Father's Day gift from my family, through the Oregon River Experiences company. They provided a ride from the boat ramp to the launching site upriver, and also had wetsuits to help keep up warm. although mine didn't really fit.  The trip downriver was great! The rapids were fun, and our guide did a great job of directing us, explaining the rapids, and telling stories. They also have a photographer take pictures along the way. These pictures are from their photographer.

  Elk Flats Trail and Devil's Cauldron Overlook. Starting Location: Gravel Parking lot just north of the Short Sands parking lot (Which has bathrooms) Point of Interest :  overlook of Devil's Cauldron, access to Short Sands, views of ocean Length of hike:  about 3 miles round trip Level:  moderate, Bathrooms:  No, but short drive north to restrooms Parking : Decent, off road gravel EV Chargers : No The Trailhead is easy to find, and marked. There was a sign that the suspension bridge was out, but that bridge is all the way at the end, and does not impact the hike at all. The trail is in good shape, with lots of tree roots providing a place to step. There is a section in the wooded area that isn't very obvious at first, but if you follow the main direction, you will see the trail quickly. The trail ends at Short Sands beach, and the last part of the trail is steep switchbacks as you come down the hill, but manageable. The views are worth it. Very few people on the main trail

Abiqua Falls Starting Location: Private Property near Scotts Mill Point of Interest :  1 gorgeous waterfall Length of hike:  about 1.5  mile loop from the trailhead. We had to park about a mile up the road due to poor road conditions, and the low clearance on our Prius Level:  challenging. Very rocky, and steep sections Bathrooms:  No, just the trees Parking : Along the road, nothing official This is a bit hard to find, so make sure to do some research. The trailhead is pretty clear, and the trail was marked with caution tape (I think to make it easy to see). There was some rope available on the steep sections to help with climbing. It's do-able, but just take it slow. The view at the end is worth it. It looks like some people come in, have lunch, swim, and make a day of it.

 Silver Creek Falls - 10 Falls Trail Hike Starting Location: South Falls Day Use Parking Lot Point of Interest :  10 waterfalls (and a bunch of smaller ones due to recent rain) Length of hike:  about 7.2 mile loop. It took us 6 hours, but we stopped a lot to take pictures, and we had snacks along the way. Level:  moderate, but long.  Bathrooms:  Yes, and  visitor center, deli Parking : More than enough EV Chargers : Yes A beautiful hike, with lots of water, forest, and flowers.

  Multnomah Falls Starting Location: Visitors Center Point of Interest :  View from top of falls Length of hike:  about 2.2 mile round trip Level:  moderate, but steep in parts. Paved trail. Bathrooms: Yes, and lodge, visitor center, restraurant. Parking : Yes, but limited, possible charge I don't remember the last time, if ever, that I've hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls. I've been to the bridge a lot, and it's a beautiful place to visit. Parking lot is between lanes of I-5 (left hand exits) or from the Old Columbia Highway, although I hear that's private property, and they are going to start charging.

McDonald-Dunn Forest For our second hike with our new hiking group, we visited OSU's McDonald-Dunn Forest.  There are several nice trails in this forest. I honestly don't remember which one we took, because I'm writing this 2 months later.  Starting Location: Parking Lot off Arboretum Road, Corvallis Point of Interest :  Views Length of hike:  about 4 mile round trip Level:  moderate Bathroom : Porta Potty EV charger : No We did pass the Oregon State University practice facilities for  their logging sports team, and wood cutting. Overall, a nice easy hike on trails in good condition. Plenty of parking, and porta potties. OSU Forest Map