Author: jcook12

Northern Oregon

A Hidden Gem In a Large Metropolitan Area

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Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Located just outside Portland in Lake Oswego the Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a 645 acre park that offers a wide variety of trails, classes, and entertainment that would be perfect for anyone looking to explore Northern Oregon!

  • This beautiful Oregon state park includes multiple hiking trails, a paved bicycle path, and even horse trails. Alongside all of these runs Tryon creek home to many creatures like fish, salamanders and newts.
  • Hikers can use the 8 miles of hiking trails, the paved 0.5 mile trail which can also accommodate wheelchairs, or the bike and horse trails
  •  The bicycle path runs 3 miles alongside lush greenery and a quiet Tryon creek
  • Horseback riders can choose between two trails  North Horse Loop which runs 2 miles and West Horse Loop that runs 3 miles 
  • All will allow you to see the 90 varieties of wildflowers, dozens of ferns, and the huge Douglas firs and other trees that dominate the area.
  • You  might even get lucky and see one of the 75 documented species living in this area including deer, owls, skunks, raccoons, etc.
  • Need a bathroom? The main building called the  nature center will be your stop. Inside they also have a gift shop, play area, meeting area, and even a classroom for classes held at the park.
Southern Oregon

An Exciting Adventure Just Outside Medford!

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Lower Table Rock 

  • The Table Rocks(Upper and Lower) are two large mesas north of Medford, both are relatively easy hikes and have only a slight incline making it possible for mostly everyone to make the trek. 
  • The Takelma Indians named Table Rock
  • Just a 10 minute drive outside Medford leads you to two incredible and beautiful hikes.
  •  Upper Table Rock rises 700 feet and is a 3 mile round trip
  •  Lower Table Rock  rises 800 feet in elevation and is 7 miles round trip
  • The hike up is mostly compact dirt that is nice and comfortable to hike on
  • Many varieties of plants and animals can be seen along the trail
  •  At the end of the hike it provides a spectacular overview of Southern Oregon. From the top beautiful farmland, the rogue river, and the city of Medford can be seen from an amazing angle!
  • Fun Fact: The rock beneath was created when lava combined with black molten mineral rocks to form this massive mountain/rock.
Southern Oregon

Top 5 Incredible Sites in Southern Oregon

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Top 5 Incredible Sites in Southern Oregon

1) Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park which is located in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon is a beautiful lake formed by a volcanic eruption on Mount Mazama 7,000 years ago. In the center of the lake, Wizard Island stands and is only accessible through tours with the parks service.  Activities here heavily depend on the season/weather. The park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails with spectacular views at the end of each one.

2) Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

Oregon Caves National Monument is  government protected land in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon. The 5000 acre park includes a vast cave system that can be toured through the US Parks Service.  The complex marble cave systems house rare plants and animals that can only be found here and no where else in the world.

3) Lithia Park

 Lithia Park is a 93 acre park that is listed in the National Register for protected parks. It has large grassy lawns,  huge gardens with a wide variety of plants and trees, large ponds & wooded areas, and it also has tennis and volleyball courts. The perfect place for a picnic or day outing with your family or friends and if you are riding solo you can even go for a hike on the 5 different trails.

4) Toketee Falls

Toketee Falls is a massive waterfall in Douglas County, Oregon. Located on the North Umpqua River these beautiful falls attract thousands of guests every year.  The short hiking trail leads to a lookout where the river can be seen rushing through a narrow gorge, forming the two-tiered Toketee falls. The upper falls drop 40 feet into a pool, and the lower falls 80 feet then crashes over a wall of ancient volcanic basalt.  Toketee originates from the Chinook tribe and it means “pretty and graceful”

5) Mount Ashland

Mount Ashland is the highest peak in the Siskiyou mountain range.It was named after the city of Ashland which is only 9 miles away. The mountain is part of the Rogue River National Forrest and is a popular ski and snowboarding destination. The California Oregon border can be seen along with multiple mountain ranges and many other beautiful sights.