Some time ago, Jon and I lumbered through the wilderness to reach one of the highest and most unique waterfalls in Columbia County. The off-trail route was steeped in bushwacking and a steady drumbeat of wildlife sightings, including the coolest shed elk antler we’ve ever found. Unfortunately, the property status has changed and the fallsContinue reading “An eventful backcountry waterfall hike”
Tag Archives: hiking
Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits
We’ve lost a lot of access to forest land over the last ten years. Many places I grew up exploring have been restricted or made off limits. But you can still find nice spots out there if you know the right route. This week, we’re showing you the way to Kauppi Lake. No matter howContinue reading “Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits”
Scout Lake – Clatskanie’s secret getaway
In 1934, the Evenson family donated “Scout Lake” and 165 acres of surrounding forest to the City of Clatskanie for the benefit of community youth. Today, it’s one of the most pleasant forest lakes in Columbia County. Most county residents outside of Clatskanie don’t even know Scout Lake exists. So Matt and I decided toContinue reading “Scout Lake – Clatskanie’s secret getaway”
Family hike from Pisgah Trailhead
The Pisgah Trailhead of the Crown Z Trail might not have the marshes, birding, and wildlife of the trail to the east, or the forest solitude and geological wonders of the trail to the west, but….it’s there. So last year on the first day of spring, my family went on a walk from Pisgah toContinue reading “Family hike from Pisgah Trailhead”
One of the wildest creeks in Northwest Oregon
Picturesque ravines drop hundreds of yards from ridge to water. Old growth giants tower above the creek. Waterfalls burst into mammoth basalt cauldrons. You wouldn’t think such a place existed in Columbia County. And it doesn’t. But a mile outside the county border, hidden in the forested hills above Westport, runs a remarkable stretch ofContinue reading “One of the wildest creeks in Northwest Oregon”
Berry picking season in the forest
Oregon has the best berries in the world. Everyone knows our about blueberry farms, marionberry syrup, sweet local strawberries and the ubiquitous Himalayan blackberry. But dive into the forest and you can find native berries that have been part of Oregon’s bounty for much, much longer. One of our family’s favorite hiking spots is theContinue reading “Berry picking season in the forest”
The ancient dam that powered Vernonia
As the crow flies we were half-a-mile southwest of Keasey Road when we discovered the relics of a forgotten dam in Rock Creek. Too bad we can’t fly like crows. It took a LOT more work to get there, especially since we didn’t know there was a “there” to find. So here’s how we foundContinue reading “The ancient dam that powered Vernonia”
Camp Wilkerson’s quiet forests
When I was a boy scout Camp Wilkerson was a decent jamboree and camping site. After scouting I didn’t think about it much until Matt and I began our Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians project. Now that I’ve been back to visit 30 years later it’s turned into a gorgeous family hiking destination with beautifulContinue reading “Camp Wilkerson’s quiet forests”
The old tunnel through Nehalem Divide
The Nehalem Divide stands west of Scappoose, separating streams that flow to the Columbia River from streams that flow to the Nehalem River. In 1920 a logging company tunneled its railroad straight through this barrier. This massive railway-and-logging operation pulled trees from Vernonia and across the Nehalem Valley out to the Columbia River, moving aContinue reading “The old tunnel through Nehalem Divide”
Finding a Hidden Unknown Waterfall
Hiking off-trail brings challenges and unexpected rewards. While working on our Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians research project Jon and I routinely jump off the logging roads in order to access more remote habitat. Last month we were in search of some of our rarer amphibians and identified a steep stream near the Clatskanie River.Continue reading “Finding a Hidden Unknown Waterfall”
Wild Columbia County 