Cascade Head

My day at the beach had been productive so far.  I'd caught excellent morning light at Cape Kiwanda, and discovered a new favorite beach.  After an early lunch in Pacific City, I headed further south for part two of this coastal adventure - exploration of a unique headland that was on my "must hike" list.

A multitude of trailhead signs

A windswept, grassy headland just north of Lincoln City, Cascade Head is one of a handful of locations where the Cascde Head Catchfly and the threatened Oregon Silverspot Butterfly are found.  Because of this ecological rarity, the Nature Conservancy maintains this area as an experimental forest and nature preserve.  It's a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Breaking out of the woods

What drew me to visit were several glowing descriptions of gorgeous wildflower summit meadows, as well as dramatic ocean views.  Although several trails cross this 270-acre site, many are closed during winter and spring months to protect the endangered flora and fauna.  So today my path of choice was accessed from the headland's southern side.

The ocean in sight!

The actual trailhead for this hike was beside a narrow gravel road, where parking is no longer allowed.  Visitors must park at a nearby boat ramp, and follow a new, well-made trail along this road about half a mile.  My foot, still a bit sore from this morning's deep sand trek, wasn't super happy about the road walk.  But I soldiered on anyway, figuring it would loosen up once I got going.

Leaving the forest behind

At the old trailhead, things went vertical.  A check of my hiking book confirmed I was in for a climb - 1100 feet in 1.7 miles.  Realizing the elevation gain, I hoped my foot was up for the challenge.

Lovely wide-open views

The first part of the trail wasn't too exciting.  An uphill slog through a boring forest, it didn't take long before I was sweating bullets and pulling off my long sleeve layer.  In my backpack were three heavy camera lenses, that I now regretted carrying.  More than once I asked myself if this was going to be worth it.

The Salmon River Estuary

A sunny February Sunday brings out people, and there was no shortage of company on this trail.  I met lots of parties heading down, and pretty much everyone passed me on the way up.  I was surprised by the number of dogs I saw (at least six) despite the numerous signs, both at the trailhead and several places along the way, specifically prohibiting dogs.

Lower viewpoint

After nearly a mile of slogging, the forest suddenly opened up, and I was treated to my first view of the blue Pacific Ocean.  And boy, was it dramatic!  Water as far as the eye could see. 

Crashing waves below

The path continued, cutting a deep track through a grassy plain.  The higher it climbed, the better the views got.  Southward, I began to see Roads End Beach, the Salmon River Estuary, and the town of Lincoln City.  Before me, the land appeared to culminate in a sharp, green point.

More ocean waves

I took a water and snack break overlooking the green headland.  Although a faint user trail meandered along it's apex, I was sure it wasn't an approved path.  (Although I was tempted to go check it out!)  Views to the north included a cute little cove, surrounded by steep cliffs.  Despite what looked to be amazing views, I kept my distance from the edge.

Peek-a-boo sea view

A father and son joined my grassy perch.  We had a pleasant conversation, while watching the waves crash at the base of the steep cliffs, far below.  A lovely spot for a break!

The higher I climb, the better the scenery

But the summit was calling, so I packed up my snacks and continued to slog up Cascade Head's grassy slopes.  With sunny skies and no shade, it didn't take much before temps heated up.  I was climbing in a t-shirt, sweating buckets.....in February!

Looking back down on the lower viewpoint

By now, my foot was beginning to throb.  My body, out of shape after three months of no exercise, was also protesting the uphill climb.  I briefly considered turning around.  After all, I still had to get myself back down this thing.  I didn't want to damage my still-healing right foot, and the views were pretty good already.  Was there anything to gain by going all the way to the top? 

The full panorama

But.....I like summits.  Once I've started on an uphill path, I hate to admit defeat by turning around short of my goal.  So I ignored my body's complaints and kept going. 

And, in the end I was glad I did.  Finally atop the summit, resting in the grass, I relished the wonderful coast panorama I'd worked so hard for.

I can see for miles

Views were jaw-dropping!  The entire coastline south spread out before my eyes.  A large sandy beach at the Salmon River Estuary's mouth was front and center.  I could see the entire town of Lincoln City.  A blue Salmon River wound back towards the Coast Range.  And of course, the Pacific Ocean spread beyond the western horizon.

The only disappointment was that I was too early for the wildflowers.  Blooming in the summer months, the only vegetation I saw now was lots of green grass.  (Don't get me wrong, it's always great to see green in winter.)  I made a mental bookmark to return in July.
 

Close up of Road's End Beach

The return trip wasn't a lot of fun.  Going downhill was hard on both feet, and by the time I finally reached the car, they were both sore and throbbing.  I'd initially planned one more stop at the beach in Neskowin, but realizing I'd probably overdone it, instead headed for home.

No worries, my feet recovered just fine the following week.  And now with this latest trip, I'd filled another gap in the Oregon Coast map.  Not a bad way to spend a sunny winter's day!


Sharing with: Our World Tuesday and Wednesday Around the World.

Cape Kiwanda

How had I missed Cape Kiwanda?

After living in Oregon nearly 27 years, I've visited quite a bit of it's magnificent coastline.  But one stretch remained unexplored.  And it was less than a 2-hour drive from my front door. 

Huge sand dune

Photos from a favorite Oregon photographer brought Cape Kiwanda's lovely beach into my cross-hairs.  Located south of Tillamook, but north of Lincoln City, it had been overlooked in my quest to visit the surrounding towns.

Textured beach sand

One sunny Sunday in February, Cape Kiwanda came calling.  Deciding today was the day, I packed up my photo gear and got an early start, hoping to catch some morning light on the beach.

White crashing waves

Cape Kiwanda is a wave-sculped, sandstone headland jutting out into the Pacific Ocean.  To the landward side is a huge sand dune.  Upon my arrival, I was pleased to observe early morning light illuminating the sandy cliff and dunes a lovely shade of gold.  I grabbed my camera and hustled to the beach.
 

Pool of gold

I got lucky and arrived at low tide  The wet sand reflected the headland's golden light wonderfully, creating brilliant pools of gold.

Another Haystack Rock

Although most Oregonians are familiar with Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock, I discovered Cape Kiwanda has a Haystack Rock of it's own.  And it's equally as scenic.

Surfer dude

Cape Kiwanda's tall cliffs create a natural breakwater for the sea.  A perfect place for surfers to launch their boards, I glimpsed quite a few of them bobbing in the waves.  And, yes, in the cold Pacific Ocean wetsuits are worn nearly year-round.

Artsy wave and colors

The sheltered beach directly south of Cape Kiwanda is also a perfect place for launching dories - an open-hulled, flat-bottomed fishing boat that is pushed or rowed into the surf directly from the beach.

Launching a dory

While strolling along the waterline, I was lucky enough to catch one of these boats being launched.  Vehicle are allowed to drive onto the sand, and back their trailers right into the surf.  About that same time, I also witnessed another dory landing.  It slid right up onto the sand!

These flat-bottomed boats run right onto the beach

During later research I learned that these boats are unique to this particular beach.  Dories have been in use since the early 1900s here, and commercial fisherman still use them to this day.  These sturdy vessels have an incredible safety record.  In over 100 years of use, only 6 dorymen are known to have lost their lives.

Golden reflections

After watching both dories take on passengers and bob back into the ocean, I continued my walk along the shore, admiring the colorful patterns of reflections in the sand.

Seascapes

At the base of these mighty cliffs were a series of flat rocks, all smoothed by eons of wave action.  In the shadow of these outcroppings, tidepools flourished.

Checking out tidepools

The area was packed with people.  Kids splashed in shallow streams, dogs ran about chasing balls, and teenagers hopped from rock to rock.

Tidepool creatures

But I was only interested in photographing the tidepool creatures.  Like these purple-hued anemones.

Colorful layers in this rock

Or this colorful layered rock, polished smooth by constant wave action.

Ocean view from tidepool area

Scrambling upon the rocky shelf, I was treated to a magnificent ocean view.

Interesting rock formations

The green lichen and blue water weren't too shabby either.

Climbing the big dune

Reaching the headland's base, I noticed lots of young people climbing the gentler cliffs.  Towards shore, the headland transitioned into a massive sand dune.  Several beach-goers were hiking to the dune's summit.  Of course, I wanted to check it out, and followed the well-worn path in the sand.

Top of dune beach view

It was a tough trek.  My foot, although nearly healed, didn't care for the loose sand's uneven footing.  I had to slow my stride, and pick my path, each step placing a foot in an existing footprint.

Waves crash against steep cliffs

But once on top, the views were so worth it!  In one direction was a grand overlook of the entire Cape Kiwanda Beach and adjacent town of Pacific City.  Another path led visitors to the brink some high cliffs, where waves crashed far below.  A wire fence kept unwary people from the unstable edge (although I noted quite a few folks ignoring the posted warnings.  More natural selection!) .

Surfer reflection

There were several paths criss-crossing the dune's very top.  I wanted to explore more, but my foot, not happy with the shifting sands, put up a protest.  So I slid back down the dune to find firmer footing near water's edge.

Cape Kiwanda side view

Although mid-morning sun had faded the colors somewhat, I still managed to find some more gorgeous reflections to photograph.  And I enjoyed watching a bunch of surfers paddling across the foamy waves.

Layers of color and water

A popular beach, by midday it was beginning to fill up with people and their vehicles.  So I decided to take an early lunch break at the nearby Pelican Pub.  After enjoying an excellent bowl of clam chowder, it was time to pack up and head further south to explore another "new to me" portion of the coast - Cascade Head.  Join me for my next post and you'll hear all about it!
 

In closing, I'd like to thank Barb for pointing out that my blog's Facebook and Instagram "follow" buttons no longer worked.  This issue has now been corrected.  Now not only can you follow my blog via these mediums, thanks to my new GoPro, I've also added an icon for my new, ever-expanding youtube channel.


Sharing with:  Scenic Weekends and Weekend Reflections and Weekly Top Shot

Just Another Ski Bus Thursday....

I always look forward to Thursdays.  Well, in January and February that is.  If you've followed me for awhile you know I'm a long-time rider of the Mt Hood Meadows Thursday ski bus.

The gang's all here!

Once a week I play hooky from work for some fun on the mountain.  Meeting up with my good friends Glen, Linda and Judy, we scout the trails of our local ski area in search of the best snow.

Chairlift selfie

And even if the snow is less-than-stellar (ahem.....don't get me started about this year's lousy snowpack) we still manage to have terrific fun.

On top of the world!

Whether it's taking in the incredible panoramic views from the top of the Cascade Lift...

Taking in the views from on high

Or basking in the bright winter sun....

Heading down the mountain

Or ripping perfect turns down the mountain.

Checking out Mt Hood on the ride up

Or checking out the cool clouds hovering over Hood's summit.

Glen and Judy take a breather

Thursdays are my day to escape from the confines of my stuffy office, and enjoy some exercise in the fresh air and sunshine.

Can't have too much sunshine

To laugh with my friends.

Mt. Hood is wearing an unusual cloud "hat"

And admire the incredible scenery from high on Mt. Hood's slopes (and try not to obsess about the lack of snow....)

So that's my typical ski bus Thursday.  If you're not tired of them yet, here's another GoPro video for your viewing pleasure.  This particular one has great footage of Mt. Hood with an amazing cloud formation on top.  Hope you enjoy!


Sharing with:  Our World Tuesday

Catherine Creek

 The grass widows are blooming!

Dew-dropped grass widows

Mid-February, and wildflowers were already appearing in the eastern Gorge.  Continuing unseasonably warm weather was the culprit.  It was becoming painfully apparent that winter had decided to skip the Pacific NW.

The little flowers were everywhere!

February is my birthday month.  For several years now, I've had a tradition - taking my B-day off work and going skiing.  This year, I planned to do the same.

Flowers dot the landscape

But my friend who I'd planned to ski with, ended up sick and had to cancel.  I thought about driving up to the mountain by myself, but skiing the prior day had wiped me out.  And the snow really wasn't that good.  Hmmm......I'd read reports of grass widows blooming at Catherine Creek.  Maybe a birthday hike?

The road led through an oak forest

So B-day morning found me bypassing Mt. Hood in favor of the Columbia River Gorge.  I pointed my car east, crossing the Columbia at Hood River, and traveling the Washington side to Catherine Creek.

Catherine Creek

Although the Columbia River Gorge's western end is green and lush, once you've passed the Cascade Mountain's eastern slopes, things dramatically change.  Tall stately, Douglas Firs are swapped for scrubby oak and ponderosa pine forests.  Wide open grasslands replace thick vegetation.  It's a totally different environment.

Old corral

Here in the eastern Gorge, an abandoned ranch in a grassy canyon has been preserved as a natural conservation site.  It's a lovely wild area of wide-open spaces, unique rock formations, and prolific wildflowers.

The rock arch

Although the eastern Gorge gets blistering hot weather in summer, spring conditions are quite pleasant.  And as an added bonus, wildflowers of many varieties bloom throughout this season.  Most well known are the grass widows.  Their delicate, purple petals normally unfold in mid-March.  But not this year.

Weathered wood close-up

Even before I stepped out of my car, I spotted traces of purple mixed in the grassy pasture.  The adjacent field was chock-full of grass widows.  My photo session began in the parking lot. 

Someone made an arch of their own

After spending several minutes wandering around the first field, I tore myself away, and headed down the trail.  Following an abandoned ranch road, it led visitors along Catherine Creek, and into a canyon bottom.

More rock art

So many interesting photo subjects!  A grove of old gnarly oaks, the rushing blue waters of the creek, an old wooden corral, and a steep rimrock canyon, complete with a natural rock arch.  And, of course, more flowers.

Widows in the meadow

After wandering around the corral, and gaping at the magnificent arch, I followed the trail as it wound up along the canyon's rim, climbing out of the valley and onto a high plateau overlooking the Columbia River.

Foggy skies

I admired a couple of rock art pieces along the trail.  Someone had constructed a large, sturdy cairn, and their very own stone arch!

Dew-spangled flower

The plateau's broad open grassland normally gave visitors expansive views of the Columbia River below.  But today high clouds obscured much of the river.  Although the murky sky didn't make for great landscape photos, it did mean shadow-free light to photograph flowers.  And I did.

More lovely grass widows

The grass widows in this upper meadows were exquisite.  Dotted with dewdrops from the morning's precip, these purple beauties made great subjects.

Looking across the canyon

I stood on my high vantage point, taking in the views, enjoying some cookies, and reading Facebook birthday wishes from my phone.  Numerous greetings from friends and family made me smile.

Hiking along canyon's edge

Many informal user trails criss-crossed the meadow.  Choosing the most well-used, I meandered back towards the river.  This path eventually came out atop the canyon's rim, and began to follow it downward.  The clouds started to lift, and I caught glimpses of the valley below.

A fence to keep people off the arch

In time, my path wandered by the top of the rock arch.  To protect the arch, park officials had constructed a sturdy log fence designed to keep people away.

A man who thought the rules didn't apply to him

Sadly some folks don't think the rules apply to them.  While walking by, I witnessed a young man vault the fence, and clamber out onto the knife-edge tip of the arch.  Looking at his precarious position, I thought it would serve him right if he slipped and fell (natural selection...?)

Of course, I really didn't want to see someone get hurt, and was relieved to later glimpse the guy and his girlfriend following me down the trail.

Columbia River view

By the time I'd returned to the parking area, the day's murky skies had begun to clear.  I crossed the road, and ambled a short distance on a paved pathway to get a few Columbia River views.  Grass widows were thick here also, and made great foreground subjects to my river shots.

Obligatory trail sign photo

I returned to my car with a full memory card and smile on my face.  Fantastic weather, wonderful scenery, and lovely wildflowers.  Not a bad way to spend a birthday!


Sharing with:  Good Fences and Weekly Top Shot and Scenic Weekends