One of the most captivating things about the Klamath Falls area besides the lush farmlands and ranches, cool pine forests and rushing streams are its nearby mountains/volcanoes. One of those is Mt McLoughlin, an inactive 9,493-foot volcano surrounded by wilderness & lakes.
I got up early one morning to shoot this mountain that juts up above the forest all by itself.
That afternoon I went to Lake of the Woods resort and spent a peaceful afternoon sitting lakeside, soaking in the sun and the crisp, pine-scented air and staring off towards this beautiful mountain. There is a trail that leads to its summit but I decided to relax by its side than climb its heights.
The Klamath Falls area offered a great place to relax and explore and had one more surprise in store.
As I headed south for a short stay in Eureka, California, I was greeted by the massive inactive volcano that dominates the skies of southern Oregon/Northern California, Mount Shasta. That magnificent 14,179-ft-high volcanic mountain was shrouded in clouds when I arrived in Klamath but the day I left it rose above the horizon with its snow-covered peak filling my windshield. I roamed around the Mt. Shasta area for a bit and then set my GPS for Eureka, California. One of the things I really like about the GPS is that it often sends you through areas you would otherwise miss. This time it decided to take me through the mountains on a National Forest Road (42N17). Rolling towards the foothills, I glanced behind me as I often do and had to stop. There was a beautiful pasture with dozens of horses quietly grazing and Mt. Shasta providing a beautiful background. This is one of the reasons I do these trips - sights like these, while the locals may take them for granted, are a wonder to behold and I soaked it in for quite awhile. I watched the gangly colts try out their legs and listened to a bubbling brook and of course stared off towards Mt. Shasta - taking its its size and dominance of the landscape - and of course took lots of images which will eventually find their way to this web site.
I soon rose above the valley following the curves of the forest service road and wove through the mountains to the west of Shasta.
Here too I stopped a number of times to take photos of wildflowers (Bear Grass) and catch glimpses of Shasta in the distance.
At the peak of the pass is the Deadfall Meadow trailhead that winds through the forest and meadows and leads to an ascent of 9025 ft. Mt. Eddy. Someday I may return to take this 8.6 mile trail through this beautiful part of Northern California.
On California Route 3, I traveled along Trinity Lake. It should now be called Trinity Valley.
This lake, as many in California, Is but a trickle of water running through a small creek bed. Where there once was a lake with resorts, etc. there is nothing but a stream.
At the quaint little town of Weaverville, I headed west on 299, catching the 101 at Arcata and
I then made the short jump south to Eureka and my next stop - two nights in a sailboat. I was excited to spend some time on the water and live in a marina. The boat was very comfortable and the Woodley Island marina was a great place to relax. Unfortunately, I was there when there was absolutely no wind! It was dead calm and warm - two things Eureka is not known for! So no sailing. However, there was a nice restaurant within walking distance and I got a chance to explore Redwood National and State Parks right up the road!
The Redwoods - the tallest living organism on earth, are amazing. I walked amongst these massive trees and of course saw a lot of things besides just trees. The Rhododendron were in bloom and provided a burst of color in the forest.
The redwoods are right on the cost and while exploring the area, I also got a chance to take in the rocky Northern California coast. I finished the day with a sunset on Trinidad State Beach.
After saying goodby to Eureka (it had returned to its usual avercast, rainy somewhat windy self the morning I left,) I headed to Oregon again for a couple of nights in Mount Hood Village in the shadow of the 11,239 ft dormant volcano, Mount Hood. Or at least I was lead to believe this in that during the two and a half days I was there, I never saw the mountain! It was covered with heavy clouds and except for the day I arrived, the area was covered in a blanket of soft rain, fog and at times deep clouds.
On the way to The Whispering Woods Resort,
I stopped by to see the 242 ft. Wahkeena Falls.
You need a timed pass to see the falls because it is so popular. It literally sits beside Route 30/I-84 just east of Portland and has a large parking lot and paved trail. It was worth the stop.
While staying at the resort, I relaxed and read a lot while it lightly rained. On the second afternoon there, I decided to do a little exploring and headed out to find White River Falls State Park, about an hour southeast of Mount Hood Village.
The 90 foot falls seems to come out of nowhere and digs a gorge through the soft rock. Man has of course changed this falls in that from 1901 - 1963, part of the White River was diverted to produce hydroelectric power. Part of the old power station still sits on the site. However the falls are worth the short drive and are easily accessible.
I left the Whispering Woods Resort early the morning of my birthday, June 13th for the 778 mile (11 hour 39 minute) drive to Park City, Utah - one of my favorite places in the US.
I had no idea I would drive through a snowstorm as I skirted the base of Mount Hood (and of course - not seeing the mountain!)
My drive east along I-84 was a world of contrasts. From lush farmland to barren desert and everything in between.
I made good time as I sped along I-84 through Oregon and Idaho, catching I-15 South near the mountains in Tremonton, Utah. It was a beautiful drive and a great way for this roamer to spend his birthday.
When I arrived in Park City, I was upgraded to a very nice two bedroom condo that was quite comfortable. I set up my computer station and relaxed. The next day I headed south to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. After a 4-hour drive and with my timed-entrance pass, I began my exploration of Arches. I had been here before but you can never get enough.
Above you can see Delicate Arch from the observation point, Pine Tree Arch and Sand Dune Arch. While there is a trail to Delicate Arch, I decided to forgo the hike and just explore the area near the observation point. Pine Tree Arch is one of my favorites. You can sit in the cool shade on the bottom arm of the arch and look out over the valley. Needless to say I spent a bit of time relaxing here and contemplating life.
From Arches, I made the short trip to Canyonlands NP. The last time I was here it was 106˚. Fortunately it was only 84˚ this time around.
Of course I had to go to Canyonlands' most popular attraction, Mesa Arch. Known for its sunset shots, this delicate arch spans 50 feet and sits on the edge of a 500 foot cliff.
Canyonlands is a massive National Park filled with deep canyons and interesting rock formations.
Much of the park is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles made for off-road exploring. The trip through the main valley is a two-day jeep ride that winds down the cliff face transverses the valley and gives you the opportunity to get close to the Green and Colorado rivers meet. It would be interesting to rent a Jeep and explore this park some spring.
From Park City (where by-the-way I got the chance to play with a drone. Very cool!) I headed to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for my last major stop on the trip. On the way, I stopped at Dinosaur National Monument.
This very interesting monument, located along the banks of the Yampa River. Here in 1909, paleontologist Earl Douglass was searching for fossils for the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh when he discovered a formation layered with prehistoric plant and animal fossils. A quarry was established and in 1915 Dinosaur National Monument was created to protect 80 acres in the quarry area. This is also a dark site and my next visit here will include some night photography.
Once I made it to Steamboat, I decided to do nothing but relax. I did take the short hike to Fish Creek Falls and relaxed above the falls for quite awhile.
I also visited the Steamboat Springs Botanical Gardens. These gardens are unique in that they are set up in different themes and cared for by volunteers.
The flowers above are Veronica Georgia Blue, Western Red Columbine, White Water Lily and Sticky Geranium. These are but a few of the flowers I shot in this beautiful garden. A great way to spend a relaxing day.
After sharing breakfast in downtown Steamboat with my high school friend Doug Labor, I hit the road for Omaha Nebraska, a short visit with my friends Tom and Val in Peoria, Illinois and finally on to Grove City Pennsylvania for a week or so with Mom. I cut my trip a little short because the midwest was baking in 90+˚ weather. WHen I got to Grove City, I once again had cool crisp evenings and time with friends and family. My 11,000 mile journey through the West was over but who knows where my next adventure will be. Enjoy the photos in my website and hopefully soon, you will be able to purchase them as I will be working on the commerce side of things soon.
