Saddle Moutnain State Park: Saddle Mountian

     As the title indicates, my most recent hike took me to Saddle Mountain in Saddle Mountain State Park. I was very excited to embark on this particular hike because of the fact that it was a mountain that I was going to conquer. For some reason hiking mountains is much more of a thrill for me then it is most normal folks. But, I am not normal folks. Another reason why I was excited was that Saddle Mountain is one of the highest peaks in Oregon's Northern Coastal Mountain Range. That in itself is pretty amazing!

Saddle Mountain

     Anyway, Saddle Mountain State Park was a bit of a drive for me and my friend who accompanied me on this and last month's hikes. The drive there was a about 117 miles from Salem, Oregon and clocked at 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you ever decide to go on a hike who's trial head is far from you live, always remember to bring plenty of food for the ride there (and the hike), music, and other things to keep yourself occupied. Luckily my friend and I had plenty to keep us sane along the way. Plus it always helps to know where you are going. So it might be a good idea to carry a map of the area you plan on going with you. And if you have one of those fancy smart phones with a GPS and whatnot, then even better! I find that the GPS was much easier to use and follow, but I always carry a map with me just in case my electronics decide to die on me.

Humbug Mountain

     After the long ride we finally arrived at the parking lot of the trail head which is pretty much at the foot of the mountain. Looking up we could see that the mountain was quite large and it even had some fog nearer to the top, making it look like something from legends. We noticed that there were some camping sites just off of the trail head and some picnic areas as well. I thought this was pretty awesome and have made a point to one day take advantage of these camping areas
     Now, the whole Saddle Mountain hike is 5.2 miles to the summit and back with the summit at 3,283 feet above sea level. This hike is supposed to take 3 to 4 hours which is what we did it in, but let me tell you. The hike up went by much slower then the hike down. Considerably actually. Or at least it felt that way. Anyway, starting on the trail up we were greeted by a corridor of red alder trees. These trees actually thrive in the moist environment and have been known to grow in elevations of 3,000 feet. The first half of the trail up was actually easier then I thought, and the scenery was, needless to say breathtaking. Along with the large patches of red alders we found ourselves surrounded by hemlock, spruce, and and cedar trees. Once we reached a certain height the trees thinned out a little bit, giving us some pretty awesome views. One of which we could see Humbug Mountain.
     It was here that I noticed that there was much evidence of logging in the area. I could clearly see the bald patches of earth where trees once stood. I am not sure why this is, but it saddened me to see such beauty being destroyed in such a matter. As we continued we were greeted by the sound of a small stream of spring water coming from the mountain. I was tempted to drink this water, but thought better of it. I do not trust any water from any stream or river no matter how clean it looks.  

     Further up the climb became a bit more difficult. It became steeper, more treacherous, and in many parts of the trail we came across snow that we had to carefully tread, whilst we risk falling to our doom. The thick fog that had rolled in at that point was not very helpful either, but it did make for some great shots with my camera. The man made stairs through the whole hike seemed to be the only help we received, but we still were grateful for them. The many rock formations that we came across along the way also intrigued us. The only way I can describe them to you is by showing you the pictures of them that I took.    

     After what seemed hours of pretty difficult climbing and a few resting stops along the way, we finally made it to the summit. Unfortunately, we were not rewarded with the traditional view that a summit would give after such a hike (due to the fog), but at that point I was just glad that we made it to the top alive and in one piece. The summit was by far the coldest part of our journey and the windiest. Most of the time we were there the coastal winds would bite us with formidable fury. After a quick snack and smoke to celebrate out reaching the summit, we headed back down the trail.

At the summit! :D

     One would think that the climb down was would be the most uneventful and boring. On the contrary. Seeing the hike at a different angle was quite eye opening. Indeed the hike went by faster, but the views were totally different. So much in fact that it took us some time to realize that we had passed certain landmarks along the way that we thought we had memorized in our minds. Everything seemed almost like an entirely new hike on the return journey.
     Like I said, the return hike did not last long and we soon found ourselves at the trail head looking up at Saddle Mountain draped in even more fog then when we started making it look like a forbidden place that we had just overcome.
     Overall, Saddle Mountain proved to be a bit tougher then I thought. I am sure me being out of shape and whatnot had something to do with it, but I enjoyed every second of it nonetheless. The environment was gorgeous, even though logging was evident. I will have to do some research on that because I am sure that logging is a no no in state parks. The geography of the mountain, while being challenging was also breathtaking.  I always seem to have a fascination with cliffs, rising rock formations, and moss covered rocks. Good thing I live in Oregon then.

Coming back to the trail head

     If you ever decide to take on Saddle Mountain then I suggest that you take it slow and steady, especially if it is your first time. It is a decently difficult hike so as long as you do not rush you should be fine. Plus, why would you want to rush through the great scenery? Hikes are always better enjoyed when they are taken at a comfortable pace. And again, bring plenty of snacks and water. You are going to need it along the way. And do not forget to dress appropriately according to the weather. Better to come prepared for anything on any outing such as this.
     And there you have it! My hike for February 2013! For March's hike I have not yet decided, but I assure you that I will be coming to that decision sooner then you think. I have so many places to choose from and to only pick one each month is a much harder task then one would think. Anyways, I hope that you all enjoyed this edition of There and Back Again and that you are looking forward to my next post.
     Stay adventurous my friends!    
     

Silver Falls State Park

     Silver Falls State Park was my first choice for my hiking goal because it is a place that I am quite familiar with. Granted, I have not visited it in some time, but I still vividly remember the trails, trees, and water falls from past visits. Before I get to the actual hike let me give you a bit of history and other useful info about the park.
     Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon with 9,064 acres of water falls, canyons, and an abundance of Pacific Northwest vegetation. The park is home to many species of trees including Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar as well as many types of moss/lichen which are pretty wild to look at. When I first saw it growing on the side of a water drenched cliff I thought it looked like something from one of those crazy sci-fi films I watch from time to time.

South Falls

Looking down Silver Creek

     The wildlife here is indeed present, but I have only ever seen rabbits and squirrels on my visits. And maybe an occasional deer or two. Cougars, deer, elk, river otters, and even black bears are said to roam these lands, but I have yet to see any though.
     Silver Falls is most well known for its cascading water falls. Each one with its own uniqueness and beauty. Fortunately I was able to visit the more well known of these falls on this particular trip. I wish to someday come back and visit them all. Yay for future Adventures!
     Anyways, now to my hike. upon departing from Salem, Oregon on the morning of 1/5/2013 the weather lacked much to be desired. Like the sun for example. But, by Oregonian standards it was a good day. Overcast with only chicken spit for rain and a balmy 45 degrees. Like I said, by Oregon's winter standards I lucked out. The drive to the park was short and uneventful. It only took about 45 minutes t reach the trail head by car. It may not seem as remote as one would like, but once you set foot on the trails it feels as if you have entered into another world. Before entering the park however, I had to pay an entrance fee of $5. A standard fee among state parks in Oregon, but one that I personally think should not exist. Paying to see a piece of our country's beauty never seemed like a good idea to me. As long the price stays at $5 I suppose I can put up with it :P

Lower South Falls

     There are several hikes that can be taken in the park, but I decided to take a nice and easy 6.9 mile hike loop that my Hiking guide suggested. The trail head was not far from the parking lot, but once I started, the landscape changed quite a bit. My welcoming committee consisted of tall and sentinel like Douglas Firs. It felt as if they were guarding the trail from intruders. The height of these trees is not uncommon here in the Pacific Northwest, but they never cease to amaze me. It is so mind boggling at how majestic these trees really are!

Lower North Falls

     As I continued, the sound of rushing water grew steadily louder. Even though it was out of sight (the fog did not help with my visibility that day either) I knew that there was some great water fall or river just ahead. And then low and behold I came to the top of the South Falls. This particular water fall is the most popular in the park at 177 feet. Looking down at the falls from its starting point is always fascinating. It just never gets old.
     The trail continued down into the Silver Creek Canyon where the falls poured its waters into a shallow pool. I remember when I first visited the park you could actually swim in the aforementioned pool. Nowadays though it is closed off to the public :/ Don't think I would have wanted to go for a swim on that trip anyways. The path into the canyon was relatively steep and swift with the traditional zig-zag pattern on the canyon side. Once actually in the canyon my journey continued North along Silver Creek. Along the way I encountered many falls including Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, and Winter Falls (in that order).

Double Falls

     The environment I found myself in in the canyon was identical to the one above it. Along the trail sword fern grew in abundance as well as young Douglas Firs and Vine Maples. You could see these trees growing out of the canyon walls, directly along the river, or felled beside the trail. The trail itself, while in the canyon, was relatively level with a few short ascending parts here and there. The temperature while in the canyon, I noticed, rose noticeably and I could not account why this was so. It rose to a point where I found myself comfortably warm without my coat and did not need my gloves. This may just have been my body creating heat due to my physical movement, but I am not quite sure. Perhaps a bit more research is in order.

Winter Falls

     After passing many gorgeous water falls, I finally came to the opposite side of the canyon where Winter Falls greeted me. At this point the trail continued up along the canyon wall to my left. The zig-zag path pattern was again used on this part of the hike and was identical in steepness to my descent into the canyon. The only difference was that I found myself tired and winded once I had reached the canyon ridge. This was a great indicator of how out of shape I really am :P I hope that this changes as my hiking experience grows. Or maybe I should just start working out.
     At the end of my ascent from the canyon I ended up at the top of Winter Falls. It was not as impressive as some of the other falls I saw along the trail, but it definatly was an eye opener nonetheless.

     The last leg of the hike was very calm and almost mystical. It was at this last mile that I felt I was truly in another world. Granted, it was about 50 yards parallel to the road, but since no cars passed by while I was around it did not ruin the atmosphere that I suddenly found myself in. The Douglas Fir trees here seemed to be bigger then any I had come across and in much greater numbers then I would have guessed. And the fog/mist that formed in the upper part of the trees was also something to behold. Even the sheer silence (save the sound of my foot steps and occasional drops of water) was beautiful! Even if it was a bit intimidating.

Drake Falls

     After my little walk through Endor I finally found myself back at the parking lot where I started. I felt energized, fresh, and blown away by the sights and sounds that I witnessed on the hike that I just took.
     Overall, I really enjoyed this hike. It was a great one to start off my year and was close and familiar enough to me that I knew that I would not have to risk taking a lame hike. Not sure if those actually exist, but you can't be too careful I suppose. The forests we have in the Pacific Northwest are my absolute favorite kind and will always make me feel at home. There is nothing like the smell of damp earth and the sight of every shade green all around. I would very much suggest Silver Falls State Park if you want to take a relaxing and scenic hike that is also not too far away to enjoy.

The last leg of the trail.

     Hooza! My first hike is done! So, what did you all think? Too much? Too little? please leave me some feedback so that I may be able to make this blog all that it can be for me and for you. Now, I have already gone on and returned from February's hike, which means that its post should follow fairly soon. For this month's hike I decided to go to Saddle Mountain State Park to hike Saddle Mountain. The Saddle Mountain post should be up a week from today, so keep your eyes open then.
     I hope that you all enjoyed this post as much as I did and that you stay tuned for my next post. Stay adventurous my friends!                    
             

2013: The Year of Adventure

     Hello everyone! And welcome to my newest blog!
     So, ever since my return from Yellowstone National Park I have been more in love with the outdoors then ever before. And as a result I have become, for lack of a better word, a hiking nut. And have been trying to find a way to satisfy my urge to walk in the wilderness once again. May it be here in the great state of Oregon or anywhere else I may find myself. It finally came to me how to achieve such adventure late last December.  With the approach of a new year, I thought 'why not make hiking as much as possible a New Years goal and blog about it?'. It sounded like a good idea and has so far turned out to be a brilliant one!  I have gone on a couple hikes already and am loving it. I could not have thought of a better way to spend my time this year.
     The details about how and when I decide to go on my hikes is this: I have decided that I shall take at least one hike a month and therefore have one post each month for every hike. But, this does not mean that I am limited to just one a month. If I find the time to go on multiple hikes then I will definatly be taking advantage of that and posting about it. The how is a quite simple or at least it is to me anyway. This past Christmas my mother, after hearing about my hunger for hiking, got me an Oregon hiking book guide. Specifically, Hiking Oregon: A Guide to Oregon's Greatest Hiking Adventures by Lizann Dunegan. And let me tell you, this is one of the best gifts I have ever received. This guide is amazing! It has tons of hikes that I can gain access to right here in my beloved state of Oregon. Each hike includes tons info about it. Ranging from schedules, fees, and maps to difficulty ratings, elevation charts, fun facts about the area the hiking trails are located in and much more! I know I sound like an advertisement, but really if you want to get started in hiking I really suggest this guide. You won't be sorry. Any information that I do not gather myself on my hikes usually will come from this guide and I shall cite such info when necessary.
     Also, in my actual posts I intend to include my own experiences with the hike itself, any notable wildlife, plant life, or geography, and personal thoughts about it as well. And as time goes by I am sure I will think of other things to share, but the things I mentioned above will definatly be in the posts.
     Now, you may have noticed that it is already mid February and are probably thinking "Where are the hiking posts for this and last month?!". Well, lately things here have been busier then ever and I barely have been able to find time to even scribble a rough draft on paper. But, do not distress too much becuase my January post will be up this Saturday and February's hike will be up soon after.
     Well, now that we have the introductions out of the way I can finally post the hikes I have done already for you all to enjoy. So, expect to see January's hike post up tomorrow (2/16/2013) and I will announce when February's post will go up then.
     So, I shall see you all next post. Stay adventurous my friends!