Elk Mountain

Date hiked: 10/14/18

A few weeks ago, I climbed Kings Mountain in the forested hills of Tillamook State Forest. On Sunday, I returned to hike its neighbor, Elk Mountain, with Aunt Judy. We completed an 8-mile loop by connecting to Elk Creek Trail (2,140' gain).

Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is not easy. The trail climbs nearly 2,000' in under 2 miles, and the steepness is compounded by loose footing much of the way.

The summit (2,788') offers views of the surrounding forest, including Kings Mountain. Another glorious day! (Yes, I chopped off my long locks again in order to make a third hair donation).

 

From here, several options become available. Retreating down the trail is not recommended due to its steepness. By continuing on the ridge that follows off the back of Elk Mountain, it is possible to return via Elk Creek Trail or by connecting to Kings Mountain. Aunt Judy and I navigated the ups and downs along the ridge for two miles before arriving at the junction to Elk Creek Trail or Kings Mountain. There we ultimately opted for the easier Elk Creek Trail.

The Elk Creek Trail presents a different view of this section of forest with fir trees giving way to alder. With the legacy of the Tillamook Burn fires up through 1950, this is a young forest, but the recovery has been swift with no sign of fire damage.

Aunt Judy and I hit the trails from 9am-2pm, but this loop is doable in 4 hours. Perhaps someday I will tackle the Elk Mountain-Kings Mountain loop!

A clear shot of Mt. Hood on our drive back

St. Helens, Scappoose Bay + Sauvie Island

Friday was one of the best days that I've had since moving to Oregon. It all started in St. Helens, located 45 minutes north of Portland on Highway 30. The small town is situated on the confluence of four rivers along the Oregon/Washington border. The riverfront district offers an array of charming shops, cafés and galleries. October is a special time of year to visit St. Helens, as the town celebrates its filming of Halloweentown and Twilight.

 

Mt. St. Helens in Washington can be seen across the Columbia River, though the volcano does not show up well in pictures (likely due to the small amount of snow on it right now).

 

Driving back towards Portland, I made a pit stop at Next Adventure's Scappoose Bay Paddling Center. Getting out on the water was the perfect way to switch up my usual hiking routine. And it was a beautiful afternoon to paddle. Though I wasn't able to paddle through the lush forests nearby due to low tide, I did have the peaceful water almost to myself. I even managed to spot a bald eagle! Investing in a stand-up paddle board is very much on my radar...

Also on the way home was Sauvie Island, the largest island in the Columbia River. The northern half is a wildlife refuge and the southern half is mostly farmland. Douglas Farm is a fourth generation family farm, specializing in U-Pick fruits and vegetables. Pumpkins and apples are currently in season, but I will be sure to visit next summer for some of my favorite produce!

Mt. Adams is slightly easier to decipher in photographs:

I finished off the day in Kyle's company with dinner, drinks, and darts at Church and Migration Brewing (#5). My kind of day!

Sellwood + Hood River

After securing a second per diem/on-call pharmacist position with the outpatient clinics of the Multnomah County Health Department, I made time for a leisurely bike ride on a quiet Saturday afternoon. My first stop was the quaint Woodstock neighborhood, just south of my apartment.

 

Tucked between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was founded in 1950 as a rhododendron test garden. Today, the park exhibits more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants spread across 9.5 acres. One of Portland’s best waterfowl-watching spots, the garden is home to nearly 100 types of birds and other wildlife. I am excited to return in the spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom!





 





Just a quick ride away is historic Sellwood-Moreland, which boasts an array of shops, vintage vendors and restaurants, as well as a rambling wildlife refuge.

Sellwood is situated on a bank overlooking the Willamette River.






















From there, it's a 30-minute ride home along the Springwater Trail. Ideal weather for such an activity!


























That week, I met a few veggie ladies at punk bar, Black Water, for dinner and drinks.

The following Saturday was spent at the Hood River Valley Fall Festival. Located at the panoramic crossroads of the Gorge and the Cascade Range (one hour east of Portland), Hood River is the go-to destination for foodies, trekkers, historians and adrenaline junkies. Named the windsurfing capital of the world, it’s chock-full of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, craft breweries, wineries and farm-to-table bounty.

The annual fall festival brings together more than 120 vendors offering local produce and artisan foods, accompanied by live music, family activities, and the usual array of food trucks--plus, wine, cider and beer tastings.



 

Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. I am eager to return to explore more of this town... and to try windsurfing!

Windows down and shades on, the drive back to town along the sunny, fall-painted Gorge was pure perfection. Needless to say, I have been enjoying the unseasonably warm and dry weather that has blessed the area since I moved--and will continue to take advantage of it for as long as it lasts!

Before heading home, I stopped by The Grotto, a national Catholic shrine dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother. A 62-acre green space just minutes from downtown Portland, The Grotto provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat for visitors from all faiths and walks of life. The heart of the shrine is Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110' cliff. Outdoor mass is held here every Sunday during the summer. Also located on the plaza level is the Chapel of Mary and lower gardens. The Grotto’s upper level includes manicured gardens, religious artwork, and views of the Columbia River Valley, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens.