Ecola State Park- Cannon Beach, Orgeon

This is my last posting from my trip to Oregon back in June of 2014 and my first experience with the Pacific Ocean. The views are amazing and you can eventually make your way down to the beach with some small climbing down the embankment, but do so at your own risk. With that said, if you DON'T make it down to the beach for whatever reason, you are really doing yourself an injustice especially if you have traveled to see the ocean. 

The water was cold and rough which was to be expected but I did not expect there to be actual danger in visiting the shore.  However, hide tide, "sneaker waves," and the undertow in the water are all things that need to be seriously considered as they can be perilous. Seriously, if you get pulled out into the water far enough, even being a great swimmer you will be fighting not to drown. It looks calm but when the water is touching your feet and you look out into the vast expanse, it is roaring and unforgiving. 

There is also plenty of wildlife in the park in general and down on the shore. Lots of birds, star fish, barnacles and other shelled creatures on the rocks to view but please don't molest them. They are peaceful creatures and this is their home.There are also people there in the park viewing everything, feel free to molest them instead. In addition to the animals, there is a network of caves under the rocks just begging to be explored! I highly recommend this park!

Saddle Mountain State Park- Saddle, Oregon

Location: Saddle Mountain State Park

Date: /3/2012

How far we went: 4.42mi

How long it took us: 3:06:58 (Up & Back plus trail head)

Elevation reached: Started at 1713ft and got up to 3,258ft

Weather: Cool, wet, nice. Once above treeline sunny, pretty damn windy at peak.

Finally getting around to posting more of one of the best trips I have ever been on to AMAZING Oregon to visit fellow TrailMixxxer, Joe and his lady. After a few days in the Portland-metro area we decided to escape to Saddle Mountain for a camping/hiking excursion.

The best way I could describe Oregon is GREEN. I thought the Pine forests of North Carolina were lush but honestly this is another level to an East Coaster such as myself. The rich vegetation dominated the landscape but when you did come across colours within the ecosystem they stand out and are truly beautiful. After living in the foothills of the Rockies, it was nice to come down in altitude for a change. If you are anywhere in Oregon I'm sure there are amazing spots all over, but if you are around Saddle Mountain definitely check it out.

After the hike down we set up camp. Aside from a small family all the way across the way from us we were the only ones there. There was a bit of a sprinkle overnight so just a pro tip to keep in mind, cover your firewood so it doesn't get damp. This goes double when you go to sleep. If you wake up in the chilly rain in the AM and are craving a warm fire it can really be a challenge if the wood is soaked. Otherwise, we ate good and slept fine. There are showers and toilets but it's a state park, so don't expect anything pristine, but that's usual for anywhere you go. Enjoy the photos!

International Rose Test Garden- Portland, OR

My first afternoon in Portland was really nice. We took a hike through some trails downtown then headed to the International Rose Test Garden. It was a beautiful and peaceful place that you and your date/family/fiends can enjoy for free. Here is the description from the official web page.

"The International Rose Test Garden is also one of 24 official testing sites for the internationally respected All-America Rose Selections (AARS). The All-American Rose Selections is a non-profit association of rose growers and introducers dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses. Since 1938 the AARS seal of approval has graced outstanding new rose varieties that have performed the best in the test gardens located throughout the country and representing all climate zones. AARS testing began here in Portland in 1940.
Roses currently under test in the garden are not named but are designated only by a number. The new varieties are submitted by the hybridizers to the AARS, who then distributes them to the test gardens identified only by their code number. Four plants of each entry are evaluated for two years on 14 different characteristics consumers desire in a garden plant including plant habit, vigor, disease resistance, color, flower production, form, foliage, and fragrance. About 200 rose cultivars are under test each year."

If you're in town to visit, I highly suggest checking this place out. It was a little crowded when we went but nothing ridiculous. It is very easy to get lost in the beauty and colours of the garden. Here are some pictures that don't even come close to doing this place justice, click them to enlarge.