Many waterfalls and swimming holes along this amazing and shaded trail…read more Love mossy rocks? How about lush ferns? How do you feel about cascading water? Do you enjoy dipping your feet into cold water on a hot summer day? Or how about swimming among giant redwood trees? If any of this sounds appealing you need to visit Sweet Creek Falls. We came in the middle of summer and it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon hiking, meditating, and swimming. There are 11 waterfalls ranging in size and close to 2.5 miles all together of shaded trails to explore, rustic bridges included. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Oregon last summer. Know before you go: Parking lots at each trailhead. Super stinky bathroom located only at Homestead Trailhead. Dog friendly. And most importantly FREE! *Don't be surprised to see topless women swimming. We all have breasts and it's a beautiful thing to be free especially in a place like this. If this bothers you just look away. *Don't use Yelp directions as they'll take you to the wrong place. Use Google instead. I've reported this several times but like nearly everything I report Yelp ignores it. And Happy Earth Day! If you haven't discovered what nature can do for your soul I highly recommend getting away from the daily grind, turning your phone off, and just enjoying what places like this can do for you. It's truly magical.

Awesome trail with multiple waterfalls. Trails were nice and clear of debris and branches. A few…read morespots with bigger rocks, roots, and water. Gorgeous scenery! There are so many photo opportunities. Many different bridges along the trail allow you to walk over the water. There is a part of the trail where you have to walk through a small stream. I wasn't wearing the proper gear and didn't want wet shoes and socks, so we headed back at that point and headed towards the upper parking lot. The upper trail still had snow on the ground, and the parking area was pretty soggy. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We would love to come back again during a drier season. Highly recommend!

LOVED this hike! There are a number of trail options if you'd like to hike the base of the hill on…read morea paved path, a gradual increase to get to the top, or a more rigorous climb with a steeper grade to make it to the top. Views from the top and landscape, whether walking around the base or climbing to the top are stunning. It felt like a fairytale. I highly recommend!

This is a really nice park with really great trails. There's even an off leash dog area where you…read morecan bring your dog and have a good time throwing a ball. There are a few trails here, one that goes through farm area and is well maintained and the other is a paved road. That's nice if you don't wanna get too muddy. The stream going through runs all year around and it's beautiful in the fall.

We came upon Starker Forestry Tour trail online when checking along the 20 for short trails we…read moremight want to check out as passing through. It's super easy to find from the 20, just a few minutes down a paved and gravel road with good signage. There's a small parking area at an intersection of roads where the tour begins. As a tree hugger I generally cringe, plug my ears, or turn away from anything involving the removal of even one tall beauty. But I will admit, after taking the informative trail I respected the education and information provided by the tour. The trail starts at a large covered pavilion with long benches and utilizes signposts along the short loop to help both kids and adults learn about the industry, as well as the natural inner workings of the forest. Special focus is given to beauty #15 and it's individual purpose, as well as how the environment around it has changed through the years. The path is well-maintained, fairly flat and easy, with an even gravel surface. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, the Starker Forestry Tour has a beautiful setting and offers a simplistic way to learn a bit more about the gorgeous Oregon forests.

From the owner: At Starker Forests, we grow and harvest trees while working to protect the environment. We allow…read morepublic access for hiking, hunting and mountain biking. All visitors to Starker Forests must obtain a free recreation permit.

I'll be up front. I love Oregon. I love how beautiful it is here. I love the slower pace of life. I…read morelove the food. I love that people here have manners. Actual manners! Sh*t, I haven't experienced anything like this since living in New England (shoutout to NH, VT, and ME). But I digress. Dealing with folks takes a toll on me so I knew I wanted to grab a couple close friends and find a serene spot in a forest somewhere to recharge my batteries. Oregon delivered as usual. Alsea Falls Recreation Site (AFRS) is a picturesque area located 30 minutes southwest of Corvallis and boasts gorgeous forests of red cedars, maples, and Douglas firs as well as two waterfalls. I thought hiking trails here were pleasant. They offer plenty of shade and aren't very strenuous. Alsea Falls is located rather close to the day use parking lot, but there is a 1.4 mile trail leading to Green Peak Falls if you walk across the wooden bridge. The trail is poorly marked so you may lose it when you end up at McBee Park campground. Stick to the right and you will find two trails. Take the right official trail with the trail post. The left trail is shorter but there are stinging nettles along the way. Green Peak is the larger of the two falls and it is possible to climb to the top via the adjacent trail (right side), but it is steep so be careful. O T H E R I N F O -Day use parking is $3. Fill out an envelope. Drop off the envelope with payment in the receptacle across from the outhouse. Keep the stub in your vehicle. -Amenities within the campground include drinking water and vault toilets. Several campsites can accommodate large RVs or trailers; up to 32 feet long. -Dogs are allowed on a leash so bring the family pup along! -Salmon and steelhead fishing during the winter months. -The park is clean. Keep it that way and pack your trash until you find a rubbish bin. -Pack a camera. Take plenty of photos. Collect memories instead of things.

Mary's Peak, highest of the Oregon coastal range, was a terrific day trip for our group, Eugene…read moreBurnbootcamp. Our 10:30 meet was in flux for a few days at the gym. Without confirmation, I proceeded and without incident arrived solo at Conner's Trailhead. At this point, I attempted calling the lead, who started their ascent along the summit trail. Still no contact, which usually indicated that I had not gone far enough. The lure of an artesian spring led to a brief stop and subsequent text- "Hey guys, where are you? Was it a scrub?" The sound of crunching gravel beneath my tires on the shoulder calmed my nerves a bit. That, and the fascination of an artesian well flowing off a mountainside. Two stops before the parking lot above, I encountered a small group of campers. At the Campsite, the chemical toilet was a welcome amenity. I usually find the camp signs to be interesting reading, and probably spotted the dogs on leashes or notification right away. Last stop before the top and still no word. The parking lot above is open with minimal vehicle activity. Trails are well marked and spring abounds. I set off toward the There is a group of 10-12 hikers flopped on their day packs sipping water, nibbling munchies, regarding the city beneath fog. It's also the rooster crew looking for photo ops taking a break. Several call out to me, "Look who it is." I'm splurging now on red and green Holiday Reindeer gummies and taking sips from the Camelbak. Although my trip was much shorter, uncertainty multiplied the effects of altitude. It's good to see these faces becoming more familiar in this outdoor light. I recommend familiarity with the Internet trail maps in preparation for the Mary's Peak trip. I like to have face to face contact and phone checks with others, a pancho, and small flashlight. Water, and something to chew on is a good idea. Check with the park website for rules regarding your pets. Be safe, have fun!

Just went on this hike last weekend with my fiancé and our two eight year old boys, we had a great…read moretime! The views are pretty stunning and the hike was moderate, easy trails to follow, different terrain made it fun, we even saw snow at one edge which the kids got to make snow balls with! Wasn't too busy on a Saturday afternoon either, highly recommend this adventure.!

The Old Growth Trail is a majestic stand of Douglas fir trees in the OSU Research Forest. It's a…read moresteep, demanding hike... and it's worth it. In the 90s, old growth forests were the center of controversy over spotted owls. There are breathtaking views of the Cascades, Marys Peak, and on a clear day you CAN see forever, westward to the Pacific Ocean. It's a great hike. There may not be picnic spots or amenities, but it's definitely worth it! At the foot of Vineyard Mountain, one can see Sulphur Spring with its crude signage. On the other side of the Pacific Rim, it's nothing like the healing sulphur springs of Japan: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292.html The small, bubbling Sulphur Spring is a subtle reminder of the Cascadia subduction zone that runs along the Pacific Northwest coast, beginning at the Mendocino Triple Junction where Juan de Fuca, Gorda&the Explorer plate collide. The Old Growth Trail is a hidden treasure of the Willamette Valley.

The best way to see what the coastal range used to lol like before European settlers and modern…read morelogging. The massive trees here were sheltered by the steep valley and later donated to OSU as part of Research Forest. I

Abiqua Falls! I just visited this beautiful 92-foot waterfall sort of in the middle of nowhere in…read moreOregon but located about 50 miles south of Portland. I have a lot to relay about the experience. This review could take the maximum 5000 words, lol, but I'll try my best to keep things as concise as possible... There are many questions about what to expect from Abiqua Falls. Even myself, I had concerns and doubts. But...I survived and it's an easy adventure to a very secluded waterfall. I'll try and answer the following questions... - Can you drive to the trailhead? From my POV, it's a VERY ROUGH ROAD down to the bottom. There's one specific section (and you'll recognize it immediately) where the road is practically cracked in half with divots and potholes. I actually witnessed a Ford Explorer trying to drive over it on the way back up and it was a big struggle for them! They eventually got past it, but I thought they were stuck. You absolutely need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle to make it down to the base to access the trailhead to Abiqua Falls. For me...I have a Suburu and I parked 2 miles away at the Abiqua Falls "Parking Lot" (according to Google) and then walked 2 miles down to the bottom and 2 miles back up. There was no way I was risking a flat tire, especially with not knowing how to change a tire and there barely being cell phone reception in the area. Btw...just to arrive at the Abiqua Falls parking lot, you must first drive 1.5 miles on a dirt road. For me, dirt and gravel roads are like nails on a chalkboard. I cringe driving over them. - Where is the trailhead located? This is a good question because there's no specific sign for Abiqua Falls, but it's easy to discover. Here's how...the road down to the bottom only goes so far. Eventually, you'll confront a white fence where you can leave your car (if you drove). But...there's a clear opening to the forest on the left-hand side of the road as you're going down. People say it's hard to find, but truly...you can't miss it. If you're any sort of outdoors enthusiast, it's simple. The hike is 7/10ths of a mile out and back. That's it! Again...there's barely any hiking involved, especially if you drive down to the base. - What is the ropes section like on the trail? I must be transparent. I read other people's AllTrails and Google reviews, and this can be deceiving. Let me explain... There were many reviews saying how the ropes section is intense and you're practically repelling down the cliff side. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! It's an easy pathway. The ropes are no big deal. I have a serious fear of heights, and I casually made my down to the creek. Using the ropes was necessary for the most part, but it wasn't scary. It didn't strain my hands. IT IS NOT STRESSFUL! I'd rate the trail as easy - moderate. Do not fear the incline/decline slope. There's nothing of that sort. It is 100% safe to get up and down the trail. Once down at the bottom of the creek, hang on the left hand side. You'll notice the trail continuing around the bend that leads straight to Abiqua Falls. It's easy. I had no problems at any point in time. I've been on much, much rougher trails during my explorations. I visited on a random Thursday morning at the end of August and pretty much had the falls to myself. There were a few people that came along towards the middle of the day. I believe if you're coming to Abiqua Falls, you must bring a bathing suit and towel. I think it's a right of passage. The waterfall is scenic and the setting is charming, but other than admiring the views and maybe having a picnic, you must take the plunge in the pool of water that Abiqua Falls splashes down into. - Was the water cold? Absolutely! Lol, I was dreading the cold water but made the premeditated decision that I was swimming to have a fun memory. It wasn't even hot outside as well, but I forced myself in and I'm glad I just did it. Obviously, your body adjusts to the cold and it's not too extreme. Overall, the ambiance at Abiqua Falls was liberating. The canyon walls sort of engulf you from high above. You're standing at this dramatic waterfall and when the sun reaches above the tree line, you can notice some slight coloring in the waters which can make for a magical moment. In all, maybe you need a few hours to hang out at the falls before returning to the ropes section and heading back up to the trailhead and road. Again, the hike back up to the top is barely strenuous. It's a slight workout. Most folks can handle it. Lastly, if you're someone who left their car all the way at the top of the road (like I did), it is possible that you may get offered a lift from those hikers who took a chance driving their cars down to the base. If so, hop in, lol. It'll save time not having to trek back uphill. In the end, I enjoyed getting to witness Abiqua Falls. The journey to arrive here was not as daunting as I initially anticipated. And again, from my POV, be kind to your car tires. Don't risk the drive.

Extremely steep. Rope system down to the bottom. I ended up fracturing my spine in 2 places due to…read morea fall. But if you're able to make it then go. Physical fitness is a MUST But a stunning falls to see

Great place in town to take a break. Easy trails to follow…read moreand walk on. Beautifully maintained area. Trees and animals to see. Great benches to stop and enjoy the area. A couple ponds to enjoy a water area for viewing. Well marked area. Also has some laminated cards for kids to find different things on the trails.

Peavy Arboretum is an OSU Forestry Classroom and an excellent comparison of what a normal forest…read moreshould look like compared to an overgrown one after a hundred years of fire prevention. There are areas that are in excellent condition and other areas being maintained and worked on to be brought back into a 'natural' state. There are numerous easy hiking and running trails and the place is dog friendly. We took one of our dogs today and had an excellent hike along well maintained trails that have enough signage and maps to help you navigate. Parking is fairly plentiful and there are also stations that provide 'gift bags' for picking up anything our four leg friends leave behind. This is a dog friendly park and the rules are relaxed as long as everyone is under leash or verbal control. We were there around midday and it was not crowded at all. Everyone that was there was pleasant and well mannered, as were the people who were walking them. I would recommend this arboretum for a nice hike in a healthy forest. A place where you can observe wildlife as well as reacquaint yourself with the different species of trees and plants that are well marked. Best of all, it is free.

1 mile loop trail, almost 100% shade covered with slight incline and declines. Ground is dirt with…read morea weaving of tree roots to provide your steps. One can hear the birds singing and also the ocean softly roaring. Some boardwalk bridge areas. Lots of side street parking. Good signage. Lots of benches to rest at. No restrooms or water fountains. Located near the bridge. Bring bug spray when it's buggy season.

We really enjoyed this trail!…read more This short loop is about 1 mile, with a couple of other connecting trails along the way. We chose to start the loop to the left, and it seemed average for the length of the initial straight-stretch. But as soon as the trail turned and headed up it became so much more entertaining. The path winds through and around gorgeous old trees and provides fabulous root-art on which to walk. It's a fun trail with great shade...twists and turns, ups and downs. The footing is definitely uneven much of the way, so you've got to watch where you're going, but that just adds to the enjoyment for me. There's a decent amount of pull-off parking right at the trailhead. I didn't really have high expectations as we just happened upon the trail. But I was very pleasantly surprised...happy accident!

Visited in mid Feb, we stopped at the bookstore aka headquarter. Managed to get some good info from…read morethe lady in the store. It's mainly for bird watching but we didn't see any in the winter. We took the Woodpecker loop trail, it's about 1.1mi with limited parking, easy trail and we saw lot of trees covered with moss, it's pretty similar with the Hall of Mosses trail in Olympic National Park.

Everything I said, in my last review was true. I come back to update and give props for the great…read morebookstore that's open on the weekends at the refuge center, where you will find lots of parking, helpful, staff, and best of all... Some of the loveliest warmest cleanest bathrooms around. So appreciated after a muddy slog on the trails doing the bird hunt.