Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Group

Hemlock Creek – July 22, 2023

Hike Coordinator: John Malone

Narration by Lane Harris

On a late July day, Hemlock Creek Trail offered a challenging but rewarding hike, starting in the cool surroundings of Lake In The Woods. As 15 of us gathered for John’s 8.8 miler, we charged immediately up the forested trail with vigorous enthusiasm. Then we found a road. Ok, that didn’t last very long… so a short road walk. But then, it was back on the trail!

The uphill slog seemed to be less painful than it probably actually was, as hikers were distracted with all the trees and the pretty little waterfalls along the way. Isn’t that nice. Although the trail didn’t offer much in the way of views that we hikers always talk and brag about, this quaint little trail is every bit as satisfying as any other out there. And it heads uphill. Quite a lot, I might add.

As we merrily crossed over picturesque foot bridges and became enamored with the spectacularly tall trees, we continued with energetic enthusiasm. Then we found a road. Ok, so we took a little breather here, a short respite if you will. We then crossed the road to the other side to continue the hike. I’m pretty sure there’s a joke in there somewhere…

The trail eventually brought all of us to a large meadow, upon which we partook in the devouring of sandwiches, beef sticks, and the like. From here, a short walk to the campground was in order for this hiker, as I had to use the facilities there. Then I found a road. Ok, so this sorta makes sense, as bathrooms in campgrounds are typically found near roads. After taking care of business, I made may way back to the meadow and to my fellow devourers of food.

My now pleasantly plump partners were ready to skedaddle back down the hill from where we came. I was not opposed to this decision. The way back down was just as satisfying, if not more so due to the lack of heavy panting, which, as we all know, is discussed in the hiker’s guide of trail etiquette…

If you didn’t know, heavy panting is required when going uphill. The common courtesy of heavy panting is an indication, a warning if you will, to other hikers to keep their distance, that you may hurl at any moment. This primal act of involuntary heavy breathing has prevented many a hiker’s pantlegs from being soiled by another hiker’s oral projectiles. However, I digress…

Working our way back down the trail, we pretty much saw everything in reverse order, and at the opposite angle. Pretty wild. Then we found a road. Again.

Then it was more of the same, but just a little bit warmer, and much easier without the heavy panting. Heavy panting is required when… hold on a sec…. we found a road. Never mind, same road we crossed at the beginning of the hike. Ok, so we must be close to being done.

Back at Lake In The Woods campground, several hikers took advantage of an extremely rare thing found in campgrounds: flush toilets! It was here a bizarre discussion about toilet paper took place. You’ll find it at the end of the video for this hike. Viewer beware…

HEMLOCK CREEK TRAIL

Pictures below by Lane Harris

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Pine Bench – July 8, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Lane Harris

Narration by Lane Harris

While classic car enthusiasts sat around admiring hot rods, flatbed trucks, and the like during Roseburg’s Graffiti week, some of us opted to just sit around on Pine Bench. Literally, that’s what we did. But we had to get there first. Although not a strenuous hike, the first mile climbs nearly a thousand feet, which made all the hikers who joined me on this day wonder what they had gotten themselves into.

As the group of about 15 of us left the Soda Springs Trailhead just below the Soda Springs Dam (like, it would be somewhere else?…) This short trail intersects with the Bradley Trail, at which point we turned westward. I informed the group that the first mile was the toughest, but that it would be smooth sailing after that. From the viewpoint of my fellow hikers, that comment seemed to be more myth than truth as they huffed and puffed up through the shaded forest. I honestly didn’t think they believed me. But to everyone’s relief, the trail did eventually level off some, but not until we made one last push through a burned area that was exposed to the already hot July sun. I think I just hear someone click “dislike” on this hike…

Redemption for me came when we entered the plateau of Pine Bench after that uphill drudge of a thousand feet. The shade of the tall firs and pines, along with the levelness of the trail got me back into everyone’s good graces. Up here, in this park-like setting, it’s hard to be despondent about anything. It’s one of those places that you could imagine being a pleasant park, or a nice wooded campground. That is, if there were any roads up here. There isn’t. It’s wilderness. Otherwise, I would’ve drove here.

The serene trail that runs east to west here eventually intersects with the Boulder Creek Trail, which heads deep into the Boulder Creek Wilderness. We would only be going about a half mile up to where a small campsite offers some nice cliffy views well above the creek below. It pleased me to see that some trail work had been completed here. A year and a half ago when Colby and I hiked up here, the small side trail to the campsite was passable, but overgrown with brush. Trail work these days is not as common as it used to be, and us hikers truly appreciate any and all efforts that others have put forth to making these paths hiker friendly.

It was near this campsite where we sat upon the world’s largest pine bench to eat lunch. After sharing a few stories and laughs, we commenced the walk back across the “flatueau”. Upon reaching the trail intersection, we stayed on the Boulder Creek Trail which immediately charges straight downhill. Looking back, I think I would’ve led the group back down the Bradley Trail, as it was apparent that the trail workers neglected to clear out this portion of the Boulder Creek trail that heads downhill. It was still in good shape, but there were areas where we had to do some brush-dodging in order to avoid getting whacked in the face by the branches. Also, there wasn’t much to look at here. And it’s rather steep with many switchbacks. My recommendation? Just avoid this portion of the trail. And you’d truly hate yourself if you attempted to go UP this part of the trail!

We soon reached the North Umpqua Trail and headed upriver back to the parking area. This 2-mile stretch is really a road and not a trail, and doesn’t offer much more than the sound of the river with no good views. Just another reason that I should’ve done this hike as a straight out and back hike instead of a loop. That being said, any day hiking is better than any day working!

We got back just as the mercury was hitting the mid 80’s. Some of us cooled off with water that was pouring from a breach in the nearby water flume. After a 6-mile hike in the middle of summer, it’s just what you do.

Overall, I think everyone enjoyed this tour of the world’s largest pine bench. It’s not a stroll through the park, but with some effort, anyone can make it up to Pine Bench and take a stroll through an environment that is very park-like.

Pictures below by Lane Harris

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Siltcoos Lake – June 24, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Edwin Case

Narration by Rheo Wheeler

Thirteen gathered for the hike on the Siltcoos Lake loop trail with Edwin leading us counterclockwise on the loop. The weather was perfect under the shade of the lakeside forest. We had a pleasant lunch spot on the lake with much lollygagging and storytelling before the finish of our loop. Others headed over for a stroll on the beach after our 4.1-mile loop, which may have been challenging since there was a huge gathering for an ATV takeover of the beach, unbeknownst to us.

Pictures below by Rheo Wheeler

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Lemolo Falls – June 10, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Terry Andreucci

Narration by Terry Andreucci

After a hour and half drive to the trailhead, 14 enthusiastic hikers started down the North Umpqua Trail to the top view of Lemolo Falls. In 1908, two rangers on horseback named a four-mile ridgeline south of the river as “Dread and Terror” in reference to the disagreeable possibility of fighting forest fires in the impenetrable thickets of white thorn brush blanketing the area. For us, in this day and age, it turned out to be a beautiful, 4-mile out and back along the North Umpqua River with no thorn brush in sight! Views included cascading rapids and small falls culminating at 102-foot Lemolo Falls.

After stopping for a lunch break, we regrouped at our vehicles and proceeded a few miles to the next trailhead that would take us to another perspective of Lemolo Falls.
This hike took us a mile or so down the opposite side of the river canyon in a series of switchbacks that led us to the bottom of the falls. Along the way, many rhododendrons and wildflowers were in bloom providing a splash of color. The raging sound of the falls and the huge clouds of spray provided a spectacular visual and auditory extravaganza!

I must admit this was my favorite viewpoint!

Pictures below by Terry Andreucci

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Rogue River: Marial to Paradise Lodge – May 27, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Edwin Case

On this pleasant spring day Edwin led over a dozen hikers down the Rogue River Trail, starting from Marial Lodge. The destination was Paradise Lodge several miles downriver. Although the drive to get to the trailhead at Marial is not easy, this portion of the Rogue River Trail is quite spectacular and well worth the effort.

Since Edwin is more of a hiker and not a writer, tales and specific events of this hike may remain a mystery. But with the great turnout for this hike, the odds are good that many memorable moments were made. And if anything happened this day that is worth repeating, it’s certain we’ll hear about it, so stay tuned…

Pictures below by Rheo Wheeler

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Mt. Pisgah – May 13, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Missy Kroeker

Narration by Missy Kroeker

After such a long, wet winter, spring was here and a handful of eager hikers gathered in the courthouse parking lot to travel to Eugene and the Howard Buford Recreation Area. Also known as Mt. Pisgah for the “mountain” in the park. At the trailhead we met up with Bekah, her dog Bailey and my husband, son and granddaughter. I hadn’t hiked much this winter due to a variety of reasons and it felt good to be on the trail. Spring in Oregon is such a beautiful time of year. Everything is so green! The Mt. Pisgah trail did not disappoint.

I had led this same hike last year. We, again, started at the Southeastern trailhead and made a 7-ish mile loop through the park. It was a warm, clear day. Camas lilies and wild iris lined the approach to the summit. Is Mt. Pisgah getting steeper or am I getting older? I know it’s the later. As always, the views are inspiring. The snow covered Three Sisters to the north, Diamond Peak to the east and the lush farmland near the Williamette River to the south and west. We gathered for our group photos at the summit and said goodbye to my son and granddaughter, who needed to return home. The remainder of us continued on to Swing Hill for lunch. After lunch and some rest, we continued our loop back to the Southeastern trailhead.

It was an enjoyable warm Spring Day hiking with old and new friends. Even though Mt Pisgah is relatively close to home it felt like we got out away a bit. Spring is the time for hope. Hope for new things to come and hope of another great hiking season.

Pictures below by Missy Kroeker

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Bandon Beach – April 29, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Rheo Wheeler

Narration by Rheo Wheeler

The day of the hike was overcast, but sun was forecast by afternoon. Unfortunately, that did not include the Bandon beach area. Nevertheless, we had 10 from the Roseburg area head off for the coast, and we met 2 from the Striders at Bandon.

We were lucky to have hard sand after leaving the jetty area, so the 4-mile southward trek was relatively easy. We had 3 creeks to get through though, so feet got wet. Not much wind to speak of either, so a rather pleasant wander down and back which covered about 8 miles.

The tide had receded on the way back so there were a few tide pools to explore, and seals with pups lounging on the rocks just offshore. There were rewards after the hike of strolling Bandon, and I’m sure it also involved ice cream.

Pictures below by Rheo Wheeler

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Cape Mountain – April 15, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Lane Harris

Narration by Lane Harris

The Cape Mountain Trail system in the Siuslaw National Forest just north of Florence provides hikers and equestrians alike with a variety of options. Cape Mountain itself is not the destination, but the area around it is. With a multitude of intersections here and there, there are many different ways to hike this wooded place.

On this day, our group took the Princess Tasha trail to the Berry Creek trail, then the Nelson Ridge trail back to the trailhead. Although only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, the dense forest here makes hikers feel like they’re a world away from any ocean. Only when you’re on top of Nelson Ridge can you see the ocean in the distance. It was here where we stopped and had lunch before continuing on.

Although there are no grand vistas, the solitude of this place is well worth the drive to the trailhead.

Pictures below by Lane Harris

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Tahkenitch Dunes – April 1, 2023

Hike Coordinator: John Malone

Some foolish hikers decided to trek through the sands of Tahkenitch Dunes this April Fool’s Day. Ok, so maybe it wasn’t so foolish, as it was a gorgeous day for a hike on the coast! This club favorite has a little bit of everything, from lush forests to sandy dunes and of course, the beach. Always a crowd pleaser, the variety of terrain keeps hikers coming back for more.

Pictures below by Tami Morin

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Rogue River Trail – March 18, 2023

Hike Coordinator: Terry Andreucci

Narration by Lane Harris

On this marvelous March day, Terry had at least a dozen hikers make their way to the trailhead near Graves Creek to hike the always-lovely Rogue River Trail from the boat ramp to Whiskey Creek and back. With a handful of man’s best friend tagging along, not a dull moment was had this day.

There was a chill in the air when the large group started, and right away we were traversing the small swollen creek that runs near the parking lot. Unbeknownst to us, this would be a small practice run for what lay further ahead on the trail…

This was one of those days where everyone had their rain jackets on, as there was that feeling in the air as if it may rain at any moment. But just like when someone puts a near-empty milk carton back in the fridge, barely a drop was to be had. We experienced some grey skies and some sun. Kinda perfect weather, really. Cool, but a little sun to keep you warm when not hiking.

As we made our way down the trail, there were several creeks which required some clever negotiating. The recent rains and snow had made all the local creeks absolutely engorged with water! Looking across the river, one could make out many waterfalls cascading off the hillsides, with snow still present on the highest part of the hills.

At one point, we all had to make a short scramble off below the trail to avoid the rushing water that had pretty much inundated our path. To attempt walking down that watery way would have been quite risky, with the slippery footing underneath surely having the last laugh. Thankfully, no hikers were smitten by the water gods this day.

Normally, all the wildflowers are just bursting with color this time of year. But due to the long, late winter we’ve had, the flowers were just starting to do their thang. Give this place another a few weeks or so and the real show should be in full swing!

After successfully crossing multiple creeks running across the trail, we eventually reached Whiskey Creek cabin. As the group did a self-guided tour of this historical site, I was doing a little looking around too, and found a geocache, totally unintentionally! It was an ammo box locked to an old cable just uphill from the cabin. With curiosity, I took a quick look inside, then placed it back where I found it. (TIP: If you ever stumble upon a geocache and are not actually participating in the sport, please be courteous and leave it where you found it so others who are looking for it can find it) I always thought geocaching would be a neat thing to do, but just haven’t made the effort. You need a GPS to participate, but I typically use mine to prevent from getting misplaced in the woods!

After having a late lunch along the edge of Whiskey Creek, the group made its way back upriver. We were all spread out along the trail, just enjoying the magnificence solitude and the grandeur that is the wild Rogue River. Although we ran into quite a few other hikers this day, it just reaffirms that this place is worthy of visiting, and visiting often, as evidenced by the amount of people who walk these banks of the Rogue River Trail.

Pictures below by Lane Harris

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