Oakridge, OR

I spent a few days exploring the area around the town of Oakridge, Oregon including parts of the Willamette National Forest. During my time, I saw natural beauty to include tall trees, abundant plants, flowing creeks, and cascading waterfalls. I also encountered an unwelcome surprise.

Diamond Creek Falls

I spent a couple of hours hiking a 4-mile loop mostly through a dense forest. Towering pine trees, hemlocks, and clustered rhododendrons dominated the landscape.

Trail Passes through Rhododendrons & Trees

Tall Trees

At a few points along the trail, I came across something unique that I hadn't seen elsewhere during the hike.

Carolina Bugbane

Too Much Bear Lake
(the trees came almost up to the water's edge)

Valley
(through which OR-58 travels)

I eventually reached Diamond Creek followed shortly by my first glimpse of its waterfall.

Diamond Creek

Diamond Creek Falls

I took a short spur trail to the base of the falls. As I arrived, I was absolutely not ready for the beautiful sight in front of me.

At the Base of the Falls

Cascading Water Up Close

And being able to get so close to a waterfall of this size made its visual and emotional impact that much greater.

Salt Creek Falls

A trail of less than a mile roundtrip took me past three viewpoints of Salt Creek Falls.

View from the Overlook at the Top

View between the Trees Partway Down

View from the Bottom of the Trail

Splashdown!

At 286 feet, it is the second tallest single drop waterfall in Oregon.

Almost as interesting was the rugged cliff face to the left of the waterfall.

Cliff Face & Waterfall

Closer View of the Cliff Face

Shale Ridge

I hiked between two thirds and three quarters of this 8-mile out-and-back trail in the Waldo Lake Wilderness. I chose to turn back early after I slipped on a slick rock, fell, and strained my left hamstring as I crossed a creek.

My camera and smartphone both went underwater for some seconds until I could gather myself and get back up. Unfortunately, the camera and lens were ruined. On the bright side, my smartphone survived and I rescued the camera's SD card and battery in time. I have included the only good photos I took before my camera took its bath.

Red Baneberry

Shelf Fungi