The Mountains and Hills Near Clarno, Oregon

Clarno is an unincorporated community in the gulch- and butte-lands of north-central Oregon, cast in the canyon of the John Day River along the border of Wasco and Wheeler counties. This is a rough, semi-arid and sparsely populated part of Oregon, rich in scenery and -- significantly -- the petrified remains of long-extinct plants and animals. The area is perhaps best-known for the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the Clarno Unit of which is just east of Clarno itself, on the road to the appropriately named town of Fossil.

Rock Formations

• The Clarno formation, rock strata stemming from prehistoric volcanic eruptions, anchors a broad belt from central to northeastern Oregon. Active during Eocene time some 50 to 40 million years ago, the Clarno volcanoes are kin to the modern Cascade Range: Like Mount Hood and the other famous peaks of that chain, they erupted from the molten rock produced as Pacific tectonic plates plunged beneath the leading edge of the North American continent. Southward from Clarno into the Ochoco Mountains, you can see telltale cones and knobs representing the eroded-down innards of these old volcanic peaks. Meanwhile, layers of hardened ash, andesite lava flows and volcanic mudflows, or lahars, cover large portions of the region. When the Clarno volcanoes were erupting, this part of Oregon enjoyed a warm, moist climate, and the violent debris flows preserved remains of palms, cycads, magnolias and other subtropical plants, along with crocodiles, brontotheres, pint-sized horses and other exotic beasts. Later, the Clarno layers were partly covered by volcanic ash ejected by the Western Cascades and by floods of basaltic lava emitted from vents around present-day Monument.

Buttes and Hills

• The intermixed layers of tuff, lava flows, lahars, sedimentary formations and flood basalts, lurched about by faulting and sliced into by creeks and rivers, make a rugged landscape in the Clarno area. You’ll see soft, rounded hills, gently sculpted out of pliable tuff and sedimentary rock, contrasting with flat-topped buttes capped by hard basalt. Touring between the three discrete units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument – Clarno, Sheep Rock and Painted Hills – acquaints you with such scenery.

The Palisades

• The defining landmark of the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a high rim of pinnacle cliffs called the Palisades. Like architectural ruins rising above a sloping grassland pediment, these leave the motorist on Route 218 approaching the site wonder-struck. Some 44 million years old, the Palisades are the petrified remnants of Clarno volcanic debris flows. A system of short paths from the Palisades trailhead offers outstanding opportunities to immerse yourself in the geological story: On the Trail of the Fossils, you’ll pass boulders cleft off the Palisades and tattooed with plant fossils, while the Clarno Arch Trail reveals a natural rock arch. The story is made all the more explicit by the Geologic Time Trail linking the trailhead and a picnic area a quarter-mile east, on which hikers noting the informational signs take a symbolic trek through the ancient past.

Exploring

• Aside from the excellent trails in the Clarno Unit, make sure to fully explore the Sheep Rock Unit -- named for a banded cone displaying 40 million years of geologic time -- and the Painted Hills, sensual, otherworldly badlands streaked with rusted Clarno clays. Don't miss the monument’s large visitor center at Sheep Rock, which displays plenty of plant and animal fossils amid immersive dioramas. Closer at hand is the Spring Basin Wilderness just southeast of Clarno. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this wild place -- excellent for cross-country hiking -- drops from peaks like 2,827-foot Horse Mountain to rough gulches like Hay Bottom and Eagle canyons, where Clarno formations are exposed. Boaters savor 70 miles of the rugged, basalt-ribbed John Day River canyon from Clarno downstream to the Cottonwood Bridge.

Ecological Frontiers

• From a topographic map, you can easily appreciate Clarno’s position at the northern edge of the Blue Mountains, which arc southwest to northeast across central and eastern Oregon. North of Clarno, the John Day River enters a deepening canyon striking across the Deschutes-Umatilla Plateau, a rolling upland built upon the deep flows of Columbia River Basalt. From the vicinity of Clarno, you can look northeastward to the scarp marking the commencement of this plateau, part of the larger Columbia Basin province; look for the dark, younger basalt layers atop the lighter-colored strata of the John Day country.

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Hiking Trails Near Lincoln City, Oregon

Lincoln City on the Oregon coast is bordered by 7.5 miles of sandy beaches, mountains and 680-acre Devils Lake. The city is a popular destination for tourists, offering attractions and activities that include shopping, gambling, golfing, beach-combing, and outdoor recreation. Hikers have routes within the city that circle Devils Lake or pass through nature parks. Outside of the city, longer trails access coastal viewpoints and a stunning waterfall.

Devils Lake Trails

• Devils Lake is a boating and hiking destination with three .5-mile-long trails. The East Devils Lake trail is rated as easy, passing through forested land and around one side of Devils Lake. The West Devils Lake trail is moderately difficult and passes through forest and wetlands. The nature trail at Regatta Grounds Park on the west side of the lake is moderately difficult, and it passes through old growth forest.

Spring Lake Trail and Cutler City Nature Trail

• Lincoln City has two trails designated as nature preserves that are popular for wildlife watching. The Spring Lake Trail weaves for 2.5 miles through old-growth forest, over hills and a stream, to a small lake. Cutler City Nature Trail, at the south end of town is 1 mile out and back, passing through a woodland area. Both trails follow a nonpaved surface, are rated as moderate in difficulty, and are open throughout the year.
• Drift Creek Falls Trail

• Just past the southern city limits of Lincoln City, is Drift Creek Road, which leads to Drift Creek Falls Trail. The trail is 3.5 miles long, from the trailhead and back, with 380-feet elevation gain, and is moderately difficult. Hikers walk 1.25 miles to a .5-mile-long suspension bridge, where there are views of the waterfall, cascading 75 feet into a pool below. Many hikers consider the trail to be suitable for children, but there are moderately steep sections.

Cascade Head Trails

• North of Lincoln City is Cascade Head, an area named for the waterfalls that cascade from its cliffs to the ocean. There are three trails to reach Cascade Head. The moderately difficult lower Nature Conservancy Trail is 4.2 miles with 1,200 feet gained in elevation. The easiest route is a 1-mile hike on the upper Forest Service Trail with only a 160-foot elevation gain. Hart’s Cove Trail is a 5.5-mile moderately difficult hike up the forested hillside.

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Places to Visit in Southern Oregon

With a deep-blue lake of seemingly infinite depths, rolling valleys producing quality Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and a thriving theater-arts community, southern Oregon attracts visitors with an appreciation of both outdoor adventure and high culture. While the rugged landscape of southern Oregon remains captivating throughout the year, the majority of landmarks, vineyards and festivals are best enjoyed during the warmer months.

Natural Wonders

• Formed from centuries of rain filling the crater of a collapsed mountain, Crater Lake attracts visitors, who marvel at the clear, icy blue water. The lake is best enjoyed during the short summer season, before the first snowfall in September. Approximately 150 miles southwest of the lake lies the Oregon Caves National Monument. These marble caves, formed three to five million years ago in the Siskiyou Mountains, are open from late March to early November.

Wine Country

• More than 60 wineries are nestled in the valleys of southern Oregon. Sample Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the tasting room of Rogue Valley's Dancin Vineyards, open mid-February through December. In Applegate Valley, Troon Vineyard is known for their Zinfandels, which can be tasted in the Carlton Tasting Room, open on the weekends throughout the year -- except January. The Henry Estate Winery of Umpqua Valley has an elaborate garden ideal for picnics, in addition to a tasting room open daily.

Culinary Adventures

• At Rogue Creamery, named for its Rogue Valley locale, visitors can sample the famous Rogue blues at the factory's adjacent Cheese Shop. In addition to Rogue's cheeses, the shop offers more than 100 different specialty cheeses from around the world. Inside the shop is a viewing window through which spectators can observe the production of Rogue cheddars. Rogue Valley also is home to the Lillie Belle Farms Chocolate Shop, where guests can purchase locally made bonbons, berry cordials and other chocolate works of art, including chocolate-covered bacon.

Festivals and Theater

• In Ashland, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from February through early November, performing more than 10 different plays by Shakespeare and other classic writers. For five days every April, film lovers head to the art deco Varsity Theater in downtown Ashland for the Ashland Independent Film Festival. Each summer, Britt Festivals hosts several concerts featuring world-class musicians from a number of genres, including classical, blues and jazz. Performances are held under the stars at a naturally formed amphitheater in Jacksonville.

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Trails in Willamette Mission State Park, Oregon

Willamette Mission State Park -- set along the banks of Oregon's scenic Willamette River, less than 12 miles north of the capital city of Salem -- is full of history. The 1,329-acre park was the site of Oregon's first Christian mission for Native Americans in 1834, the nation's largest black cottonwood tree and a ferry that was the first to carry a covered wagon and ox across the Willamette in 1844. The ferry can still be boarded today. Willamette Mission State Park also provides an array of recreational options, including approximately 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Hiking-Only Trails

• The Willamette Vision Trail, a 2.5-mile, self-guided educational path, starts near the park entrance and winds past a butterfly garden, a wildlife overlook with picnic tables, a sustainable farm and a trailhead for a short path that leads to Goose Lake. The biggest attraction on the trail, however, is the park's mammoth black cottonwood, which is 155 feet tall, has a circumference of 26 feet and is estimated to be more than 275 years old. The Mission Trail follows a path near the Mission Lake shoreline and takes you past the site of the old Christian mission, marked by a monument and framed outlines called ghost structures. From there, another short walk along the lake takes you to the Willamette River and the Wheatland Ferry landing. The park also has a 1-mile jogging loop.

Bike Trails

• The park also has 4 miles of paved bike trails that wind through the park. The main bike path is one big loop, which begins near the Filbert Grove Day-Use Area and can be divided into three smaller loops for those who would like a shorter ride. Another stretch for bikers extends east from the main loop's eastern edge and provides scenic views along the Willamette River on its way to the Wheatland Ferry. Bikers should use caution and keep an eye out for hikers, who are allowed on all of the park's trails.

Horse Trails

• The state park is a haven for horseback riding. The park's 7 miles of equestrian trails are mostly level and provide scenic views of the Willamette River, Windsor Island Slough, Goose Lake, grassy meadows and farmland. The trails, which consist mostly of gravel and dirt, can be ridden as loops or out and back. For those who would like to stay with their animals overnight, the park has four small equestrian camping areas, each of which includes running water, vault toilets and a log corral that holds up to four horses. Reservations are required.

Other Park Amenities

• In addition to its trails, Willamette Mission State Park features a number of other recreational activities and attractions. The Filbert Grove Day-Use Area includes sports fields, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and several picnic areas and shelters set amid filbert and walnut orchards. The park also offers a group camping area, boat launches on Mission Lake and the Willamette River, and a fishing dock on Mission Lake where anglers can drop their lines for bluegill, crappie, carp and largemouth bass. If you like to canoe or kayak, the Willamette River Water Trail provides paddlers with a list of destinations and parks along the river, one of which is at Willamette Mission. If you're staying overnight, the Salem region has a variety of accommodation options within a 20-minute drive of the park.

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What Can You Do on a Mini 3-Day Vacation in Prineville, Oregon?

With the sweeping grasslands, dry air and near-constant sun, the atmosphere around Prineville, Oregon, is probably not what you expect when you imagine a Pacific Northwest vacation. That's a good thing, though: this high-desert location is a great jumping-off point for outdoor activities that don't involve slogging through the rain. When you have only three days to spend around Prineville, spend them exploring the host of adventure activities the area has to offer.

World-Class Climbing

• If your idea of fun involves hanging from a rope over a jagged cliff, then chances are you've already heard of Smith Rock State Park. Considered one of the country's premier climbing destinations, the park offers more than 1,000 bolted climbing routes and thousands more routes for bouldering. If you're not a climber, the park is still worth a visit, with stunning mountain peaks and golden eagles and falcons flying overhead. Stay for the day and go hiking or fishing, or spend the night in one of the park's RV or walk-in campgrounds, open year-round.

Ski the Slopes

• Prineville is also within an hour's drive of the state's largest ski resort at the nearly 3,700-acre Mt. Bachelor. Topping out at an elevation of just over 9,000 feet, the resort offers alpine-style skiing and snowboarding as well as numerous cross-country trails for nordic skiers. In the summer, check out the resort's disc golf course, or visit the downhill mountain biking course which, at time of publication, was several months from opening.
• A Piece of Beer Heaven

• Oregon's largest city, Portland, has earned the nickname "Beervana," but it's far from the only place to enjoy the microbrews the state is well-known for. At time of publication, Prineville had at least one dedicated brewpub: the Solstice Brewing Company downtown. If you're looking to check out more of the area's local beer flavors, the city of Bend just west of Prineville offers many more, including the Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House.

Explore the National Forest

• The Northwest United States is also known for its pristine forests and stands of old-growth trees -- and you can get a glimpse of some of that in the Ochoco National Forest just east of Prineville. Check out Walton Lake, a small lake surrounded by old-growth pines. It's a great place for fishing in the spring and summer when the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. It's also an ideal place for swimming or boating with non-motorized or electric-motor boats; gas-powered boats are not allowed. The surrounding area also has dozens of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, as well as more than a dozen campgrounds.

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What to Do in Monmouth, Oregon

Monmouth -- a small city in the Salem, Oregon, metro area with around 10,000 residents -- was originally home to the Luckiamute band of Kalapuya Indians. It was named for the home of its earliest settlers, 21 pioneer families from Monmouth, Illinois, who traveled to the area to develop the city around a Christian college, known today as Western Oregon University. With prohibition a founding principle of this once faith-based community, Monmouth was the west’s longest-standing dry town that didn’t begin selling alcohol until 2003.

Take a Trip Back in Time

• Three self-guided historic city tours -- through the East Main Street Historic Area, Historic Downtown and Western Oregon University -- take you to the sites of existing and former structures of significance for the city and its founding families. Among them are the oldest private structures still standing in town: Craven House, built on east Main Street in 1869, and Campbell Hall on the Western Oregon University campus, which dates to 1871.

Imbibe on Local Wine

• More than 250 wineries -- about two-thirds of the state's total -- are located in Willamette Valley, where the city of Monmouth is situated. Monmouth-based Grand Cru Wine Tours can arrange a personalized excursion of the region with a driver, or you can visit winemakers within the city limits on your own. Take a tour of the vineyards and sample a flight of wines at the tasting room on Emerson Vineyards on Airlie Road, and then visit the adjacent 3 Fools nanowinery for a taste of its latest small-batch production. From March through November, Airlie Winery on Dunn Forest Road features a seasonal tasting room overlooking a pond and a covered picnic area where you can pop a cork on a pinot gris and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sun.
• Do an Art Walk

• Browse the renovated historic Campbell Hall Gallery at Western Oregon University, where six art exhibitions rotate during the school year and another is unveiled each summer. The River Gallery cooperative downtown showcases works of art and handcrafted items made by Polk County artists. The Monmouth Farm and Craft Market -- where you can snag handmade goods and home décor alongside freshly picked flowers, fruit and produce -- opens Wednesday and Saturday evenings from May through November across from Main Street Park.

Free Fun in the Summer

• Entertainment and events gratis abound in July and August in and around Monmouth. Bring a blanket for the Music in the Park series on Wednesday nights for a trip through musical genres in Main Street Park. Sprawl out your blanket and take in the tunes while enjoying on food and beverages you can buy in the park. Take a quick jaunt 2.5 miles east to Independence for the River's Edge Summer Series at Independence Riverview Amphitheater for free movies on Thursdays and complimentary concerts on Fridays.

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Resorts on the McKenzie River in Oregon

Skirting the Willamette National Forest on its way west towards Eugene, Oregon, the McKenzie River is one of the state’s recreational treasures. It is a draw for fishermen, white water rapid fanatics and mountain bikers wanting to challenge the McKenzie River Trail. Along its length are a few secluded mountain resorts offering peace, privacy and comfortable surroundings. Depending on your choice you may end up with a waterfront cottage or a cabin tucked away between the trees in this heavily forested part of Oregon.

Caddisfly Resort – Vintage Comfort

• On the eastern end of the McKenzie River, Caddisfly Resort has been welcoming guests to its riverside cottages since the 1950s. In wintertime guests come to ski or snowboard at the nearby Hoodoo Ski Bowl. Lower elevations near the river are more likely to see rain than snow, bringing hikers and mountain bikers to the area. During the warmer seasons fishing, hunting and golf at the Tokatee Golf Club, a 2-mile drive away, are at the top of the list. The three cottages are rustically comfortable, all with fireplaces, kitchens, wireless Internet access, large decks and river views.

Holiday Farm Resorts – Cottages and RV Sites

• Head west roughly 5 miles and you’ll find the Holiday Farm Cabins near the town of Blue River. Each cottage has a name and they come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. For example, the Log House is appropriately a real log cabin with a stone fireplace. The Waterwheel cottage is done up in a Mediterranean style. It has a large deck that overlooks the river and is one of the most requested. Most cottages have river views but a few, like the Country House and the previously mentioned Log House are in the woods. Eight of the cabins are pet friendly, with prior approval. The nearby Holiday Farm RV Resort is also available if you're RV-ing. Some of the sites are big enough to handle rigs up to 60 feet long. The 43 sites occupy a woodsy setting and are also pet friendly, again with prior approval. A small creek runs through the property and there is a small private lake; the river is a short drive away. Both options are open year-round.
• McKenzie River Mountain Resort – Remote and Quiet

• Also in Blue River is the McKenzie River Mountain Resort, a remote riverside retreat that doubles as a Ranger Station. Two- and three-bedroom cabins are available, all with direct river access. While rustic on the outside, the cabins' interiors offer flat screen TVs, cable TV and free wireless Internet. The kitchens are fully equipped and some units even have washers and dryers. Pets are allowed in some cabins with prior reservations and payment of a nightly fee. This small family-run year-round resort is the place to get away from it all, comfortably.

The Wayfarer Resort – Well-Appointed Retreat

• The 13 cabins of the Wayfarer Resort are on the western end of the McKenzie River near Vida, Oregon. Nine of the cabins are waterfront while the rest are a short walk away from Marten Creek and Riverside Beach on the McKenzie. Cottages range from studios that sleep two to a four-bedroom cabin that can sleep up to eight. The resort is secluded but has its own tennis and basketball courts, a croquet lawn and a dog park. Resort guests have direct access to hiking trails and children 10 and under may fish at the private trout pond. Two pets are allowed per cabin with prior reservation; a nightly fee is charged per pet. There are no breed restrictions but puppies and dogs that aren’t housebroken are not allowed, and leashes are required. Open year-round, the resort offers reduced rates from November through the end of April.

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Attractions in Klamath Falls, OR

Travelers on the Oregon Trail found themselves on the banks of the Link River after they managed to cross the most difficult part of the Cascade Mountains. In 1867 the town of Linkville, made up largely of these stalwart pioneers, was formed at the mouth of that same river. After the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1909, the rechristened town of Klamath Falls became a successful lumber town. Today that Victorian charm still exists in the vintage streets of Old Town, subtly mixed in with the recreational attractions of the modern world.

Ride the Linkville Trolley

• The New Linkville Trolley is a mirror image of the vintage cars that motored through town in the 1980s. It is also similar to the original horse-drawn cars that transported riders around town in 1907, except for the rubber wheels. Today’s trolley operates from Tuesday through Saturday and winds its way through the historic section, beginning at the Klamath County Museum. Your fare allows on-and-off privileges for the entire day. If you find something interesting, get off and explore. Flag down the trolley when it comes by again and hop back on. This is one way to get up the hills of Klamath Falls with little effort.

Explore Klamath Falls' Downtown Museums

• The Klamath County Museum is one of the Main Street treasures in Klamath Fall’s downtown core. Located in what was an armory, the museum houses collections of Native American artifacts, early photos, pioneer relics and mounted examples of local wildlife. The "Forests for Everyone” exhibit is interactive with special activities for children and adults. The Favell Museum on West Main Street features contemporary art and artifacts from indigenous people in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Peru. Both of these museums are open Tuesday through Saturday, year-round. The Senator George Baldwin Hotel, dating back to 1906, was first a hardware store and then a hotel. Today, visitors may tour the property, which has photographer Maud Baldwin’s studio still intact. Open from June through September, Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment.

Klamath Falls Farmers’ Market Shopping Fun

• Every Saturday between the beginning of June through mid-October, the Klamath Falls Farmers’ Market sets up shop downtown, on 9th Street between Klamath Avenue and Main Street. Find fresh produce, baked goods and hand-made crafts, all under a street full of colorful canopies. This is the local gathering space and it can get a bit crowded. The street is closed to traffic so your best bet is to come early and find a nearby parking space. Take home fresh-made jams, local honey and maybe a live plant to decorate your garden. The list of vendors changes constantly so you never know what you’ll find in this Klamath Falls downtown treasure.

Recreate at Klamath Falls Sports Parks

• Steen Sports Park is a multiuse sports venue that just happens to have a skateboard park that is one of the best in the world. Also on hand are an aquatic center, two gyms, baseball fields, indoor and outdoor soccer fields and an indoor golf range. If you like your sports with a touch of machismo, head to Bill Scholtes Klamath Sportsman’s Park and take to the ATV courses or test your aim at the archery or shooting ranges. There’s also room enough to put your radio controlled planes in the air. This outdoor venue is open year-round, weather permitting and is roughly 17 miles southwest of Klamath Falls, near Keno. The Bill Collier Community Ice Arena is inside the Running Y Ranch Golf Resort that also features an 18-hole golf course. The ice sits under an oversize fabric roof but is open on the sides, making this an outdoor skating rink. The arena hosts hockey games, curling matches, figure skating and recreational skating. Running Y Ranch is a 10-mile drive from downtown Klamath Falls.

Visiting Crater Lake National Park

• Crater Lake National Park is only 60 miles north of Klamath Falls, making this a good stopover point for those heading to one of Oregon’s wilderness treasures. The dormant volcano is known for the brilliant blue water in its crater -- in which swimming is allowed -- and Wizard Island peeking up from the depths on the western end of the lake. Summer sports include fishing, hiking and camping. Winter visitors may enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling on selected trails. Not all roads leading to the park are open in winter, it depends on the snow pack. Crater Lake Lodge, the Mazama Cabins and the campgrounds are seasonal, open from mid-May through mid-October. The park is an easy day-trip from Klamath Falls as long as the weather cooperates.

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Sights to See Near Monmouth, Oregon

Come for the wine, stay for the good times. Tucked within a vintner’s paradise, Polk County’s Monmouth attracts less attention than other Oregon destinations, but deserves a second glance. Founded by settlers from Monmouth, Illinois, in 1856, the city displays characteristics typical to a seeded community, perfectly accommodating a rustic getaway with its entrenched-yet-aware culture and fresh, provincial atmosphere. Take advantage of your next visit and see the many sights of Monmouth, Oregon.

Historical Monmouth

• Upon entering the tiny city, notice the resemblance Monmouth bears to historic 19th-century towns of the Pacific Northwest, with a cornice-lined Main Street bisecting downtown and a covered bridge just out of town. Indeed, the 1856 town is rich in history, and encourages visits to its many heritage sites. The Gentle House -- one of the city’s original structures, located just north of Western Oregon University -- and the Brunk House -- a combination model home and museum 10 miles northeast of Monmouth -- exhibit 19th-century living in Polk County. 18 miles southwest of Monmouth, the Ritner Creek Covered Bridge, the last covered bridge used on a U.S. state highway, stands perfectly preserved and on display. Additionally, Monmouth provides a free brochure and map that highlight the city’s notable landmarks and buildings for a self-guided historic walking tour.

Crafty Culture

• Modern Monmouth and neighboring Polk County towns pride themselves on a culture of creative community involvement. Salem, only 15 miles northeast of Monmouth, houses the Hallie Ford Museum of Art -- Oregon's second-largest museum, and one that has gained renown for its focus on historic and contemporary regional artwork. For a more intimate art-viewing experience, head to Independence, 3 miles east of Monmouth, to visit the River Gallery. The gallery privately curates and hosts inspiring collections of contemporary folk art, crafts and fine art by regional artist. From May to September, Dallas -- 8 miles northwest from Monmouth -- hosts the Polk County Bounty Market. Every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., the market features produce, food-fair, crafts from local farmers and artisans with accompanying live music.

Monmouth-Watering

• Polk County has gained a solid reputation for its wine production. It ranks as Oregon’s second-most prolific and successful vintage regions. The Mid-Valley Wine Trail is a collective of esteemed vineyards that participate in a yearly tour event, including each of their participating wineries north of Monmouth in the Dallas area. Similarly, the Heart of Willamette Wineries offer a summertime tasting tour -- June 21 to September 21 -- to sample the rich and complex notes in and south of Monmouth. Either tour is highly recommended to guide your Polk County wine experience, as there are more than 30 vineyards in the county that offer tastings.

Bucolic Beauty

• Although Monmouth is a city, its ambiance is anything but metropolitan. The verdant community neighbors several natural areas that accommodate hiking, water sports and wildlife viewing. Start by journeying to the southern region of Monmouth toward the E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area. The park’s comprehensive interpretive trail saunters through the woods and illuminates bird, fish, reptile and mammal diversity you will likely encounter. The McDonald-Dunn Forest, 22 miles south of Monmouth, houses the 40-acre Peavy Arboretum, which neatly highlights more than 150 local plant species and educates visitors on Oregon’s various ecosystems. Lastly, grab a paddle and hit the Willamette Water Trail -- a 187-mile river trail that runs from around Eugene to Portland. The Willamette River is a great recreational opportunity for any water sport, and the organized and interpretive water trail allows you to paddle, float or wade downriver between established camps and docking areas. The closest accessible dock is in Independence Riverview Park, just 3 miles east of downtown Monmouth.

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Hang Gliding in Cape Lookout, Oregon

Located only a couple hours west of Portland, Oregon, Cape Lookout State Park provides many options for outdoor recreation. For the adventurous, the cliffs of the cape make an ideal spot for hang gliding. With a bit of planning and the right weather conditions, you can spend a day soaring with the birds and taking in the views along the Pacific Ocean at this scenic hang gliding location.

Sticking to the Rules

• You don't need a permit to hang glide in Oregon, but you will need to purchase a day-use pass to use the launch area above Cape Lookout's beach or to park at the other launching point at Anderson's Lookout. Before you start flying, make certain you have the skills and the right weather conditions to allow yourself to land on the beach. If you land in the campground, you can face a fine. If you plan on camping at the park or staying in one of the fully-furnished cabins, you'll need to make a reservation to guarantee a spot.

Observing the Scenery

• Cape Lookout State Park is part of the Three Cape Scenic Loop along the Oregon coast, with Cape Lookout being the second of the three. Looking north while in the air, you'll see a long sand spit that separates the Pacific from Netarts Bay. Slightly further north, you can see another spit that once held the resort community of Bay Ocean -- abandoned in 1953 after the ocean had steadily swept away the sand foundations of the buildings. Near the spit is cape Meares, another headland of the scenic route. To the south, you may see dinghies and surfers sharing the waters of Pacific City. On clear days, you should be able to see Cape Kiwanda, the third cape of the scenic loop. In addition to the sights of the land formations, you may be able to glimpse migrating whales, sea birds, sea lions and seals lounging on the spits.
• Knowing the Conditions

• To stay safely aloft, you want to visit the cape when wind speeds are a mild 8 to 10 miles per hour. You also want to ensure you can land on the beach at the main area of the park, not the beach farther south. The main beach has easy access to the day-use parking lot; the southern beach will require a two-mile, uphill hike to the trailhead parking area for Cape Lookout's hiking paths. The prevailing wind along the coast at Cape Lookout comes from the north, but ocean currents and offshore storms can bring winds hurtling from the west or south. Due to the ever-changing nature of coastal weather, the conditions at Cape Lookout can shift at any moment. Be sure to check the forecast and be aware of the signs of changing conditions -- especially if you're unfamiliar with the weather along the Oregon coast.

Taking a Lesson

• If you've never gone hang gliding before and the sight of people soaring over your head tempts you to try it out, several schools within the vicinity of Cape Lookout can give you a taste for the sport. You won't be jumping off cliffs on your first lesson, or for your first several lessons. Instead, you'll hit the beach and practice catching wind and working with the equipment. To be safe, take lessons only from licensed instructors.

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