Backpack on the North Fork of the MIddle Fork Willamette River

The North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River

An overnight hike on the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River trail with some friends. A quick 2 1/2 mile hike in - just enough for William. Found a good camp site at the point where the trail crosses the stream and heads into mosquito heaven. We enjoyed a box of wine, a fine campfire, and the lovely roar of the stream as we slept. The Sierras it ain't, but still a nice quick getaway from Eugene.

A Loop of the Sierras

View from Oregon Caves toward the Kalmiopsis

From June 19th to July 6th we were wandering around the Sierras in Lowell. Started off at Oregon Caves - I hadn't ever been on the cave tour, so it was about time. From there we went to Mt Lassen and then on to the California Gold Country and Yosemite. Yosemite Valley was smokey from the 800 fires burning in northern California and it was crowded, but spectacular none-the-less. Better yet were Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Fewer crowds and tremendous scenery. We spent 4 or 5 days there and then continued south around the end of the mountains at Wilson Pass - a beautiful drive. Up 395 on the east side took us through Owens Valley and Mono Lake. It had been many years since I had seen this area. Beautiful, though I was surprised at how little snow remained on the peaks. We finished the trip with a 4th of July swing through the Summer Lake/Chewaucan River area of south central Oregon. Very nice.

Mt Lassen

Yosemite Falls

Sequoia tree

Eurovans and Joshua Trees at Wilson Pass