Windy Pass, Central Washington Cascades

Looking east toward the Enchantments

Evan and I got out for an overnighter last weekend up to Windy Pass.  We started from the Colchuck/Stewart/Eightmile Lake trailhead.  It was a beautiful weekend - and foggy in Seattle - so there were crowds at the trailhead, but we lost them all on the hike up to Windy.  The moon was nearly full and the night was incredibly still and mild.  Larch and aspen were in full color.  It was a great Fall weekend.

Camping near Windy Pass (7,200')

Pond near Eightmile Lake

Salem's earth ball

Finally made it down to the Willamette River in downtown Salem. Saw the world there. Very cool

Biking in Bend

One of the many great things about Bend is the great biking right in town.

Horse Rock Meadow in the Coburg Hills

Looking east from Horse Rock Meadow

I'd long heard of Horse Rock Meadow, high in the Coburg Hills, but had not taken the time to head up there to explore this place until my brother, Ken, asked me if I wanted to go for a hike up there.  Its a quick drive from Eugene and well worth it, especially on a beautiful warm October morning.

In search of the horn

early season snow

 A beautiful Friday for a hike to Cowhorn Mountain before the snows close off the high country.  We could not quite get to the summit, safely anyway, since there was a lot of ice and snow covering the summit scramble.  We opted for safety and enjoyed the views from near the top.  Beautiful day.

looking north toward Crescent Lake

Cowhorn Mountain

Frosty goodness

Fort Rock Valley exploration

Oregon's largest juniper

 We were planning on climbing the South Sister on Saturday, but the remnants of a typhoon came ashore and changed our plans.  Instead, we headed southeast out of Bend and explored the backside of Newberry Crater and the Fort Rock area.  There is a lot to see back there, and not enough time, but it was a good time.


Fort Rock



A straight road