Smith Rock State Park

Crooked River

It was 65 degrees on November 28th.  Way too warm, no skiing in sight, but a good day to get our for a hike.  With out of town guests, Smith Rock was chosen as the destination.  The crowds were predictably think and every rock climber within 100 miles was dangling from the rocks, but it was a beautiful day and beat going to the mall.

Welded Tuffs

That Classic View of Smith Rocks SP

 

The Floods of '21

The high water mark, too close for comfort

November of 2021 was wet in NW Washington.  Nine inches of rain fell in one 24 hour period in Forks.  The Bogachiel River crested at nearly 45 feet and the water backed up to surround our cabin. Amazingly, it did not get into the barn, pump house, or cabin, though it was very close.  After surveying the damage we headed to the Bogachiel River trail and enjoyed a solitary walk up the river into the Park.  Amazing how flashy these Olympic Peninsula rivers are.

Slide closes road to Bogachiel River Trailhead

The Bogachiel River in Olympic National Park

 

Crooked River

As low as I have seen the Crooked

For a one night getaway less than an hour from home this time of year it is hard to beat the Crooked River Canyon below Prineville Reservoir.  Plenty of people fishing the river during the day, but quiet as it can be at night.  The river was very low, despite recent rains, and murky.  Still, a great getaway.

Corwin's First time to the Crooked

Certainly not our first time here!

 

Hole in the Wall

Not a hole in the Wall

I spent the weekend on the Olympic Peninsula and was treated to the best weather in the PNW, quite a feat for late October.  We took the opportunity to hike north from Rialto Beach and through the Hole in the Wall.  After waiting for the tide to retreat far enough for passage, we walked through the hole.  There is also a trail up and over the headland, but that is not as interesting.  Even the crowds were not bad, making this a very enjoyable beach day.

North of the Hole

The Hole in the Wall

A beautiful day on the Olympic Coast