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Ready for a Great Central Oregon Hike?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Bend Premier Real Estate 200009031

Peter Skene Ogden Trail is Ready Now!

It has been just over a year since we last hiked Peter Skene Ogden Trail, located just outside Newberry National Volcanic Monument off the road to the park entrance. Last Saturday, April 10th 2021, the weather was predicted to be cool and windy and this hike, mostly sheltered from the wind in the canyon where Paulina Creek flows, seemed a good choice. When we parked our car by the trailhead at the closed McKay Crossing Campground, there was only one other car and the temperature was under 40 degrees. We thought we would hike the 3.5 miles to our favorite waterfalls along the hike - the place we call "Twin Falls." We dressed warm and quickly covered the distance to the falls. After a short stop with photos of the falls, we decided to see how much further we could make it on the hike, knowing the trail ends at Paulina Lake. We were surprised to see the trail was relatively snow free until past 4.5 miles, and then very passable with microspikes on our shoes. We made it all 7 miles to Paulina Falls where we enjoyed a quick lunch prior to starting back.  Although trekking through the snow was much slower than on the bare ground, the experience was very enjoyable and yes, pretty sheltered from the wind. All in all, we saw only 6 other people and 2 dogs the entire day. 

Paulina Creek Paulina Falls Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead

Original blog can be read at Bend Premier Real Estate.

Comments (13)

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I would think it would be a far more pleasant hike some time in May.  The Peter Skene Ogden trail sounds like a great day trip

Apr 11, 2021 07:11 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Lynnea.

When I saw the snow, I'll take your word for it.

Apr 12, 2021 01:17 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Good morning Lynnea.  What a great outing.  The 'twin fall' look stunning.  It is amazing the beauty that can be found just a short distance off the main path.  Thank you for sharing.  Mark

Apr 12, 2021 02:55 AM
Rocky Dickerson
Realty One Group - Las Vegas, NV
Superior Service!

Good morning Lynnea! This month's contest is a natural for you. Love it!

Apr 12, 2021 07:58 AM
Lynnea Miller

Thank you, Rocky, for letting me know about the contest!  I hike every week so this one should be easy for me to get full contest points. :)😀

Apr 12, 2021 11:21 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Lynnea- what a beautiful place to hike!!! Your photos are outstanding. And I am so glad that Rocky mentions the April Challenge. Here is a link to it. 

Apr 14, 2021 12:05 PM
Lynnea Miller

Hi Kathy.  I believe I already put the blog into the contest - and will be adding to my total as the month goes on

Apr 14, 2021 01:55 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

Lynnea looks like a fun outing. Nice pics.

Apr 18, 2021 11:43 AM
Lynnea Miller

Thank you, Joseph. It is a beautiful place.  In the summer people will use one section of the creek as a slide - called the Paulina Plunge. The rocks are very smooth in this section and in hot weather, it can be a lot of fun

Apr 22, 2021 09:53 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

WOW! How gorgeous, Lynnea! I can tell you are a true hiker - throwing out terms like 'microspikes' was a dead giveaway! LOL

 

Thank you for your entries into this month's challenge too!

Apr 22, 2021 06:56 AM
John Marshall - FORE!
LoKation Real Estate - Cherry Hills Village, CO
Specializing in Golf Course Properties

Beautiful, I will be visiting my son in Portland in a couple weeks and we are looking for great hikes

Apr 22, 2021 08:11 AM
Lynnea Miller

One of my favorite areas outside of Portland is in the Columbia Gorge. Travel about an hour's drive up interstate 84 to Multnomah Falls - which is really worth seeing - and there are many hikes above the Falls. One to Fairy Falls is really beautiful and if you hike above that falls, you can get high enough to see spectacular views up and down the gorge. Last fall we hiked to Devil's Rest (pretty scarey spot) which had amazing views - along with a 2000 foot drop.

Apr 22, 2021 09:58 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Lynnea - first congratulations on your feature - this looks like so much fun!  

Apr 23, 2021 07:19 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Lynnea,

That sounds like an awesome mental health day! I am glad you are also enjoying what others come to your area for. In your market, you probably have to be able to speak about all the great outdoor activities that are possible from particular neighborhoods.

Apr 23, 2021 07:42 AM
Lynnea Miller

Hi Dorte-I have been blogging about Central Oregon hikes for years, but last year with the Covid lockdowns, our weekly hikes have been what have kept us sane. And my blogs have gotten a lot of attention!

Apr 23, 2021 09:28 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Thank you Lynnea for a wonderful share..isn't it wonderful there are some positive things that came from the COVID lock-downs..you were kept sane by enjoying mother nature and your posts on Oregon and hiking are now noticed more than ever!

Apr 23, 2021 11:54 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hi Lynnea,  Great post with such beautiful pictures.  What a healthy way to keep in shape - by hiking in the fresh air and taking in the beauty God created.

Apr 24, 2021 04:03 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Lynnea 

Kudos to you for hiking all that way to the falls. You are very adventurous. Your pictures are beautiful and well worth the climb. 

 

Thank you for your entry  into the Active Rain Spring Challenge 

Apr 28, 2021 12:21 PM
Lynnea Miller

Thank you, Hannah.  Our hikes have been our stress reflief during this challenging year with the Covid lockdowns. 

Apr 28, 2021 12:30 PM