So, I wasn’t kidding yesterday about there being lots of adventure to be had here in Astoria. The Oregon Coast really is a Wonder World. Lately, the boy and I have been skipping around the area and I thought I’d share a few of our larks throughout the summer. Maybe we’ll make it a weekly thing? This much beauty was meant to be shared.
Don’t get me wrong, this little family is “plugged-in”. We like our gadgets and gizmos; the first question we ask when we’re vacationing is, “Do they have Wifi?” And we’re not immune to the charms of indoor entertainment; we will be standing in line on opening day to see the next Harry Potter! But the great outdoors calls us—and when the Universe blesses your little rainy town with a week of sunshine, it’s just blasphemy to spend it entirely indoors! Which why the boy and I headed out for a little adventure yesterday.
Youngs River Falls is just a blip on the Lewis and Clark historical map. There are more important and monumental historical sites. In fact, it doesn’t get a lot of play even with the local story tellers, because it doesn’t really factor into the story. However, this little known historical site is a perfect destination on a hot day, so pack your sunscreen!
Take Hwy 202 head toward Olney. Make sure you stop at the Olney General Store for something cool to drink on your journey. They sell the typical road-side fare, but also have some things you won’t find in your local stores. We picked up Italian sodas and water for pennies, and I squirreled away yet another tube of chapstick. What can I say, you can never have too much lip balm!
Just past Olney on the 202, there is a right-hand cut off for the Falls. Follow it 3.7 miles until you see the Lewis and Clark historical site marker.
Getting there is the easy part, leaving–not so much! You’ll be tempted to linger as long as possible. In order to do so, it helps to be prepared. Wear comfy hiking shoes because the short trail to the river bed is steep. Flip flops and slides are a big mistake going down, nearly impossible on the hike back up. The “beach” is actually part of river bed, so don’t expect any sand. However, there is a great rope swing and a swimming hole for the brave of heart, the water is COLD!
If you have the shoes for it, I highly recommend hiking down stream a bit. It gets less crowded and quieter further away from the falls. In late August you can hike along the riverbed and pick berries. The water isn’t too deep and you’ll find lots of lovely places for a quite lunch.
For those of you who aren’t hikers, the falls can be viewed from the parking area. However, the steep traverse down to the river bed is worth the mini workout required. For those of you who do brave the steep path, resist the urge to snap photos on the way down and carry all your belongings on your back. The trail is short, but very steep; small children might need some assistance.
Happy trails, I hope you’re finding wonder in your back yard this summer.
That’s a mighty fine rope swing over a great swimmin’ hole! Go BW!
Miss Madeleine and I took a break from the great outdoors and saw “Nancy Drew” yesterday. It was the first time that she hasn’t asked to sit on my lap during the scary bits. So, I asked her if I could sit on her lap and she turned and gave me a big wink.
Summertime and the livin’ is easy!
___________________________________
How was that movie? The boy has sheepishly suggested he might like to see it, you know, if I want to see it. 😀 ~W
Girl, this is why I love the AWESOME PACIFIC NORTHWEST. I can’t even believe how anyone can not love it here. Green, lush forests, waterfalls, creatures galore, GORGEOUS. I truly can barely wait to get back out to live in the bestest place around! 🙂
___________________________________
Just think, you’ll be here tomorrow! Enjoy your time on the coast, Cindy. Soak it all in! 😀 ~W
Wow! BW looks so happy! How lucky is he to have a great mum like you who will take the time to explore the real beauty in this world. Just gorgeous!
___________________________________
We had a great time… he’s hurting a wee bit from all that rope swinging. 😀 ~W
That is such a cool shot and fun swing! Wow – I had no idea. Looks like it was a great time!
____________________________________
I’m guessing G is wanting to go there tomorrow when it’s supposed to be really “hot”. He calls it the beach. 😀 ~W
Special memories. I wouldn’t like the cold water, but would love the hike. I miss going up hiking at Mt. Rainier. We used to do it when the kids were little, but got too busy with dance, gymnastics, school, etc…I need to grab some of those moments too!
____________________________________
I don’t know how people with more than one kid do it… with all the activities. I can’t keep up with the one I have. I’m a slacker at heart, I guess—but running around doing stuff just doesn’t appeal to me all that much. ~W
Isn’t that a blast?! We were out there just the other day also, but I promise you, you couldn’t have found me on that rope swing. (I’m somewhat of a chicken, you know!) Very very cool pic of the boy swinging through the trees!
____________________________________
Yeah, the boy kept trying to get me to try… “What, you’re too old??” he asked. And when I said, “uh, Yeah!” he replied, “Darn, I thought I could get you with that one!” 😀 ~W
“There’s No Place Like Home”. I guess that is why we have decided to stay in Maine after all 🙂 But your neck of the woods looks like fun, too!
Love,
Jodi
____________________________________
I wondered if you’d decided to stay put. I can’t say that I blame you! Your home looks lovely. 😀 ~W
Can you believe all the years I’ve been here and never been to the falls? Yesterday, our one actual day of heat, would of been perfect for swimming at the falls. Now, a day later, it’s back to the sweatshirt.
____________________________________
Yesterday would have been perfect, eh? We should take the boys out there some day. It doesn’t have to be too hot to enjoy it! ~W