Stamps in My Passport

For as long as I can remember I’ve spent spring, summer and fall exploring the hidden wonders throughout my beautiful home state of Oregon. We truly are blessed with incredible natural wonders that include deep canyons, amazing rock formations, majestic mountains, stuning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, a breathtaking coastline, unique desert areas with rugged natural beauty, gorgeous forests & trails to wander, historic sights and epic views all across the state. I feel so fortunate to call this amazing state home.

Today I want to share a few of my favorite gems that are tucked in unknown/lesser known locations around the state.

Located in the far eastern corner of the state is a giant unknown gem called The Pillars of Rome (see this post for more info https://www.instagram.com/p/DICugZ0O_Cj/). These amazing rock formations received their name due to their appearance bearing a resemblance to pillars located in Rome, Italy. One of my favorite features is that this is truly a place to escape from everyone else. Chances are you’ll be the only one here! We went recently and no one else was around the entire 2 hours we explored the area. The pillars can be accessed by driving on a long gravel road. They can be explored on foot, however it is not recommended to attempt to climb the rock formations as it would damage them and it is not safe to do so. For more information check out the guide at this link: https://stampsinmypassport.com/store/

Another gem that know one talks about is the Alvord Desert, located only an hour and a 1/2 drive from the Pillars of Rome and sure to be a location you’ll remember. The Alvord Desert looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It is a dried up lake bed that is flanked by the Steens Mountain Wilderness on one side and open desert on the other. The Alvord hot springs are located nearby and I highly recommend checking them out! One of the most unique features of this location is the ability to drive your vehicle out on the lake bed. Definitely recommend driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle and verifying that it is completely dry before cruising across the lake bed. If it has rained recently there is a chance that tires will get stuck in thick mud that can make for a tricky, sticky situation if you’re not careful… My husband had a blast cruising around and having a foot race against our kids in the middle of the lake bed, haha. Depending on the lighting the lake bed is either a light tan or a vibrant golden color. I found it so interesting to see the crumbling, caked dirt clod covered lake bed that stretched for miles!

Located nearby is Crack in the Ground, a slot canyon through a fissure of volcanic origin out in the middle of nowhere, near Christmas Valley that is quite impressive to explore. This is a really neat area to visit and really does feel like there can’t be anything worth while until you walk down the trail head to the base of the slot canyon and begin to weave your way through it. This trail will require some manouvering and clamboring over huge rocks, squeezing between boulders and walking below towering rock faces. I suggest using caution when walking between the canyon as rocks could fall from overhead. The entire trail weaves between a 2 mile long fissure and there are pit toilets located at the trailhead. Have you ever wanted to walk through a slot canyon? Then you’ll definitely want to add this to your Oregon bucket list!

Close by is Fort Rock, a unique semi-circular rock formation that offers hikers unique views of eastern Oregon desert landscape and a chance to get up close to this prehistoric tuff ring that includes a cave with ancient markings. Fort Rock is a National Natural Landmark that is located between Bend and Christmas Valley. It is a spectacular location for stargazing and enjoying a quiet escape surrounded by sights and sounds of eastern Oregon wildlife. There have been several discoveries of ancient artifacts including a pair of sagebrush sandals dated to 9-11,000 years old in a cave nearby. Learn more about that here: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=170 also discover more information here: https://visitcentraloregon.com/property/fort-rock-state-park/. Other locations nearby such as the ghost town Fort Rock Homestead Village museum provide a deeper look into the rich cultural heritage of the area, give insights and understanding of the native tribes who called the eastern Oregon desert home. Also check out the Hole in the Ground located nearby for another interesting geologic land formation. This fascinating maar is regarded as a result of volcanic activity that’s had a lasting impression on the state’s landscape. Hole in the Ground is one of the most prominent craters of its kind in Oregon and has puzzled many due to its geological significance as well as mystery.

Another favorite of ours is National Creek Falls located about 30 minutes from Crater Lake (this was one of our stops on our way to the Crater Lake Lodge for an overnight stay). It is a stunning waterfall especially when it is full. The trail is fairly simple down to the overlook and for those who are more adventurous, they can scramble across a log or two to reach a better view point across the river. This is one of our favorite waterfalls located near Crater Lake. We had the trail to ourselves and spent about 45 minutes here. On the trail keep an eye out for deer and other wild life. Most of the deer we came across were unafraid and stood pretty close to us. We visited this waterfall in June and although the falls were full there were several large logs we were able to carefully cross to reach the view on the other side. * I strongly suggest exercising extreme caution if the river is full and has a swift, fast current. Please be careful if you attempt this!

The next gem is also located near Crater Lake and can be accessed on the same highway just over 2 hour drive from Crater Lake NP. Salt Creek Falls is the 2nd tallest waterfall in Oregon, however, most visitors have never heard of it! They only know of the most famous waterfall, the icon of the Columbia River Gorge, the 600+ ft Multnomah Falls. While Multnomah certainly is an astonishing, magnificent waterfall; at 286 feet Salt Creek Falls definitely is a sight worth seeing for those who will be visiting the lower region of Oregon. At this trailhead/parking lot you can also find access to the lesser known Diamond Creek Falls as well. Another stunning waterfall that is just 200 feet from the parking lot overview of Salt Creek Falls. On this trail you will be able to spy Too much Bear Lake as well as a few smaller falls. This makes for a great day excursion whether you’re on your way to or from Crater Lake.

While you’re in the area you must stop to see Toketee Falls & Clearwater Creek Falls, 2 very different waterfalls but equally as stunning. Toketee is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon but has a smaller parking area and requires a hike to reach, but you will get an up close experience with some massive moss covered trees & have a viewing platform to observe the waterfall as it tumbles over a basalt rock cliff in the Umpqua National Forest. Just further down the road is Clearwater Creek Falls, a truly unique waterfall covered in moss laden branches and ample opportunities to climb around the waterfall for unique vantage points. The trail also has a short climb to the top of the waterfall for yet another perspective. Another falls to check out is Watson Creek Falls, Oregon’s 3rd tallest and lesser known. This trail has a lovely picnic area as well and multilple spots to dip your feet in the water on a hot day.

Lastly, located nearby is another waterfall, Wolf Creek Falls that is perfect for those who are seeking tranquility. Even on a hot summer day this trail was empty and we only saw a handful of people the entire 2+ hours that we hiked and explored around the falls. It’s the perfect spot to take a swim on a hot day, pack a picnic or just enjoy the peace and solitude. See both the lower and upper falls, walk down to the upper falls for a great swimming hole and perfect spot for a snack break or to breathe in the fresh mountain air. It really is lovely.

If you’re planning on exploring Eastern Oregon on your next adventure head to the Itinerary tab and pick up a copy of Pillars of Rome & Oregon travel planning guides to assist with your plans.

Until next time, happy adventuring everyone! ~Krista

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