Dale and I had our first Friday Fieldtrip in early September. We drove out into the country to McDowell Creek Falls, northeast of Eugene. This was Dale's first country hike since his heart surgery. We figured it was a decent attempt since the waterfall loop trail is only a couple miles.
We started at the lower parking lot early enough in the day that we practically had the park to ourselves for the first hour.
Taking it nice and slowly, we started down the well-marked trail. It smelled delicious that morning. The first waterfall we encountered was Royal Terrace Falls.
Since it was late summer, there wasn't a lot of water flow in McDowell Creek. Our very first glimpse of the falls was not all that impressive.
Our map showed us the trail split. We could continue on a low trail, or climb this intriguing rock staircase.
We started up. And up. And up. At one point we weren't sure if there were more "up" stairs or if we should retreat "down." It was hard. And sweaty. We continued up.
We were rewarded for our climb!
The path led us through more forest, across the road, along beautiful trails, across long bridges, and past more waterfalls.
It was an absolutely lovely day and a great hike (that we felt in our muscles and bones for a couple more days).
Dale's heart was going strong and his spirits lifted from the effort. It was good for both of us to get out into the woods and away from our computers and the news for a while. We're incredibly lucky to have such wonderful places to visit within an hour from home.
I'm looking forward to continued Friday Fieldtrips and exploring more of our hometown and beyond.
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