Outdoor Project

The entire length of the Metolius River* is so picturesque and pleasant that choosing the right section of the river to explore can be quite the daunting task.  This short section from Allingham Bridge to Pine Rest Campground is surely one of the best and most accessible.

Though relatively unknown, Salt Creek Falls descends 286 feet into a basalt amphitheater base, making it Oregon's third tallest waterfall after Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge and Munson Creek Falls near Tillamook.

Cape Disappointment State Park could be one of the most underrated outdoor recreation destinations along the North Oregon/South Washington Coast.

This serene spot might be one of the calmest, most inviting stretches of river in the Pacific Northwest.  When the heat of summer ratchets up, this is a premier option in your arsenal of swimming hole locations.

Elk Creek Campground is nestled at the confluence of the upper Wilson River and Elk Creek and sits below some of the best and easily the most challenging Coast Range hiking in Oregon.  The campground serves as a perfect base camp for pursuits up Kings and Elk Mountain. Kings Mountain alone boasts nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain with vistas out to the Pacific and east to the high peaks of the Cascades.

The summit of Whetstone Mountain is a dramatic, fairly moderate hike offering expansive views of several peaks, from Mount Rainier all the way to the Three Sisters. The foundation for a long-gone lookout tower is visible on the rocky, wide open summit. The trail winds in and out of old-growth fir forests, passing several small streams and a small pond under a rock slide. The hike itself is pleasant and rarely steep, with several viewpoints to different peaks along the way. The trail is lined with large huckleberry plants promising plenty of trailside snacking in late summer.