Hike #2: Deep Creek Canyon and the Cazadero Trail

This has been a hard winter. Days on end of cold rain, dreary skies and blustery winds have kept us off the trails. But not today. We committed to get on a path rain or shine and, lucky for us, it was dry the entire way.

The Cazadero Trail begins at the corner of Highway 212 and SE Richey Road (behind the Shell Station) in Boring, Oregon.

Once the old Oregon Water Power and Railway Company rail line, the trail is now a gravel path that follows the North Fork Deep Creek 2.8 miles to Barton. (5.6 miles RT)

 Due to heavy rains, the creek was full and moving swiftly. The older boys scared me half to death by getting so close to the edge. I was sure they'd slip and be swept away by the rushing current but they were safe enough. *gulp*

Despite the brown mud, the creek was lovely, particularly accented with bright green moss-covered trees.

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Jared had eagle eyes and spotted a salamander!

He also found a rock that he thought resembled a saddle.

We heard many song birds as the trail was perfectly quiet. No traffic noise at all. I read that the trail can be crowded with bicycles but we were the only people on the trail today.

We thoroughly enjoyed discovering this gem of a trail in our own backyard- only 15 minutes from our home. The lush ferns, towering trees and rushing creek were just what we needed to fill our senses today.

pg 223, Wild In the City