Sunrise view of Mt. Hood at Trillium Lake.
Once again, things have been silent on Hike Mt Shasta for good reason. While we began the month with a trip south to the Sierra Nevada, now I have ended the month by going north. I got home a day ago from a fantastic roadtrip through Oregon with my oldest son. Circumstances played out in a way that allowed me to take him on a trip while my wife and younger kids were down in Sonoma County with grandparents. He’s 8 and primed and ready for all sorts of adventures. I got my trucks camping configuration back together, loaded it up and hit the road at dawn. Armed with a new knife and camera, he was exceedingly excited to head out on a “dad trip”.
I had initially planned on heading to Hells Canyon or out to Utah or something a little further out of our normal orbit but, given the relatively short amount of time (5 days) and my slight hesitation with solo camping of this nature with him, it worked well to keep things closer to home. Despite the less ambitious trip, it worked out quite well. We saw some of the best that Oregon has to offer, were able to experience how diverse the land can be and enjoy each others company. There were conversations about geology, geography, history, theology, philosophy and beyond. I really hope that the memories made on that trip will contribute to a sound foundation for understanding the natural world and our role in it.
As my other kids get older, I look forward to giving them similar experiences!
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- Crater Lake
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- McKenzie Pass
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- McKenzie Pass
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- John Day Fossil Beds
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- John Day Fossil Beds
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- John Day Fossil Beds
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- Mount Hood
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- Mount Hood
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- Smith Rock
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- Toketee Falls
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- Watson Falls
Hike Mt. Shasta 
what an extraordinary landscape, thank you for these beautiful views
What a wonderful trip, I am so glad you 2 got to do that, just amazing! By the way, where is Watson Falls?
Hi Linda! It really was a great trip, for both he and I. Watson Falls is actually just a few minutes up the highway from Toketee Falls. There is a small picnic area and a roughly one mile loop to the falls, which is actually a pretty scenic little hike. Watson Falls is billed as the tallest waterfall in southern Oregon at 272 feet high.
Are you still planning on coming to the Trail Town festival? I am going to have a booth there, though I am still not sure exactly what I am going to do with it. They said I should just talk about trails and stuff but I feel like I need some kind of angle…
It’s great to see your son being exposed to such great country! Thanks for sharing that, Bubba!
Thank Karen! I really hope it has an impact him, and all my kids as they get old enough. They are so blessed to live in this part of the world, and I really want them to appreciate the blessing they have!
It must of been an amazing trip! Awesome photos!
I love that you did this trip with your son!! I have such fond memories of doing things out in nature with my dad. Beautiful sights!!