HikingViking

Here are the Chapters & Timestamps: 0:00 Hiking by Mossy Trees in Mount Hood Wilderness 0:20 How Blue Diamond Tree Markers Work in Snowy Winter 1:01 La Nina Impact on Delaying the Annual Snowfall & Elevation Data 1:54 Biodiversity Ecological Footprint Differences Between Mount Bachelor vs. Mount Hood 4:21 Misty Fog Enveloping the Forest as we Hike 4:37 Just Turned Right at Trail Junction and Full Super Loop Hike Itinerary 5:04 Arriving at Lower Twin Lake 6:25 Checking out the Backcountry Campsites around Lower Twin Lake, particularly 2 on the North Shoreline and 1 on the West Shoreline 8:45 Circumnavigating Lower Twin Lake by hiking optional add-on 1-Mile Shoreline Loop 11:39 Final Look at Gorgeous Foggy Lower Twin Lake 12:00 Ascending the Forest to Upper Twin Lake & Arriving at Upper Twin Lake with a sheet of ice forming on its surface On December 3, 2021, I went to Frog Lake Sno-Park, aka the Pacific Crest Trailhead to Lower & Upper Twin Lakes traversing gorgeous Mount Hood Wilderness. I was expecting some snow given that it was Winter and had even brought several kits with me aka snowshoes to decide the right traction control based on the conditions, but much to my surprise there was no snow whatsoever on the Trail. The cyclical weather phenomenon known as La Nina had delayed the start of the annual snow deluge by about 3 weeks, even causing one of the latest opening delays of the nearby Ski Lodges in history. I was the only one on the Trail and in the entire wider Forest area for my entire hike down to Lower Twin Lake and up to Upper Twin Lake. I checked out the Backcountry Campsites around the Lake and added the optional 1-Mile Shoreline Loop around Lower Twin Lake. After hiking up to Upper Twin Lake I continued past it to reconnect with the Pacific Crest Trail and return back to trailhead by completing the Loop. The entire Hike is approximately 7.2 Miles, 950 FT Elevation Gain through Classic Old Growth Forest, with a 1-Mile additional add-on option of circumnavigating Lower Twin Lake (I highly recommend!) for a total of 8.2 Miles. It was in the Low 20's temperature wise and thick, dense fog rolled in at Lower Twin Lake.

Crooked? Deschutes? Metolius? Which Arm of Lake Billy Chinook @ The Cove Palisades State Park in Central Oregon is the BEST to Catch Fish? This 4K Video captures the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area Boat Ramp/Launch/Dock, the Floating Deployable Restrooms, and and finishes with some Silent Perspectives of absolutely gorgeous and incredible Lake Billy Chinook from the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area Zone. ***Please note that Google Maps is wrong. There is an Upper Deschutes Day Use Area AND a Lower Deschutes Day Use Area. They are nearby each other, both have their own Ramp/Launch/Dock, and they are connected by a Shoreline Trail. For some reason Google Maps has the Upper Deschutes Day Use Area INACCURATELY labeled as the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area, and doesn't have the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area even labeled AT ALL even though it acknowledges the Boat Ramp and infrastructure is there.....so this IS correct, Google Maps is wrong.*** The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. From Perry South Campground to Monty Campground it is a relatively bumpy Forest Road - most cars should be able to make it if you drive slowly and cautiously, particularly around some blind corners on a very steep road, so exercise maximum caution driving to Monty Campground! That said, if done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather and of course do so at your own risk!

This 4K Video walks the beautiful Shoreline of the Crooked River Day Use Area and highlights an EPIC Picnic Site of the incredible Crooked Arm of Lake Billy Chinook! The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. From Perry South Campground to Monty Campground it is a relatively bumpy Forest Road - most cars should be able to make it if you drive slowly and cautiously, particularly around some blind corners on a very steep road, so exercise maximum caution driving to Monty Campground! That said, if done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather and of course do so at your own risk!

0:00 Arriving at Junction on Pacific Crest Trail to Turn Right onto Twin Lakes Trail towards Lower Twin Lake 4:58 Arriving at Lower Twin Lake 6:26 Checking out the Backcountry Campsites around Lower Twin Lake, particularly 2 on the North Shoreline and 1 on the West Shoreline 10:13 Circumnavigating Lower Twin Lake by hiking optional add-on 1-Mile Shoreline Loop 13:20 Rope Swing & Final Look at Foggy Lower Twin Lake 13:53 Ascending the Forest to Upper Twin Lake & Arriving at Upper Twin Lake with a sheet of ice forming on its surface On December 3, 2021, I went to Frog Lake Sno-Park, aka the Pacific Crest Trailhead to Lower & Upper Twin Lakes traversing gorgeous Mount Hood Wilderness. I was expecting some snow given that it was Winter and had even brought several kits with me aka snowshoes to decide the right traction control based on the conditions, but much to my surprise there was no snow whatsoever on the Trail. The cyclical weather phenomenon known as La Nina had delayed the start of the annual snow deluge by about 3 weeks, even causing one of the latest opening delays of the nearby Ski Lodges in history. I was the only one on the Trail and in the entire wider Forest area for my entire hike down to Lower Twin Lake and up to Upper Twin Lake. I checked out the Backcountry Campsites around the Lake and added the optional 1-Mile Shoreline Loop around Lower Twin Lake. After hiking up to Upper Twin Lake I continued past it to reconnect with the Pacific Crest Trail and return back to trailhead by completing the Loop. The entire Hike is approximately 7.2 Miles, 950 FT Elevation Gain through Classic Old Growth Forest, with a 1-Mile additional add-on option of circumnavigating Lower Twin Lake (I highly recommend!) for a total of 8.2 Miles. It was in the Low 20's temperature wise and thick, dense fog rolled in at Lower Twin Lake.

Here are the Chapters & Timestamps: 0:00 Sign for Upper Lone Pine Day Use Area & Walking the Parking Lot to the two Shoreline Hiking Trailheads 0:57 Hiking the first Trail descending down to Shoreline of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River 3:37 Hiking the second Trail descending down to Shoreline of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River 5:37 A Montage of Silent 4K Perspectives of the Upper Lone Pine Day Use Area Zone of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River The Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River is a extremely high quality River Canyon Wonderland Zone consisting of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail called "Chimney Rock" that ascends to a truly spectacular geological formation. This area is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and is in the SW Quadrant of the greater Prineville area to the West of the Prineville Reservoir State Park. Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Smaller Sections - THIS ONE is the greater "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for the geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. To be clear, THIS ENTIRE SECTION of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail is called the "Chimney Rock" Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River. This Playlist consists of: - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Castle Rock Campground - Highlight of a Beaver Running Down the River Shoreline - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Stillwater Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lone Pine Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lower Palisades Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Chimney Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Cobble Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Post Pile Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Poison Butte Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Big Bend Campground - Reviewing Greenwood Day Use Area - Reviewing Upper Lone Pine Day Use Area (THIS ONE!) - Bowman Dam - Powder House Cove Boat Ramp/Launch/Dock - FULL HIKE of Chimney Rock Trail - A few Highlight Videos & Perspectives of Chimney Rock Trail - SILENT 4K PERSPECTIVES COMPILATION of the Entire Chimney Rock Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River These Videos were not all made in one day, the size of the area and logistics make that impossible. These videos were made on 3/26/24 and 4/2/24, both blue bird sky days with lows in the 30's and highs in the 70's.

This was a Day Hike, starting at Chimney Rock Trailhead (across the road from Chimney Rock Campground), operated by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), going 2.8 Miles Roundtrip, about 500 FT Elevation Gain, to the base of the world famous geological formation known as "Chimney Rock". The trail ascends a high desert wonderland canyon surrounded by juniper trees and sagebrush, with some great views looking down on Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River as you ascend. There are portions of the trail that are close to the edge of the canyon with a steep precipice - it never felt unsafe to me, but one must practice Situational Awareness and it may not be a good idea to bring kids up there unless they are well disciplined in safety protocols. Once you ascend the canyon you get up to a large plateau on the canyon edifice to explore for a while (a bench was particularly awesome) that yields direct views of the Mountains of Central Oregon - Three Sisters, Broken Top & Jefferson. It culminates with views of Chimney Rock, a lone geological formation standing high surrounded by high desert. I would recommend looking to the left of Chimney Rock down on a great canyon wide perspective of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River snaking through the canyon. Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Sections - this one is the "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for this geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. This is a very hot area, it is the high desert with direct sun almost the entire hike. I did this on 4/2/24, with a low of 35F and a high of 77F - I would not recommend doing this at the hottest time of day, particularly during Summer months of 80F - 100F, as the combination of steep elevation gain exertion and direct hot sun could be materialize into a dangerous hydration issue very very quickly.

Here are the Chapters & Timestamps: 0:00 Beaver Runs Quickly By on Shoreline (Sighting #1) 0:35 Spot the Beaver on the Shoreline straight ahead and watch it run down the Shoreline (Sighting #2) 1:01 Gorgeous Approach to Edge of Shoreline of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River 2:23 A Montage of Silent 4K Perspectives of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River of the Zones Adjacent to Castle Rock Campground The Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River is a extremely high quality River Canyon Wonderland Zone consisting of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail called "Chimney Rock" that ascends to a truly spectacular geological formation. This area is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and is in the SW Quadrant of the greater Prineville area to the West of the Prineville Reservoir State Park. Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Smaller Sections - THIS ONE is the greater "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for the geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. To be clear, THIS ENTIRE SECTION of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail is called the "Chimney Rock" Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River. This Playlist consists of: - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Castle Rock Campground - Highlight of a Beaver Running Down the River Shoreline (THIS ONE!) - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Stillwater Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lone Pine Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lower Palisades Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Chimney Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Cobble Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Post Pile Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Poison Butte Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Big Bend Campground - Reviewing Greenwood Day Use Area - Reviewing Upper Lone Pine Day Use Area - Bowman Dam - Powder House Cove Boat Ramp/Launch/Dock - FULL HIKE of Chimney Rock Trail - A few Highlight Videos & Perspectives of Chimney Rock Trail - SILENT 4K PERSPECTIVES COMPILATION of the Entire Chimney Rock Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River These Videos were not all made in one day, the size of the area and logistics make that impossible. These videos were made on 3/26/24 and 4/2/24, both blue bird sky days with lows in the 30's and highs in the 70's.

The Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River is a extremely high quality River Canyon Wonderland Zone consisting of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail called "Chimney Rock" that ascends to a truly spectacular geological formation. This area is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and is in the SW Quadrant of the greater Prineville area to the West of the Prineville Reservoir State Park. Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Smaller Sections - THIS ONE is the greater "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for the geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. To be clear, THIS ENTIRE SECTION of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail is called the "Chimney Rock" Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River. This Playlist consists of: - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Castle Rock Campground - Highlight of a Beaver Running Down the River Shoreline - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Stillwater Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lone Pine Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lower Palisades Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Chimney Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Cobble Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Post Pile Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Poison Butte Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Big Bend Campground - Reviewing Greenwood Day Use Area (THIS ONE!) - Reviewing Upper Lone Pine Day Use Area - Bowman Dam - Powder House Cove Boat Ramp/Launch/Dock - FULL HIKE of Chimney Rock Trail - A few Highlight Videos & Perspectives of Chimney Rock Trail - SILENT 4K PERSPECTIVES COMPILATION of the Entire Chimney Rock Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River These Videos were not all made in one day, the size of the area and logistics make that impossible. These videos were made on 3/26/24 and 4/2/24, both blue bird sky days with lows in the 30's and highs in the 70's.

The Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River is a extremely high quality River Canyon Wonderland Zone consisting of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail called "Chimney Rock" that ascends to a truly spectacular geological formation. This area is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and is in the SW Quadrant of the greater Prineville area to the West of the Prineville Reservoir State Park. Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Smaller Sections - THIS ONE is the greater "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for the geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. To be clear, THIS ENTIRE SECTION of 9 Developed Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World Class Hiking Trail is called the "Chimney Rock" Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River. This Playlist consists of: - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Castle Rock Campground - Highlight of a Beaver Running Down the River Shoreline - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Stillwater Campground (THIS ONE!) - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lone Pine Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Lower Palisades Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Chimney Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Cobble Rock Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Post Pile Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Poison Butte Campground - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Big Bend Campground - Reviewing Greenwood Day Use Area - Reviewing Upper Lone Pine Day Use Area - Bowman Dam - Powder House Cove Boat Ramp/Launch/Dock - FULL HIKE of Chimney Rock Trail - A few Highlight Videos & Perspectives of Chimney Rock Trail - SILENT 4K PERSPECTIVES COMPILATION of the Entire Chimney Rock Segment of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River These Videos were not all made in one day, the size of the area and logistics make that impossible. These videos were made on 3/26/24 and 4/2/24, both blue bird sky days with lows in the 30's and highs in the 70's.

This 4K Video captures the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area Boat Ramp/Launch/Dock, the Floating Deployable Restrooms, the Day Use Picnic Sites on the Shoreline, and the Designated Swimming Area of the incredible Deschutes Arm of Lake Billy Chinook, and finishes with some Silent Perspectives of absolutely gorgeous and incredible Lake Billy Chinook! ***Please note that Google Maps is wrong. There is an Upper Deschutes Day Use Area AND a Lower Deschutes Day Use Area. They are nearby each other, both have their own Ramp/Launch/Dock, and they are connected by a Shoreline Trail. For some reason Google Maps has the Upper Deschutes Day Use Area INACCURATELY labeled as the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area, and doesn't have the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area even labeled AT ALL even though it acknowledges the Boat Ramp and infrastructure is there.....so this IS correct, Google Maps is wrong.*** The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. From Perry South Campground to Monty Campground it is a relatively bumpy Forest Road - most cars should be able to make it if you drive slowly and cautiously, particularly around some blind corners on a very steep road, so exercise maximum caution driving to Monty Campground! That said, if done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather and of course do so at your own risk!

This was a Day Hike, starting at Chimney Rock Trailhead (across the road from Chimney Rock Campground), operated by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), going 2.8 Miles Roundtrip, about 500 FT Elevation Gain, to the base of the world famous geological formation known as "Chimney Rock". The trail ascends a high desert wonderland canyon surrounded by juniper trees and sagebrush, with some great views looking down on Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River as you ascend. There are portions of the trail that are close to the edge of the canyon with a steep precipice - it never felt unsafe to me, but one must practice Situational Awareness and it may not be a good idea to bring kids up there unless they are well disciplined in safety protocols. Once you ascend the canyon you get up to a large plateau on the canyon edifice to explore for a while (a bench was particularly awesome) that yields direct views of the Mountains of Central Oregon - Three Sisters, Broken Top & Jefferson. It culminates with views of Chimney Rock, a lone geological formation standing high surrounded by high desert. I would recommend looking to the left of Chimney Rock down on a great canyon wide perspective of Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River snaking through the canyon. Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Sections - this one is the "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for this geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. This is a very hot area, it is the high desert with direct sun almost the entire hike. I did this on 4/2/24, with a low of 35F and a high of 77F - I would not recommend doing this at the hottest time of day, particularly during Summer months of 80F - 100F, as the combination of steep elevation gain exertion and direct hot sun could be materialize into a dangerous hydration issue very very quickly.

Here is the FULL LIST of Chapters & Timestamps: 0:00 The Cove Palisades State Park Entrance Sign and Accessing Crooked River Day Use Area Main Shoreline 5:35 Walking Down the Shoreline of Lake Billy Chinook 6:56 Picnic Single Site Day Use Area 7:29 Picnic Group Site Day Use Area This 4K Video captures the Crooked River Day Use Area Shoreline & Picnic Site Area of the incredible Crooked Arm of Lake Billy Chinook, and includes some Silent Shoreline Perspectives as well. The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. From Perry South Campground to Monty Campground it is a relatively bumpy Forest Road - most cars should be able to make it if you drive slowly and cautiously, particularly around some blind corners on a very steep road, so exercise maximum caution driving to Monty Campground! That said, if done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather and of course do so at your own risk!

There are two Bridges in The Cove Palisades State Park area, one called the SE Jordan Bridge, the other the SW Jordan Bridge, going over the Crooked Arm and Deschutes Arm of Lake Billy Chinook. One is a two lane Bridge, the other a single lane Bridge, both very EPIC! This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. If done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather! The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This 4K Video Playlist captures the Highlights and Points of Interest of The Cove Palisades State Park and the Greater Lake Billy Chinook Area: - Full Video from the official Park Entrance Sign stopping at every point of interest along the way up thru Monty Campground on the Metolius River! - Crooked River Day Use Area - Lower Deschutes River Day Use Area - Upper Deschutes River Day Use Area - Petroglyph of Crooked River & "The Island" National Natural Landmark - Full Hike of Tam-a-lau Trail - Both Jordan Bridges (THIS VIDEO!) - Hoodoo Trailhead to Metolius Balancing Rocks - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Perry South Campground and exploring the Boat Ramp/Launch and Shoreline Hiking Trail - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Monty Campground Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season.

Monty Campground is a small, rustic, spacious very high quality 12 Site Campground in Deschutes National Forest along the shoreline of National Wild & Scenic Metolius River. It is located in the NW Quadrant of Lake Billy Chinook on the River segment before the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook. It is NOT part of The Cove Palisades State Park, but is part of the greater Lake Billy Chinook complex area. It is a First Come, First Served and $18 per Night as of March 2024. As far as the open season - it is pretty much open year round from my understanding....candidly it's a bit of an enigma. If you go the the Forestry Service website it says it is closed, but if you actually physically drive there it is open, the same discrepancy I observed at Perry South Campground just a few minutes down the Forest Road. So ultimately I would say it's a caveat emptor "buyer beware" situation, so do so at your own risk! My favorite Campsites at Monty Campground were as follows: 1st Place - Campsite #8 2nd Place - Campsite #2 3rd Place - Campsite #4 This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. From Perry South Campground to Monty Campground it is a relatively bumpy Forest Road - most cars should be able to make it if you drive slowly and cautiously, particularly around some blind corners on a very steep road, so exercise maximum caution driving to Monty Campground! That said, if done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather! The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This 4K Video Playlist captures the Highlights and Points of Interest of The Cove Palisades State Park and the Greater Lake Billy Chinook Area: - Full Video from the official Park Entrance Sign stopping at every point of interest along the way up thru Monty Campground on the Metolius River! - Crooked River Day Use Area - Lower Deschutes River Day Use Area - Upper Deschutes River Day Use Area - Petroglyph of Crooked River & "The Island" National Natural Landmark - Full Hike of Tam-a-lau Trail - Both Jordan Bridges - Hoodoo Trailhead to Metolius Balancing Rocks - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Perry South Campground and exploring the Boat Ramp/Launch and Shoreline Hiking Trail - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Monty Campground Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season.

4K View of GORGEOUS Lower Crooked National Wild & Scenic River in Prineville, Central Oregon. This is West of the Prineville Reservoir State Park in an area of 9 Campgrounds, 2 Day Use Areas, 1 Dam, 1 Dedicated Boat Ramp, and 1 World-Class Hiking Trail operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Crooked River is divided into 3 National Wild & Scenic River Designated Sections - THIS ONE is the "Chimney Rock" Segment, named for this geological formation. Chimney Rock is also the name of the main premier Hiking Trail, as well as the name of the Campground adjacent to the Trailhead.....clearly Chimney Rock has left its impression and mark on the nomenclature of this high desert wonderland river canyon area. This is a very hot area, it is the high desert with direct sun. I did this on 4/2/24, with a low of 35F and a high of 77F.

Crooked River Petroglyph and "The Island" National Natural Landmark are historical landmark points of interest right beside each other in The Cove Palisades State Park in Central Oregon. The area is just before the Lower Deschutes River Day Use Area on the Left coming from Madras. The informational placards are rich with history and interesting and it is a low effort to high reward ratio payoff, so I highly recommend!

The Oregon Hoodoos Trailhead to Metolius Balancing Rocks is a hidden gem on the South side of Lake Billy Chinook. The parking is a little shoulder on the road big enough for a few vehicles. The hike itself is only a couple tenths of a mile to a lookout point with an informational placard and a grand expansive view of Metolius Balancing Rocks with the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook in the background. This is a classic low effort, high reward ratio hike which I highly recommend. I like to refer to this area as the Stonehenge of Central Oregon!

This Video Reviews EACH Campsite at Monty Campground. It is a small, rustic, spacious very high quality 12 Site Campground in Deschutes National Forest along the shoreline of National Wild & Scenic Metolius River. It is located in the NW Quadrant of Lake Billy Chinook on the River segment before the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook. It is NOT part of The Cove Palisades State Park, but is part of the greater Lake Billy Chinook complex area. It is a First Come, First Served and $18 per Night as of March 2024. As far as the open season - it is pretty much open year round from my understanding....candidly it's a bit of an enigma. If you go the the Forestry Service website it says it is closed, but if you actually physically drive there it is open, the same discrepancy I observed at Perry South Campground just a few minutes down the Forest Road. So ultimately I would say it's a caveat emptor "buyer beware" situation, so do so at your own risk! My favorite Campsites at Monty Campground were as follows: 1st Place - Campsite #8 2nd Place - Campsite #2 3rd Place - Campsite #4 This area was explored on March 19, 2024. The weather was in the 30's in the AM up the the 50's by late afternoon. The road is very well paved throughout The Cove Palisades State Park and all the way through to Perry South Campground. From Perry South Campground to Monty Campground it is a relatively bumpy Forest Road - most cars should be able to make it if you drive slowly and cautiously, particularly around some blind corners on a very steep road, so exercise maximum caution driving to Monty Campground! That said, if done prudently, it is not a difficult drive, high clearance and 4WD are NOT required in my humble opinion. Always check for weather! The Cove Palisades State Park is easily a Top 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon! Lake Billy Chinook's claim to fame is that its the confluence of 3 National Wild & Scenic Rivers - Crooked River, Deschutes River & Metolius River into a truly EPIC Lake-River-Canyon High Desert Wonderland! Thus this multi-tendrilled Lake is broken up into the Crooked River Arm, Deschutes River Arm & Metolius River Arm, each with its own very well developed infrastructure of Day Use Areas, Boat Ramp/Launches and very well groomed & manicured Shoreline Hiking Trails. Lake Billy Chinook is truly a World-Class Watersport Mecca of Boating, Fishing & Kayaking. This 4K Video Playlist captures the Highlights and Points of Interest of The Cove Palisades State Park and the Greater Lake Billy Chinook Area: - Full Video from the official Park Entrance Sign stopping at every point of interest along the way up thru Monty Campground on the Metolius River! - Crooked River Day Use Area - Lower Deschutes River Day Use Area - Upper Deschutes River Day Use Area - Petroglyph of Crooked River & "The Island" National Natural Landmark - Full Hike of Tam-a-lau Trail - Both Jordan Bridges - Hoodoo Trailhead to Metolius Balancing Rocks - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Perry South Campground and exploring the Boat Ramp/Launch and Shoreline Hiking Trail - Reviewing Each Campsite @ Monty Campground Due to some pre-scheduled hydroelectric dam work by PGE, the water levels were 2 FT - 5 FT lower than normal, with water levels expected to return back up to normal levels within weeks before peak season.

This was a Day-Hike in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area near Mount Hood in Oregon, doing Latourell Falls Loop (from Guy W. Talbot State Park), 3 miles, 728 FT Elevation Gain. Latourell Falls (the Lower one) is available immediately at the trailhead as instant gratification without much hiking, but if you want the full experience than you can do the Rainforest Loop that yields you Upper Latourell Falls (part of the George W. Joseph Natural Area) which is the prettier of the two Latourell Falls in my humble opinion (and the 3rd Tallest Waterfall in the entire Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area). I hiked this on 5/20/2022, and this was the first of four hikes I did that day as I captured a few of the easier hikes along the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area route, some of the lowest hanging fruit so to speak. One of the things I particularly like about Latourell Falls Loop is that it has that Wilderness Adventuring feel of a muddy/dirt trail in the Rainforest, whereas several of the other popular Trails in the area are more paved cement/asphalt the entire way which has that touristy feel which is less natural to me, so this one had more of a natural wild rustic feel which I greatly enjoy and appreciate. The weather was inconsistent, some sun breaks, blue sky, clouds and overcast, with a low in the high 30's and a high in the 50's, and there were NO mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway and paved side roads to the parking lot, it is an easy and safe driving route. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive or high clearance, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year, and do so at your own risk!

These videos were taken on 8/5/23 and 11/27/23, each clip is original and no clip appears twice. The White River West Sno-Park is shoreline of White River and includes an incredible overlook zone of the bright marshmallow white Peak of Mount Hood, Tallest Mountain in the State of Oregon, 11,249 FT! The White River East Sno-Park (featured in this video) is downstream a bit of White River and features White River meandering through gorgeous Mount Hood National Forest. As far as road conditions, it's highway to both parking lots which are directly off the highway and are in great condition and well paved. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions as far as snow/ice and plan accordingly since it is a heavy snow/ice area, and do so at your own risk!

Timothy Lake is one of the crown jewels of the Mount Hood Area. There are 7 Developed Campgrounds along the Lake as well as 41 FREE Dispersed Backcountry Campsites (marked T1 - T40, strongly recommend downloading a FREE PDF at PortlandGeneral.com for precise locations), and a highly premium Backcountry Camping Area called Meditation Point with 7 Campsites on a Shoreline Peninsula, each site is $10 per Night (as of Feb 2024), no Reservations, First Come, First Served. Of the 7 Developed Campgrounds, the main campground row is the South side of the Lake. Each Campground is very well built out and maintained, with boat ramp/launch, a rich plethora of Day Use Picnic Sites too innumerable to count, and outstanding signage for an interconnected intricate trail system that helps facilitate the 13 Mile Shoreline Circumnavigation Hike that goes all the way around Timothy Lake. I have organized the Videos as follows: - Oak Fork Campground (Boat Launch + Day Use Areas + Best Campsites) - Gone Creek Campground (Boat Launch + Day Use Areas + Best Campsites) - Hoodview Campground (Boat Launch + Day Use Areas + Best Campsites) - Top 8 Countdown of the Best Campsites across all Developed Campgrounds - Reviewing Each Campsite at Meditation Point, Backcountry Camping Peninsula - Ranking Each Campsite at Meditation Point, Backcountry Camping Peninsula - Southshore Day Use Area to T1 - T4 (to give a taste of the dispersed backcountry camping) - Videos highlighting "The Cove" Day Use Area - Videos highlighting Pine Point Day Use Area - Silent Perspectives 4K Compilation of Timothy Lake - Little Crater Lake Area and Flooding Causing Me to Turnaround - Several Shoreline Hiking Videos capturing the gorgeous Shoreline Perspective This was a Day-Hike in Oregon, Mount Hood National Forest, Timothy Lake Area, attempting to circumnavigate the approximately 13 Mile Shoreline Loop all the way around Timothy Lake. I attempted to start at Little Crater Lake, however the planked swampy section was flooded, so I got back in my car and re-launched my Hike at "The Cove" Day Use Area instead. I hiked the 13 Mile Shoreline Circumnavigation Hike with an emphasis on the Campgrounds. The elevation starts around 3200 FT and is a relatively flat area with some natural machinations in the Forest Trail, less than a 1000 FT overall Elevation Gain. The sky was dark grey clouds, mostly overcast, foggy and misty and it rained off and on in spurts. This was hiked on 5/25/2022, two days before the official start of the season on 5/27/2022 aka Memorial Day Weekend, and there were NO Mosquitoes. I would recommend doing this hike the week before Memorial Day as I did or the last week of the season in September if you want a more private and secluded experience. As far as road conditions, it's highway and well paved roads until the parking lots of course depending on where you decide to launch to do the 13 Mile Lake Loop, so it was a very easy and safe driving route. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year, and be aware you should go slow and drive around the few last remaining small patches of snow on the road if you go in May like I did, and do so at your own risk!

This was a Day-Hike, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon, hiking to Dry Creek Falls. The main approach is typically via the Pacific Crest Trail, approximately 4.4 miles, 900 FT Elevation Gain. However, really due more to an accident/mistake of typing the location into Google Maps too quickly as I was trying to jam in 5 - 6 separate hikes in a row, I drove to Dry Creek Road, and accessed the area slightly to the North of the typical Pacific Crest Trailhead by hiking up a Forest Road Fire Line. This cut the hike from 4.4 miles to 3 miles, and cut a couple hundred feet of Elevation Gain. I also liked that this Forest Road more closely paralleled Dry Creek and I was the only one on that side on a busy day. The down side was that the Forest Road was a bit sketchy and bumpy, not all cars would make it, most likely would if driving very slowly and cautiously and prudently, but attempt to do so only at your own risk! One of the things I like about Dry Creek Falls area is that it has that Wilderness Adventuring feel of a muddy/dirt trail in the Rainforest, whereas several of the other popular Hikes in the area are more paved cement/asphalt the entire way with that touristy feel. so this one had more of a natural wild rustic feel which I personally enjoy and appreciate. This was hiked on 5/20/22, the weather was inconsistent, some sun breaks, blue sky, clouds and overcast, with a low in the high 30's and a high in the 50's, and there were NO mosquitoes.

This Playlist contains video 4K Campsite Reviews of Individual Campsites at Trout Creek Campground, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) operated on the Shoreline of Lower Deschutes River in Central Oregon. I have organized the Campsite Reviews into multiple Videos: - Reviewing EVERY CAMPSITE walking the entire Trout Creek Campground - Top 4 Countdown of BEST One-Party Campsites - Top 2 Countdown of BEST Side-By-Side Campsites For a Group - Boat Ramp/Launch (THIS ONE) - Day Use Area (West side of Trout Creek Campground) - Trout Creek Trailhead - Silent Perspectives 4K Compilation of Clips of Lower Deschutes River - Silent Perspectives 4K Compilation of Clips of Trout Creek - A couple noteworthy points of interest These videos were made on January 30, 2024, in freezing weather. One of the most exciting aspects of Trout Creek Campground is that it is OPEN YEAR ROUND, so its a great winter camping destination at only 1300 FT. As of Jan 2024, it is $8 per night per single site and $25 per night per double/group site. The roads were clear and boat ramp/launch usable, so this is an outstanding winter camping option right on the Shoreline of Lower Deschutes River, and its an outstanding fishing base camp as well!

This was a Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Ochoco National Forest, Bandit Springs Sno Park, Yaxtrax'ing (although they may have been a mistake because after the rutted grooved path of the first mile it was all postholing), to a theoretical Rustic Log Cabin Shelter that is on the official map.....after going to the GPS coordinates of said Shelter, I did find a series of logs in a pile underneath the snow and thus concluded that the shelter was dilapidated and no longer exists and the map simply has not been updated! That said, the area is absolutely gorgeous and was well worth doing just for the beauty alone, so I do recommend Bandit Springs Sno-Park as an epic winter snow adventuring forest hike wonderland! This was hiked on 1/24/2024, low of 21F with wind chill of 15F around Sunrise with a mix of blue sky and overcast clouds, and there were NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway directly to the small parking lot just off the highway. In my opinion, the road DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year and drive VERY CAUTIOUSLY, and do so at your own risk!

This was a Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Ochoco National Forest, Bandit Springs Sno Park, Yaxtrax'ing (although they may have been a mistake because after the rutted grooved path of the first mile it was all postholing), to a theoretical Rustic Log Cabin Shelter that is on the official map.....after going to the GPS coordinates of said Shelter, I did find a series of logs in a pile underneath the snow and thus concluded that the shelter was dilapidated and no longer exists and the map simply has not been updated! That said, the area is absolutely gorgeous and was well worth doing just for the beauty alone, so I do recommend Bandit Springs Sno-Park as an epic winter snow adventuring forest hike wonderland! This was hiked on 1/24/2024, low of 21F with wind chill of 15F around Sunrise with a mix of blue sky and overcast clouds, and there were NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway directly to the small parking lot just off the highway. In my opinion, the road DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year and drive VERY CAUTIOUSLY, and do so at your own risk!