2013-17 Toketee Falls & Oregon Coast
Hello All,
Departing Crater Lake National Park we jumped onto Oregon 138 which is known as the North Umpqua River Highway and followed it into Roseburg, OR. This scenic highway takes you through the Umpqua National Forest. Along the way we stopped and took the trail into Toketee Falls. The Chinook word “Toketee” means “pretty,” which aptly describes this waterfall’s grace and picturesque setting. Chinook Jargon was a language developed by Northwest Native Americans to enable communication while trading between the many different tribes.
It had been about five years since we last visited the falls. The 7/10 of a mile trail into the falls is easy and well maintained. The hike takes you through old-growth forests of douglas fir, western red cedar, big leaf maple, and Pacific yew, ending at a viewing platform overlooking the two-tiered waterfall.
Departing Crater Lake National Park we jumped onto Oregon 138 which is known as the North Umpqua River Highway and followed it into Roseburg, OR. This scenic highway takes you through the Umpqua National Forest. Along the way we stopped and took the trail into Toketee Falls. The Chinook word “Toketee” means “pretty,” which aptly describes this waterfall’s grace and picturesque setting. Chinook Jargon was a language developed by Northwest Native Americans to enable communication while trading between the many different tribes.
It had been about five years since we last visited the falls. The 7/10 of a mile trail into the falls is easy and well maintained. The hike takes you through old-growth forests of douglas fir, western red cedar, big leaf maple, and Pacific yew, ending at a viewing platform overlooking the two-tiered waterfall.
The North Umpqua River is
visible at several points, cascading through a very narrow rocky gorge.
Trail improvements have been
made since our last visit with stairs and sturdy railings built in some of the
steeper areas.
As we said earlier it all ends
at a platform overlooking the falls. Our only complaint is that the platform is
small which limits the number of angles for photos. You can’t get a shot to our
liking of the upper falls from the platform. And trust us when we say we didn’t
jump over the fence and try to navigate the steep terrain for a better photo!
Toketee Falls is one of the
most famous waterfalls in Oregon, renowned far and wide for the graceful
columnar basalt formation framing the two-stepped falls. It has a total height
of 113 feet. The upper tier plunges 28 feet into a pool flanked by a deep
alcove, then followed by an 85-foot plunge into a large pool. It is very
picturesque.
At Roseburg we stopped for a
few days for a nice visit with family members that live in the area. Then we
continued west following Oregon Highway 38 towards the Oregon coast. Just east
of Reedsport, OR, we stopped at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. This protected
area is a wonderful place to view wild Roosevelt Elk and has become a popular
tourist destination. We always stop and snap a few photos when passing by.
Here’s a group of six bulls taking a warm July mid afternoon siesta. Note their new antlers are in velvet this time of year. Later in the year, as rutting season approaches, they will lose the velvet skin covering them.
Here’s a group of six bulls taking a warm July mid afternoon siesta. Note their new antlers are in velvet this time of year. Later in the year, as rutting season approaches, they will lose the velvet skin covering them.
Birds and the elk have a good working relationship.
The elk tolerate the birds landing on them as the birds pick off bugs in their
fur. It’s a win for both of these creatures.
They are such a majestic
animal. A bull averages about 875 pounds with females about 700 pounds.
Roosevelt Elk are much darker than other elk species, often with a dark brown
or even black neck and a tan body. Like other elk species they have the
distinctive white rump patches.
Upon reaching the coast we
turned south on U.S. Highway 101. The Oregon coast is quite scenic and diverse.
A new photo opportunity around every curve in the highway is not a far reaching
exaggeration. It is very picturesque to say the least. Our first stop was at
Bullards Beach State Park.
Walking the beach on a sunny July afternoon with temperatures in the 70’s was awesome. It was relaxing and a wonderful way to refresh our inner batteries.
Walking the beach on a sunny July afternoon with temperatures in the 70’s was awesome. It was relaxing and a wonderful way to refresh our inner batteries.
Some areas were laden with driftwood and the
wildflowers were still in bloom.
The Coquille River flows into the mighty Pacific
Ocean on the southern end of Bullards Beach.
This is the Coquille River
Lighthouse which stands as a reminder of a past era when safe shipping depended
on a lightkeeper and his light. From within the stucco brick walls atop the
47-foot tower the light guided boats safely across the shallow beach at the
mouth of the river. Built in 1896 it operated continually until 1939 when it
was replaced by an automatic light on the southern side of the river jetty.
Here are a couple of shots
taken from another prospective on the south side of the Coquille River looking
at the old lighthouse.
We stopped at the little
coastal town of Bandon, OR, for some lunch. There is nothing better than eating
seafood while sitting outside on a beautiful summer day. The little shops in this
laidback town had all their flowers and regalia displayed. It was an enjoyable
and relaxing meal. And yes, the seafood was excellent.
After lunch we continued our
journey to the south stopping here and there trying to capture the many
picturesque settings.
Wonderful fishing opportunities avail themselves along Oregon’s 382-mile coastline. However, the harsh weather and rugged coast can be a real challenge for mariners. An old saying comes to mind: “There are old and bold mariners, but there are no old bold mariners.”
Wonderful fishing opportunities avail themselves along Oregon’s 382-mile coastline. However, the harsh weather and rugged coast can be a real challenge for mariners. An old saying comes to mind: “There are old and bold mariners, but there are no old bold mariners.”
We always enjoy touring the
Oregon coast. The Oregon Coast Trail runs the length of the state’s stunning
coastline. It is a drive that we highly recommend for your bucket list—you
won’t be disappointed.
On our next adventure we continue down the Oregon coast into northern California with stops at the Redwoods National Parks. Hope you can ride along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
On our next adventure we continue down the Oregon coast into northern California with stops at the Redwoods National Parks. Hope you can ride along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns