Oregon Nordic Club
Santiam Alpine Club

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Year 2008 Trips

Dimple Hill, January 6
Four hardy hikers met at the Chip Ross Park trailhead in the snow. The flakes descended as we ascended. Everything was covered with new snow, making it truly a beautiful winter wonderland. Several inches of snow reposed on the summit, which was socked in. After a brief lunch, we descended amid drippy trees. Satisfied hikers were members K. Hartung, R. Selig, B. Wulff, and leader R. Nafziger.

Urban Hike in South Salem, January 12
We started at the parking lot for Nelson Park on Croisan Creek Rd. and proceeded up over the hills and back down to River Rd. We took River Rd. to Homestead Rd. and entered the fall south trail in Minto Brown Park. We hiked the length of the park to the Boise gate, looped around the north end of the park and then took River Rd back to the parking lot. Weather was decent with light rain and sun and several rainbows. Guest hikers included Linda Roper. Ralph Magfish, David Clark, Marilee Clark, and LaVelle Grandy Brown. Members were B. Knox and leader, F. Knox

Chemeketan MLK Cabin Weekend, January 18-20
The fourth annual MLK Cabin Weekend had 19 participants. An unusually heavy snow fall made the Whitewater Road impassable. Many thanks to our mushers Dave Carter, Elly Collier, Mary Coleman, Jon Ellis, Bill Wylie and cabin host Steve Dougherty who hauled nearly 300 pounds of food and supplies on a train of six sleds the three-quarter mile journey to the cabin Friday morning. Additional trips to the cars were made to haul firewood. The 34 degree cabin warmed at the rate of 10 degrees per hour and reached into the high 60’s by dinner time. Several youngsters joined our group this year. Nolan Good made his fourth cabin trip. Second grader, Emily Kraschel, built a very fine snowman. Day trippers, Laurel Nelson and her brand new Chinese Exchange sister made the Saturday night apple crisp earning ranks of "cabin cook" for preparing and then baking their dessert in the old-fashioned wood-burning cook stove. Special thanks to Lon Johnson, Jon Ellis and others for resupplying the cabin’s wood supply with well over a cord of fir. Members were Steve Dougherty (host), Vincent Dunn, Ryan Good, Robyn Smith, Tim Smith, Linda Bedard, Keith Hill, David Carter, Blanka Truneckova, Lon Johnson, Mary Coleman, Elly Collier, Jon Ellis, Kirk Kraschel, Matt Tryon and Rebecca Tryon . Guests were Shelley Dougherty, Emily Kraschel and Nolan Good.

Elk Lake Multi-day XC Ski , January 18-21
The weather was alternately clear or snowing fine cold flakes. The cabin was cozy but without a view as snow covered the windows. The food was okay and the companionship exemplary. J. Poyer, J. DeMay, T. Young, A. King, K. Ash & G. Shaw (in ascending order) skied in, skied the loop, skied the lake and skied out (11 mi into a biting wind in single digit weather admiring mountains sharply etched against a brilliant sky) and professed to enjoy every minute. Ask someone who was there about found items and the party.

Shellburg Falls Hike, February 24
We had perfect weather and a springtime feeling in the air for this hike, as well as a sendoff by a large herd of cattle. The Falls were impressive, and we were happy to find that the snow had largely melted up above, though we did bravely cross some snowy terrain to get on to the August Mountain trail. A short but rewarding detour led us to the dizzying edge over roaring Stassel Falls. All in all, we had just enough adventure, mud, snow, and good company to make a perfect late-winter hike. Hikers were members Muriel Zaugg, Marty Powell, Brian Briggs, Shelley Briggs, guest John Bander, qualifiers Sheila Snow and Pam Ferrara, and leader Mona Knapp.

Annual Banquet, March 7
Many thanks to all who attended the banquet and made it a success again this year. We had 67 participants. Bill Bradbury’s presentation was excellent, and Chemeketans presented him with a gift certificate to The Silver Grill in Silverton. This writer [Vicky Wilbanks] wishes to acknowledge what a privilege it is to work with Alma as co-chair, who did all the leg work in Salem. Further proof that two heads are always better than one. Toastmaster Dave Carter kept the proceedings on track for us, and did a great job in keeping things light and humorous. Lee Slattum, Dave Carter and Rod Graves gave their presentations and awards, which gave us the opportunity to see what talented and motivated people we have in the club. Finally, we always appreciate the service and ambiance that we receive from the IGA facility, and the feedback we received about the food from participants was good. Although I will tell IGA once more that their new coffee policy is awkward, as we predicted it would be. IGA again packed our leftovers in foil containers, which were delivered to Union Gospel Mission on the way home. Mission Officials were truly grateful to the Club.

Cascade Head Inland Trail, March 12
For years I have wanted to try the Inland Trail at Cascade Head. Some other people felt the same way and signed up for this hike for that reason. We spotted a car at the boat ramp below the Nature Conservancy trailhead, then started hiking at the corner of Highway 101 and Three Rocks Road. It’s a good trail, but some blow-downs made an obstacle course for us at places. After 3.6 miles, we reached the forest road along the ridge -- closed to vehicles between January 1 and July 15 -- and followed that road west to the top of the Nature Conservancy Trail. It was early spring in the forest, with wood violets, trilliums, skunk cabbage ... in bloom. We followed the upper part of the Nature Conservancy trail, and had lunch at the top viewpoint. Hiking down the Nature Conservancy trail of course gave us magnificent views of coast and estuary. It’s a good hike. Guest: Dennis McCaffrey Members: C. Austin, D. Carter, N. Robinson, L. and V. Wilbanks, and G. Struble, Ldr.

Sauvie Island Birding Dawdler, February 18
Luckily, the brightest, sunniest day of the week picked our birding group to accompany to Sauvie Island. The perfect weather brought us forty-three species to list during the three hour trip. Salem Audubon guest, Dick Gettis, our superstar recorder, compiled the list which was forwarded e-mail to all hikers on the trip. We had a wonderful time viewing and listening to the sandhill cranes, snow geese, tundra swans, bald eagles, etc. Lunch afterward at a NW Portland restaurant capped the trip. Participants were D. Clayton, C. Joachim, M. Johnston, J. Kinsey, J. Savage, R. Shirack, J. Templar and leader, M. Narey. 

Dan’s Trail Hike, February 23
This turned out to be a beautiful spring day. We passed by signs of OSU Forestry thinning and an old lichen covered apple orchard. We had lunch on top of Dimple Hill with a great view SW over Corvallis and the southern Willamette Valley. There are a number of interconnecting trails reminiscent of Forest Park. This is a good low elevation option for winter hiking. F. Knox, B. Knox, D. Wachtel, K. Olson, Brian Briggs, Elizabeth Agoff, D.Silver, D. DeLespinasse, L. Roper, D. Baihuber and B.Wylie participated. Special thanks to Doris DeLespinasse for show us the way around her local favorite area.

Shellburg Falls Hike, February 24
We had perfect weather and a springtime feeling in the air for this hike, as well as a sendoff by a large herd of cattle. The falls were impressive, and we were happy to find that the snow had largely melted up above, though we did bravely cross some snowy terrain to get on to the August Mountain trail. A short but rewarding detour led us to the dizzying edge over roaring Stassel Falls. All in all, we had just enough adventure, mud, snow, and good company to make a perfect late-winter hike. Hikers were members M. Zaugg, M.Powell, B. Briggs, S.Briggs, guest John Bander, qualifiers Sheila Snow and Pam Ferrara, and leader M. Knapp. 

Annual Banquet, March 7
Many thanks to all who attended the banquet and made it a success again this year. We had 67 participants. Bill Bradbury’s presentation was excellent, and Chemeketans presented him with a gift certificate to The Silver Grill in Silverton. This writer wishes to acknowledge what a privilege it is to work with Alma as co-chair, who did all the leg work in Salem; further proof that two heads are always better than one. Toastmaster Dave Carter kept the proceedings on track for us, and did a great job in keeping things light and humorous. Lee Slattum, Dave Carter and Rod Graves gave their presentations and awards, which gave us the opportunity to see what talented and motivated people we have in the club. Finally, we always appreciate the service and ambiance that we receive from the IGA facility and the feedback we received about the food from participants was good. Although I will tell IGA once more that their new coffee policy is awkward, as we predicted it would be. IGA again packed our leftovers in foil containers, which were delivered to Union Gospel Mission on the way home. Mission Officials were truly grateful to the Club

Bend/Broken Top X-Ski Trip, March 7-8
The cross country ski advance team arrived at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center under threatening skies but was able get a good half day of skiing in the Todd Lake area determining that what was really needed for the next day’s ski trip was a few inches of new snow. As we approached the mountain the next morning with our full team in tow, it was clear that our prayers had been answered. We left one car at the Swampy Lake Snopark and shuttled to Dutchman Flat to begin our search for the Flagline Trail which passes to the North of Tumalo Mtn and then proceeds in a steady downhill fashion for approximately 6 miles. The 6 to 10 inches of new snow made for an outstanding day of skiing. Several returned to the Dutchman Flat area after the ski to take photographs of the Three Sisters in their winter splendor. We decided the next day, on our way home, we would consider skiing up the closed McKenzie Highway to at least a view of Mt. Washington /Belknap Crater area. The icy conditions quickly changed our minds and instead we got another excellent half day of skiing, but this time in the area just east and southeast of Black Crater. Members: Burt Fine, Betty Fine, M. Liepins, J. Poyer, S. Wright, S. Watkins, R. Shirack, E. Seibert, E. Stevens, N. Rockwell, A. Souther and ldr. D. Gallagher 

Bald Hill Hike, March 9
The day started foggy and cold as we all arrived at the Bald Hill trail parking lot near Corvallis. We set off immediately on a gravel road to a forested one mile loop that really felt like we were in the wilderness not far from a city. This section gave us a good workout before returning to the trail to the summit of Bald Hill. Everyone enjoyed the expansive views and the weather was just right as we lunched on the summit. On our way back down a horse trail it felt like a mud bog all the way down but it did not deter us as a good day was had by all. Joining me on this hike were Tracy White, Maureen Bouchard, Sheila Snow, Justine Fogarty, Janet McDonald and Chemeketan qualifiers Mary May and Pam Ferrara plus my guests Keith Ashlock and Denny Fryrear plus myself leader Danny Baihuber.

Cascade Head Inland Trail, March 12
For years I have wanted to try the Inland Trail at Cascade Head. Some other people felt the same way and signed up for this hike for that reason. We spotted a car at the boat ramp below the Nature Conservancy trailhead, then started hiking at the corner of Highway 101 and Three Rocks Road. It’s a good trail, but some blow-downs made an obstacle course for us at places. After 3.6 miles, we reached the forest road along the ridge -- closed to vehicles between January 1 and July 15 -- and followed that road west to the top of the Nature Conservancy Trail. It was early spring in the forest, with wood violets, trilliums, skunk cabbage ... in bloom. We followed the upper part of the Nature Conservancy trail, and had lunch at the top viewpoint. Hiking down the Nature Conservancy trail, of course, gave us magnificent views of coast and estuary. It’s a good hike. Guest Dennis McCaffrey joined us members C. Austin, D. Carter, N. Robinson, L. and V. Wilbanks, and G. Struble, ldr.

Shellburg Falls Dawdler, March 15
Two of us enjoyed a rainy day walk around Shellburg Falls (Where was everyone?). Leader R. Irwin and guest Gloria Bodine.  

Salem Urban Hike, March 15
The weather was threatening, but we didn’t get rained on. We started at Riverfront Park, passed the Civic Center and SAIF, circled Pringle Park, walked through Willamette and the Capitol Mall, ending at Cascade Baking Co. for lunch and live music. Enjoying the walk were guests Linda Ritter, Brian and Alix Fukuda, member D. Herron and P. Simila, leader. 

Potato Hill, March 16
For the first time in several years there is plenty of snow to ski the trails out of Ikenick Snopark, but we arrived to find a three-foot high snow berm across the entrance to the snopark from the last big snow. Plan B was to ski to the top of Potato Hill via the Hash Brown Loop and Jack Pine Road. It was a slow, hard climb through deep, new snow, but what a day! The sun shone on snow-covered boughs and trackless slopes of snow. At the top we had a good rest and lunch, but clouds had rolled in. We were rewarded not with good views, but rather the two-mile downhill run back to the snopark. Skiers were S. Watkins, D. Gallagher, S. Wright, and leader R. Shirack. 

Teacup Lake Loop X-Ski, March 22
Seven eager Chemeketans set off on a beautiful day and, with some participatory route finding, found our way on this trail. The snow bridges were intact, if a bit tricky, and the view of Mt. Hood was spectacular. Good snow, good trail, good company all made for a great day for members B. Caldwell, D. Gallagher, A. Souther, S. Watkins, S. Wright, D. Yost and leader B. Belshaw.  

Little North Santiam Hike, March 25
The forecast was rain. By Monday morning, no one had signed up for this Tuesday hike. But does a little rain spoil a hike? Not to Oregonians. Not to Chemeketans. Not to us! So we four had a very nice hike. A slight rain started during lunch, and continued for a while, just enough to bring out rain jackets. I had expected spring, but spring had barely begun on that north side of the ridge. We trudged through a little old snow, and saw no early spring flowers, not one! Members E. Collier, R. Irwin, J. Kinsey, and G. Struble, leader.

Year 2007 Trips Click here for an archive of 2007 trips.
Year 2006 Trips Click here for an archive of 2006 trips.
Year 2005 Trips Click here for an archive of 2005 trips.
Year 2004 Trips Click here for an archive of 2004 trips.

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