Dog Friendly Central Oregon Cascade Loop

“FLYNN-A-JIG-JIG And, AWAY We GO” on FLYNN’s MAIDEN PAWTRIP, a 6-Day Central Oregon Cascade Loop adventure in the time of COVID and Wildfires, late OCTOBER, 2020.

On this trip we primarily did what in the tour business is called a “Hub and Spoke” tour, where we stayed in a central location (in this case, an Air BnB in Three Rivers south of Bend, Oregon) for the first 4-nights and headed out on each days adventure, returning to the same lodging each night.

On our last night we stayed at the Best Western in Oakridge, before completing our Central Cascade Loop Tour and heading back to Lake Oswego.

The Map below shows our route.

DAY 1 – MONDAY, LAKE OSWEGO, OR to  CLEAR LAKE, SAHALIE FALLS, KOOSAH FALLS, TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL, DEE WRIGHT OBSERVATORY and THREE RIVERS AIR BNB

“Two Shakes of a FLYNNIES Tail,” and we’re off in a caravan from Lake Oswego, OR at 8 a.m. heading South on the I-5 to the Santiam Hwy/OR 20 East.

Our first stop along the Santiam Hwy is SHORT BRIDGE Covered Bridge, just outside of Sweet Home, for a PAWstretch!

And, Fall is in the Air as we begin our climb over Tombstone Pass in the Central Oregon Cascade Mountains. 🎶“The FLYNN went over the mountain, the FLYNN went over the mountain…” (sing along if you know the tune)

From the Santiam Hwy we turn off onto Hwy 126/Mckenzie River Hwy.

Map of the McKenzie River Highway126 and McKenzie Pass Scenic Hwy 242 below.

The beautiful McKenzie River Hwy stretches in front of us.

10-minutes after the turnoff, and there on the left is the CLEAR LAKE RESORT.  And, thanks to the suggestion of the McKenzie River Ranger District, we get an amazing view of this aqua Clear Lake by walking out onto the Dock behind the store.

(Note: there is also a 4.5 mile loop trail around the lake you can hike here)

Clear Lake Facts: 174′ deep. Average temperature is 35-43 degrees. Fed by underground Springs. Underwater forest.

NO FEE or PASS required.

Then it’s back to the highway, a little further, and there on our right is the sign for SAHALIE FALLS. We drive into the paved parking lot and there perched in a nearby tree, are a pair of Ravens to greet us, MAGIC LOOT!

From here, it’s just a short walk to the overlook where we have a wonderful view of this beautiful 140′ segmented Fall’s.  (Note: Sahalie is a Chinook word meaning “High”)

NO FEE or PASS required.

SEE FLYNN DOG DIGGIN’ THE VIEW

And, we’re on the road again, another .4 miles, a right at the ICE CAP CAMPGROUND and KOOSAH FALLS sign, another right turn at the end of the road, and we park at the first turnout on our left, then walk out to where this 64′ Falls, plunges into the pool below…then, back along the rim trail for additional views…And, more MAGIC LOOT; when we see a Waterfall Rainbow!

(Note: Koosah is a Chinook word. meaning “Sky”)

NO FEE or PASS required.

(Note:  There is a 2.3 mile loop hike you can take between Sahalie and Koosah Falls)

Looking over the Falls

Then, 15-minutes further along the McKenzie River Highway, across a dam, we follow a gravel road to it’s end, and find ourselves at the famed TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL Trailhead, where a scenic 4.5 mile RT trail leads us on a gentle carpet of pine needles, along a rushing river, across several bridges, up and over a massive Tree (that had fallen across the trail,) and through a lava field, to “Out of the BLUE” (ha, ha,) Lo and Behold, the “Piece de Resistance,”  TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL.

Tamolitch Blue Pool facts:  30′ deep in the middle. Water temperature is between 37-42 degrees. Tamolitch means “Bucket”

“√” Tamolitch Blue Pool off the FLYNN’s Oregon “BUCKET” List!

NO FEE or PASS required.

Notice, the FLYNN DOG is sporting his Tamolitch Blue colored jacket just for the occasion!

From here, we take our chances, cross our fingers, and hope the 242/McKenzie Pass will be open… Call it “Luck of the Irish,” and, it is, Whoo Hoo! …(which means we won’t have to backtrack. Note: This route is closed seasonally)

Since it is now late afternoon, (after our 3-hour hike,) we decide to head straight to the Dee Wright Observatory to get there before sundown. (And, Leave the 1.6 mile Proxy Falls Hike for another visit)

As we travel up the 242, the forested road quickly gives way to an endless field of lava…

…And, at the top of the 5,187’ pass, we discover, there on the left, is a pull out with parking along the road right next to The DEE WRIGHT OBSERVATORY.

The top photo below was taken from the Observatory looking back at the parking along the Hwy, and the bottom photo shows the hwy continuing on toward the town of Sisters.

We have now entered the Twilight Zone, another dimension and otherworldly landscape, with snow, lava rock, daytime moon, and a towering stone structure, that is the Dee Wright Observatory.

A hidden paved path leads us up through the rocks, and inside the Observatory, offering a circle of portals for us to peer out in every direction, while framing each of the mountains… we then climb up the stairs to the roof, for the most Amazing 360 degree, 65-mile view that enCOMPASSes Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, 3 Sisters and the ever expanse of Lava Rock.

Dee Wright Observatory Fact:  built by the CCC in 1933

NO FEE or PASS required.

See FLYNN below who hopped up onto the window ledge from inside the Observatory where our friend Laura who was standing outside caught him in the act!….”BUSTED!”

The sun is now setting in the west, as we drive into Sisters for Dinner at the SNOCAP DRIVEIN, before the last stretch to our Air BnB south of Bend.

We finally arrive in pitch Darkness at 8:00 pm, after what has been a long, but Most Rewarding 12-hour day of: Waterfalls, Ravens, a Waterfall Rainbow, Moon and Covered bridge, Fall color, Clear Stunning Blue Waters, snow, and 360 degree view from the 5,000’+ McKenzie Pass Summit!

And, to think, this is just the beginning!

DAY 2 – TUESDAY,  BENHAM FALLS, DILLON FALLS, LAVA ISLAND AND TUMALO FALLS

Today everyone got up at their leisure, however, the FLYNN dog was ‘Rarin’ to Go,” “GO FLYNN GO,”  and check out his new Digs on the Deschutes River…Lot’s of room for FLYNN to Run, “RUN FLYNN RUN!”

After Breakfast, it’s Adventure Ho to the DESCHUTES RIVER TRAIL and TUMALO FALLS we go!

(Note: you can hike from Falls to Falls on the Deschutes River Trail, but on this trip we drove to each location, and walked out to the various Falls)

From Three Rivers we took a series of roads – Century Drive to Spring River Road, then along the rutted undeveloped NF Road 41, to our first stop:  BENHAM FALLS where a short path from the parking lot led us to this lovely 25′ Cascading Falls.

NWFS or INTERAGENCY PASS or FEE REQUIRED

Then, Back on NF Road 41, another right turn at the sign for DILLON FALLS, and we walk out to where the water tumbles 14-15′ through a 1/4-mile Chasm.  “This is the FLYNN DOG’s LIFE!”

NWFS or INTERAGENCY PASS or FEE REQUIRED

Last turn, LAVA ISLAND FALLS , another short trail, we look across to the Island, but there are NO FALLS in sight.

NWFS or INTERAGENCY PASS or FEE REQUIRED

From NF 41, we leave the Deschutes River Trail, and drive west bound on Franklin Ave/Galveston Ave, another 3 miles on a gravel road and we are in the upper parking lot at  TUMALO FALLS.

From here, it’s only a short walk to the viewing platform, where we look up the narrow canyon at this impressive 97′ Plunging falls with snow at it’s base, then follow the 1/4 mile trail up to a fenced rim overlook, and watch as the water cascades over the cliff into the Deschutes river below.

(Note: There is also a 7 mile Tumalo Falls Loop Hike you can take here)

NWFS or INTERAGENCY PASS or FEE REQUIRED

“Back at the Ranch,” the photos below are from the backyard of our 2-bedroom Dog Friendly Air BnB on the Deschutes River in Three Rivers.  And, There’s  FLYNN DOG down by the River taking in the scenery.

DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY,  PAULINA PEAK, PAULINA FALLS, OBSIDIAN FLOW, LAVA CAST FOREST

It’s a NEWBERRY MONUMENT KIND OF DAY! And, we have the perfect Day for it!

Out to the 97 south, just a “HOP, SKIP and a JUMP” from our Air BnB, and we are at the Monument Entrance before we know it, turning off and watching for the  PAULINA PEAK, PAULINA FALLS, AND BIG OBSIDIAN FLOW signs along the main road

NWFS or AMERICA the BEAUTIFUL PASS REQUIRED (May 1 – Columbus Day)

The road to PAULINA PEAK is open, and Carole drives up it like a Pro (WHOO HOO, especially after researching and finding this drive listed on the “Dangerous Roads” website which lists scary drives, Go Figure!)

The FLYNN DOG, on the other hand, isn’t as thrilled by the Narrow, Steep Gravel Road, Sharp Curves, and Drop Off (…with no guardrails…) and backs up as far away from the window as he can.

(Note:  As a safety precaution,  Carole does “Honk” on the curves in case we meet up with an oncoming car.)

“This is going to be a NAIL BITER, BUCKLE UP, HERE WE GO!“

“WHEW, WE MADE IT!,” to the top, 7,984’, and are happy to find there is a large parking area, and not just a turnout!

The FLYNN DOG is “SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD…” with staggering views of lakes, mountains, and a massive lava flow!

(Mote:  For those INCLINED, there is a 5.5 RT Hike you can take from the bottom to the Peak and back)

And what does the FLYNN DOG do?  🎶”Puts his  nose in the air and goes SNIFF, SNIFF, SNIFF, SNIFF“…
Awww, MOUNTAIN AIR!

From Paulina Peak, and mind you, Several wrong turns later (signs are covered up because it is Off Season,) we finally pull into the parking lot across from the main sign for PAULINA FALLS, …and just start walking up a trail, that fortunately ends at the viewing area above the 80′ Paulina Falls, YAY!  Then follow the gentle 1/4 mile switchback down, and find ourselves at the base of the Falls. “Well Done Us!” “Give the FLYNN DOG a Pat On The Back!”

Next stop,  BIG OBSIDIAN FLOW  where a paved trail from the picnic area leads us to the base of an Obsidian Mountain.  The staircase up is “closed,” so we just admire this mound of glittering volcanic glass from below.

Then we’re on the way to today’s last stop, the LAVA CAST FOREST, heading toward Bend on Hwy 97, turning off onto FS9720, and taking the Long Undeveloped 10-mile road to the end, and parking area. (As An Aside: this was definitely the worst undeveloped road on our trip)

As the song goes:

🎶 “BUMPETY BUMPETY BUMPETY BUMP the Covered Wagon Rolls. Down the Road and Over the Hills FINDING ALL THE HOLES!”

At the Forest, A mile long paved walkway takes us on a path that winds through the lava bed, passing Tree Holes, Trees growing out of lava, and the twisted remains of dead trees, before looping back to the parking area where we started.

To quote Goldylocks and the Three Bears: today’s October temperature was “JUST RIGHT,” and not too warm for this exposed stroll!

DAY 4 – THURSDAY, TUMALO MOUNTAIN, TODD LAKE, SPARKS LAKE

It’s Another sunny Day!  CASCADE SCENIC  HWY here we come!

We begin our ascent up TUMALO MOUNTAIN. from the Dutchman Flat Snopark, climbing up the 2-miles with a 1,420’ elevation gain to the 7,779’ Summit, singing: 🎶 “CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN…“. “To the top my good FLYNN!”

And, When we reach the top,  Someone, “Strike Up The Band,”  We made it!!! …then follow a trail of rocks across the summit to where we are rewarded with the most spectacular views of Bachelor Butte, 3 Sisters, Broken Top and Alpine Lakes, living up to what truly is, and I quote:  “One of the BEST views in the area”

NW FOREST PASS  May 1 – October 30

Below:  Carole, FLYNN Dog, and our friends Laura and Dana on top of 7,779’ Tumalo Mountain!

…then continuing on the Cascade Scenic Highway, we turn off when we see the sign for, TODD LAKE.

From the parking lot, we walk past the gate, and a little ways up the road to this beautiful Lake embraced in a glacial cirque, at the base of Broken Top.

(Note: There is also a 1.7 mile loop trail you can take around the Lake.)

Todd Lake Facts:  Highest natural lake in the Cascade Range at 6,150′. .5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.

PASS Required May 1 – September 30th

…on the highway again, and there is another well marked sign/turnoff this time for SPARKS LAKE, where after a 1.6 mile bumpy drive we enter the parking area, then take 1/3 mile walk on the RAY ATKESON TRAIL (named for Oregon’s Photolaureat) to THE VIEW, and our Photo Op of Sparks Lake, Mt Bachelor, Sisters and Broken Top.

(Note:  There is also the 2.6 mile Ray Atkeson Loop Hike you can take here)

PASS Required May 1 – September 30th

DAY 5 – FRIDAY,  FALLS RIVER FALLS, LAVA FLOW, WALDO LAKE, SALT CREEK FALLS

It’s a Travel Day!  Time to pack up, and say farewell to our Air BnB, “Goodbye Air BnB,” “Thanks for the memories!”…

…And, just like that, we’re off on today’s adventure, traveling the backroads to FALLS RIVER FALLS,  WALDO LAKE, SALT CREEK FALLS, and our final night’s lodging in Oakridge at the BEST WESTERN.

When we reach FALL RIVER FALLS, there is only one other vehicle in the parking lot.

From the parking area, The trail leads us along the clear, peaceful Falls River, which seems far too calm for a waterfall.

Enroute, We come across A lone fisherman who captures the FLYNN DOG’s attention, he stops, and intently watches, as the man repeatedly casts his line into the water. “By George, I Think FLYNN’S Hooked!” (Ha! Ha!)

Then a 1/4 mile further, and there rolling over basalt into the Falls River, is the 14′ sparkling FALLS RIVER FALLS.

“Run, Run, Run as Fast as you Can, You Can’t Catch Me, I’m the FLYNNIE Man” (FLYNN Trail Running!)

From Falls Creek Falls, we continue on Hwy 42 until we come to a 30’ high wall of Lava that abruptly stops at the highway, see the sign for the NORTH LAVA FLOW CAMPGROUND & East Davis Lake and can’t help but drive in to explore.

By the time we pull off along Hwy 58 at the Odell Lake & Diamond Peak Wayside for a PAWStretch, the clouds have rolled in.

…we then continue turning onto FS5897 and following the road up to the North Campground at WALDO LAKE, where we park in the Day Use Area.  BRRR, it’s Chilly out! PUPSICLE!

The Fog has now set in, so it’s hard to imagine this is Oregon’s 2nd largest natural alpine lake, at 10 sq miles

It’s A little eerie with no one else in sight as we walk out onto the dock, then follow the trail along the water to the amphitheater…but we quickly forget we’re the only ones here as we Marvel at our Surroundings and get lost in the Mesmerizing Clear Blue waters of this stunning lake.

Other Waldo Lake facts:  420′ deep, elevation 5,414′, considered one of the purest lakes in the world

NWFS PASS REQUIRED

From Waldo Lake, Back to the 58 we go,  “keeping our eyes peeled” for the SALT CREEK FALLS turnoff.  (Which BTW, you Can’t miss!)

SALT CREEK FALLS at 286′ is Oregon’s 2nd highest waterfall.

From the Parking Lot it’s only several hundred feet out to the upper fenced viewing area.  Then another 1-mile RT dirt trail takes us down to the base of this Impressive Falls for another spectacular view!

We All Agree, “GREAT STOP!”

(Note:  There is also a 5.4 mile Salt Creek Falls/Diamond Creek Falls loop hike here)

NWFS Pass  Required

Tonight we eat leftovers in our room, and have a good night’s rest at the Dog-Friendly BEST WESTERN in OAKRIDGE, (the FLYNN dog’s first motel stay!) (Hotel Rate + Pet Fee.)

This FLYNN is BONE TIRED! Zzzzzz!
“Waterfall wishes and Dogbone dreams FLYNNIE“

 DAY 6 – SATURDAY, MOON, PINARD, SPIRIT and WILDWOOD FALLS

Today is HALLOWEEN, and there is fog in the distant hills.

This is the last day of our PAWTRIPPING adventure, and we’re on our way to MOON, PINARD, SPIRIT AND WILDWOOD FALLS, before we head for home.

Using GPS, we make a left turn off the 58 and onto nearby Forest Road 5847, (and Let’s just say, this is the Best unimproved road of the trip…Maybe because it’s a logging road?)…

…continuing to follow this road for what seems like miles, before eventually spotting a Hiking Sign, (mind you, ignoring GPS when it tells us to turn into the forest where there isn’t a road,) a turn, and happily find ourselves at the MOON FALLS Trailhead.

The reward, After navigating a couple of massive downed trees, we reach the charming MOON FALLS cascading 125′ in a bridal veil, 1-mile later.

NO FEE OR PASS REQUIRED

Then we head to our next stop…

 “HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?” “LET’S GO UNDER LIMBO STICK“… “Cleared it!  Phew!”
…PINARD FALLS.
Another wonderful 1.2 mile RT hike to 105′ Horsetail-shaped Waterfall.,

NO FEE OR PASS REQUIRED
…SPIRIT FALLS, where we are surprised to find so many cars at the trailhead.

Here, A gentle trail, under a mile RT, leads us to this captivating 60′ Fan-shaped Falls,….And, guess what?…we have our first WILDLIFE Encounter on the trail! (Ha, Ha)

NO FEE OR PASS REQUIRED

Last stop, WILDWOOD FALLS,  along the Row River. Parking is at the Lane County roadside Park just beyond the Falls, then we walked back on the side of the road for a great view of this 10′-15′ punchbowl falls.

And, what does FLYNN “spy with his little eye” across the road?…His first herd of cows.”

“SAY CHEESE!”

On FLYNNIES First PAWTRIP We VISITED 2 Mountain Peaks, 3 Mountain Passes, 12 Waterfalls, 4 Rivers, 3 National Forests, 6 Lakes, Tamolitch Blue Pool,  Dee Wright Observatory, Lavalands…And, SAW Indigo, Clear Waters, a Waterfall Rainbow, Ravens, Brilliant Autumn Leaves, a Daytime Moon, Lots of Ground Squirrels, Snow, and Everywhere we went, AMAZING VIEWS!

…BUT, THEN AGAIN, WHO’S COUNTING?

“As Long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birdsong and winds sing.”
~ John Muir

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

DAY 1 Monday – Portland to McKenzie River Hwy, McKenzie Pass, Three Rivers Air BnB

• I-5 South to OR20 East/Santiam Hwy
• Short Bridge Covered Bridge –
• Hwy 126/McKenzie River Hwy
  • Clear Lake
  • Sahalie Falls
  • Koosah Falls
  • Tamolitch Blue Pool
• Hwy 242 McKenzie Pass
  • Dee Wright Observatory
• Sisters, OR
  • SnoCap Drive In
• Three Rivers Air BnB

DAY 2 Tuesday – Benham, Dillon, Lava and Tumalo Falls

• From Three Rivers
•  NF41
  • Benham Falls
  • Dillon Falls
  • Lava Falls
• Tumalo Falls
• Three Rivers Air BnB

DAY 3 Wednesday – Paulina Peak, Paulina Falls, Obsidian Flow and Lava Cast Forest

• Three Rivers Air BnB to 97S
• Newberry Castle Monument
  • Paulina Peak
  • Paulina Falls
  • Obsidian Flow
• 97 N to FS9720
  • Lava Cast Forest
• Three Rivers Air BnB

DAY 4 Thursday – Tumalo Mountain, Todd Lake, Sparks Lake

• Three Rivers Air BnB to Cascade Scenic Hwy
• Tumalo Mountain Hike
• Todd Lake
• Sparks Lake
• Three Rivers Air BnB

DAY 5 Friday – Falls River Falls, Lava Flow, Waldo Lake, Salt Creek Falls, Best Western Oakridge

• Three Rivers Air BnB
• Falls River Falls – Off South Century Drive
• Lava Flow – Hwy 42
• Waldo Lake – Turn FS5897, Off Hwy 58
• Salt Creek Falls – Hwy 58
• Best Western Oakridge – 47433 Hwy 58, Oakridge, OR

DAY 6 Saturday – Moon Falls, Pinard Falls, Spirit Falls, Wildwood Falls, Home

• Best Western Oakridge – 47433 Hwy 58, Oakridge, OR
• Moon Falls – Westfir, FS5847
• Pinard Falls – Westfir, FS5847
• Spirit Falls – Westfir, FS5847
• Wildwood Falls – Lower Brice Creek Road
• Portland

RESOURCES

VISIT BEND
TRAVEL OREGON
EUGENE CASCADES COAST
PINTEREST- Various Blogs
MCKENZIE RIVER RANGER DISTRICT
NEWBERRY NATIONAL VOLCANIC MONUMENT
UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST
WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST
AIR BNB
BEST WESTERN OAKRIDGE
THAT OREGON LIFE
ONLY IN OREGON
ALLTRAILS
OREGON HIKERS
TRIPCHECK
OUTDOOR PROJECT
“100 HIKES CENTRAL OREGON CASCADES” – William Sullivan
“WATERFALL LOVER’s GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST” – Gregory Plumb
”OREGON ROAD AND RECREATION ATLAS”

FLYNN’S PACKING LIST
Dog Food
Paw Butter
Towel
Toys
Dog Treats
Brush
Dog Bowls
Canned Pumpkin
Dog Treats
Sheet
Travel Dog Bed
Dog First Aid Kit
Bottled Water
Vest
Dog Boots
Leash
Dog Waste Bags
Safety Harness