Trip Report

Monday, May 18 was that gorgeous summer day. We boarded an Experience Oregon bus for our North Umpqua Falls trip. Our first stop was at Colliding Rivers, where the Little River and the North Umpqua converge. Our morning break was at Swiftwater Park. It has a wonderful river viewing deck. Just before leaving the park, a tiger kitten appeared. A Wildlife Safari trainer gave a short demo for those still in the park. She was promoting the Wild Cats exhibit that is new. The first hike was to see Susan Creek Falls. The trail has recently been rebuilt. The falls were a sight to behold as were the wild flowers all along the trail. When we returned to the bus we had our lunch in the picnic area. Our second hike was a much steeper climb to Tokatee Falls, but well worth the effort. Some found it too much but still enjoyed their hike to the turn-around point. The beautiful rock formations, vegetation, dogwoods and other wild flowers were a delight. The Watson Falls, third highest falls in Oregon, were as majestic as always. Many just enjoyed the falls from the trailhead and enjoyed the trilliums instead. At this point we turned west toward home. Our last but just as spectacular falls were at Fall Creek. These falls were beautiful and the sun was still shining. We returned to Glide, then took Hwy. 99 through Wilbur and Sutherlin back to I-5. This bus even knew how to find the ice cream stop! It was about 6:20 when we got back to the parking lot. Many thanks to Ray Jensen for leading the hikes and to his sweep, Harvey Speck.

Riders were: Ethel Allen, Emily & Maryann Andonian, Sally Bethel, Lloyd Bissell, Florence Douglas, Jeannette Foreman, Dora Harris, Evelyn Hile, Phyllis & Richard Hulse, Rosella Jones, Virginia Kapsa, Evelyn Knott, Dodie Keppmann, Cleora Mersdorf, Frances Newsom, Virginia Prouty, Edna Robertson Harvey Speck, Christy White and Liz Reanier, trip leader.