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Brutal Tunnel Falls Hike via Eagle Creek Trail

Even when it all seems hopeless keep pushing forward.

The Tunnel Falls hike by far is the longest hike that I have ever done. We are about 4 miles out when one of my legs starts to cramp and seize up. Things went from bad to worse as my second leg starts to fail me. If only I had better prepared for this, then maybe I wouldn't have been stuck in this situation...

Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls

Like any other day in August, the sun is shining overhead with clouds sparsely dotting the sky above. Now, this is the type of weather you want to have when hiking anywhere in Oregon. Today my mom, her friend and I were going on a hike. The hike we were going on was the Eagle Creek Trail all the way to Tunnel Falls! A quick perusing of the Internet shows that it is only 12 miles round trip.

How hard could that be? I postulate to myself. At 30 minutes per mile adding in breaks for photos and snacks, it shouldn't take more than six-and-a-half hours tops, maybe seven.

We had gone up this trail once before to Punch Bowl Falls, which is about 2 miles one way.

The day started later than previously anticipated as my mom's friend is a bit delayed with calls and such. No matter.

I should mention now that I am wearing sandals which are actually quite comfy.

Oneonta Gorge is Packed in the Summer

Fight, fight with all your might, no matter what gets in your way.

From Crowds to Waist-Deep Water

No doubt about it, Oneonta Gorge is a hike like no other. I had prepared for it by bringing along a waterproof phone case... and that is about it. Camera, camera bag, and tripod were all at the mercy of the elements as I dragged them along.

Rocks Underwater by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0

Let the adventure begin

The day is like any other day in Oregon on a summer day; mildly warm, not too hot. The sun is out and the trees are blowing.

Oneonta Gorge is magnificent yet crowded. Upon first arrival, there are lines of cars parked on all sides of the road. We are lucky to find a spot that is not too far from the start of our "trail".

After a not so long walk along the side of the road, we walk comes across the Oneonta Tunnel.

The Allure of Mt. Saint Helens

Half the adventure is getting there, the rest is getting lost in its beauty.

Mt. Saint Helens on a cloud but bright summer day

Majestic Mt. Saint Helens by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA 4.0

Get Lost, Find Something Extraordinary

You can say that winding your way through what seems like endless rows of green pine trees is a travel nightmare. Yet, you may just so happen to stumble upon something you would have never seen had you gone on the road more traveled.

In between the wavering trees and the glistening streams that pepper alongside the roadside you will glimpse upon a grey and white giant, a fortress rising above the trees and into the heavens. This, of course, being Mt. Saint Helens.

It is not far now.

In between trying to figure where the hell we are and enjoying the splendid beauty of Washington, it emerges in full view. It is hard to think that this once green land could have been turned into molten rock and ash. Nature is always hardy and continues to grow, even amidst the threat of the mountain of doom!

It is a brisk afternoon with little wind and plenty of pine trees and sap to fill one's lungs. The sun is finicky today making brief hellos before hiding back under the cover of its clouds. From this vantage, it appears we have undershot our original destination, the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

See Seattle, WA

Pike Place Market After Hours by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0

Bask in the Afternoon Rain

Seattle, Washington, Oregon too for that matter, experiences rain 280 days out of the year. At times, that is an exaggeration but not far from it. You'll more often than not be caught in the rain during the rainy season; plan wisely.

Points of Interest in Seattle

Every city has fascinating, must-see points of interest. Some known lesser than others. Seattle is, of course, most famous for its Pike Place Market which certainly is on the map if you come from afar. Living in Portland, we decided not to go during the hustle and bustle of the market at high noon. Crowded during any part of the day.

Seattle Great Ferris Wheel by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0

The Seattle Great Ferris Wheel is but a skip and a hop away from Pike Place. On Pier 57, also known as Miner's Landing, this place features many restaurants indoors and shops. I personally only went to the restaurants where I got a big slice of pizza. Yum!

Super Blood Moon at Astoria Oregon

Super Blood Moon as seen from Astoria, Oregon

The super blood moon rises over Astoria. Four moons in one shot.

Super Blood Moon Time-lapse by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0

It was quite a sight for the world to see. The Super Blood Moon is a rare occurrence that happens only once in 20 to 30 years. The next one will not be around until 2033. It is called a super blood moon because it is a full moon that is closer to the Earth than it normally would be.

The shot above was just so fun to shoot from atop of the Astoria Column here in Oregon. This is a time-lapse of the moon. Tripods and a shutter cable release are critical to taking a steady shot. As is having a capable camera with a long focal length to be able to capture the moon. No, your iPhone won't cut it. Much too wide field of view lacking dedicated full manual controls.

Let's just say, there were many people at this popular destination. Even with the column being under repair, many came out tonight to glimpse the blood moon.

It was around 7:15 p.m. and we all were eagerly awaiting the rise of the blood moon. Little did we know that the moon was already in full eclipse by the time the sun was setting just behind us in the west. It was already rising before becoming just barely visible to the east. It was a spectacular view as the night went on.

Super Blood Moon with Astoria Column in foreground

Astoria Column w/ Super blood moon by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0

I could not help thinking about how the view would have looked from Saddle mountain. I have not been up there yet and it sounds like quite a hike. Yet, the view would be less obstructed and there would not be as many artificial lights. This is just south of Astoria and east of Seaside.

In any case, wear warm clothes next time. You are going to be out for an hour as it passes through the Earth's shadow. Plus, be fortunate enough that the forecast does not call for clouds. Ruins any chance to see a blood moon.

The Not So Sunny Seaside, Oregon

Low Tide Time

While Seaside, OR does not have any tidal pools during low tide there is an abundance of sand dollars.

Fishermen are fishing in the early morning while the tide is out

Out at Low Tide by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA

Sand Dollars under Sand by Florida Fish and Wildlife CC-by-ND 2.0

Seriously, you can't walk 10 feet sometimes without finding a sand dollar. There were many on the beaches that you could have made a necklace with the amount you find. There were a few that looked "fresh" but with no little creature inside the shell. They may have been recently eaten by a crab or a hungry seagull.

Caterpillar on Sand Dollar by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA

Ecola State Park

Located right between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is right off U.S. 101 going into Cannon Beach downtown area. Instead, you go towards the right, or Northwest for you navigators. There is a fork in the road. The one going left leads towards some great views of the beach view. Cannon Beach is hidden away.

The path on the right goes towards what was La Push beach in the movie Twilight but is actually Indian Beach right here in Oregon. Along the way, you may find some Elk. We were lucky enough to see some. Keep your cameras ready!

It's... watching by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA

The park has many trails. One going south leads back to the beach below. It did go further south, but the path was closed off. On the north trail, you can get a better view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. It is out by itself detached from the coast. So unless you have a boat you are not getting close to it.
The lighthouse in the picture below is just a small spot on the horizon. Follow the Flickr link for a bigger image. I don't put full-size images on this site to keep load times reasonable.

Ecola State Park View of the Pacific Ocean

Dreadful Weather by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA

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Brutal Tunnel Falls Hike via Eagle Creek Trail