After a week of final exams we escaped. We drove out of Dodge (aka Portland, OR) yesterday around noon and didn't return until almost 9:00 P.M. You see, there was a waterfall to find. In this land of the green, the hiking, and the waterfalls in the wilderness, we had yet to experience Munson Creek Falls in Tillamook County. It's about 2 hours drive from Portland to Tillamook (til-a-muck) if you're not in a hurry, and we weren't. We travel Highway 6 through the Tillamook National Forest (see photo above) and it's all green and so glorious.
The road to Munson Creek is 7 miles south off Hwy 6, then a turn at a poorly marked farm road, up another 1 1/2 miles until the pavement turns to gravel. From there it's another 3/4 mile into the park and 1/4 mile hike to the site of the waterfall.
It is well worth every mile and I believe that the photographs speak volumes.
After recharging in the woods we drove on down the coastline to Rockaway, OR, and walked a very quiet beach for another 2 miles. The sound and smell of the ocean was much needed therapy after weeks of being cooped up in town working and studying and tending to daily life.
The drive home is always bittersweet. We want to stay longer. We know we have to go back to reality. But, honestly, I ask you...what could be more reality than the slowed down pace, and the serenity of open sky, salt air and only the wind and the birds in your ears?
Hope you all had as nice a weekend as we did...
Images by Tina, Pfeiffer Photos - copyright 2009.
