Salem-News.com Outdoors articles Page 15

Silver Creek Falls State Park Offers Something For Everyone

Nestled in the mountains east of Salem, the waterfalls at Silver Creek Falls are one of the most popular natural attractions in the Salem area.

(SILVERTON) - Nestled in the lower elevation of Oregon's Cascade Mountains lies a temperate rain forest.

It is here that the Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail can be found.

The Canyon Trail and the falls descend to a forest floor covered with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.

You will also find stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar.

While thousands visit the park every year, it is large enough for you to find quiet places to sit and watch for birds.

The Canyon Trail is a nationally recognized trail system that leads hikers along the banks of the north and south forks of Silver Creek.

It takes you to 10 majestic waterfalls, ranging from the grand South Falls (177 feet), to the delicate Drake Falls (27 feet).

Four of the falls have an amphitheater-like surrounding where you can walk behind the falls and feel the misty, crisp spray.

Boating Hazard Reported on South Santiam River

(SWEET HOME) - Boaters on the South Santiam River have reported a potentially dangerous obstruction about two miles below the Wiley Creek Park Boat Launch between Sweet Home and Foster Reservoir.

It May be Hot Outside, But Oregon Waterways Are Still Very Cold

Safe & Sound Reminder From The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue Unit.

(Oregon City) - The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue Unit would like to remind everyone the present temperature of the Clackamas River is only 53 degrees, combined with an enormous volume of water resulting from this years abundant snow melt. The United States Geological Service reporting this Clackamas River is discharging at a rate of 1662 cubic feet per second.

At 1:00 PM Friday, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue responded to assist four teenagers who were floating the Clackamas River on inner tubes, encountered some turbulent water and were separated from their inner tubes; reportedly, with no personal floatation devices being worn.

ODFW: If You Care, Leave Baby Wildlife in the Wild

(SALEM) - State wildlife officials today reminded Oregonians that the best way to care about baby wildlife is to leave the animals in the wild.

Deer, elk, birds, seals and other animals often leave their young while they forage for food. Unfortunately, each year well-meaning people who encounter baby animals temporarily away from their parents mistake the babies for orphans and remove them from the wild.

Picking up baby wildlife stresses both the baby and the mother, who is often nearby and returns later looking for her young. A doe, for example, will continue looking and calling for her fawn for up to two days.

The Salem Area`s Recreational Secrets

(SALEM) - Oregon's capital city, Salem, as well as the surrounding region of Marion and Polk County are extremely diverse. Salem is known for state government, unique historic museums, award-winning wineries and beautiful gardens. However, the region also boasts outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities that are a well kept secret.


Fun on the Water

Outdoor activities abound in and near Salem. With the Willamette River flowing through the city, there are many opportunities for water sports - from water-skiing to kayaking and canoeing to fishing for trout and salmon.

Springtime Brings Beach Safety Reminder

(LINCOLN CITY) - Two annual springtime events that begin this weekend along the Oregon Coast bring with them a beach safety warning from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Both the SOLV Great Oregon Spring Beach Cleanup and the opening day of spring whale watch, begin Saturday.

OPRD officials say everyone heading to the coast for spring break needs to remember that the ocean is still at winter strength, and even in sunny weather the combination of powerful seas, eager visitors and drift logs left behind by winter storms can have deadly results.

Tillamook Forest Center Opens April 1st

The center is the outgrowth of a public-private partnership 10 years in the making

(TILLAMOOK) - The Tillamook Forest Center, Oregon`s newest visitor and interpretive facility, located on the Wilson River Highway in the heart of the former "Tillamook Burn," will open to the public on the first day of Oregon Arbor Week, Saturday, April 1st.

The center`s 40-foot tall replica of a fire lookout tower has already become a local landmark, as has a dramatic 250-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge, which leads from the building across the Wilson River to the nearby Jones Creek Campground.

Boating Safety Class Offered Saturday in Keizer

Boaters in Oregon, ages 12 to 50, are now required to carry a Boater Education Card

(KEIZER) - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Keizer Fire District are offering a boaters safety class on Saturday.

BLM to Host Salem Workshop on Western Oregon Plan Revisions

Six plans under revision cover over 2.5 million acres of public land scattered throughout western Oregon

(SALEM) - The public is invited to participate in a local Western Oregon Plan Revisions workshop scheduled for Monday.

The workshop will provide information and discussions on the revisions of Resource Management Plans for Bureau of Land Management managed lands in western Oregon.

City of Salem, Lincoln, Tillamook Counties Seeking State Marine Board, ODFW Grants

River debris, wear-and-tear have taken it’s toll on the boat launch area at Wallace Marine Park in West Salem

(SALEM) - The City of Salem is seeking a grant from the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for improvements to the boat launch area at Wallace Marine Park.

The floats are hit hard by floating debris during high water periods.