RVcruzer.com - Oregon

While Oregon is primarily known for it's coastline, it also is the beginning of the Cascade mountain range. The Cascades are a geographically active range, dotted with dormant and extinct volcanoes formed by constant movement and uplift of the continental plate. These volcanoes have literally formed the landscape. The coastline is likewise formed by geographic upheaval. As the Pacific Plate presses against the North American Plate it passes underneath in a process called subduction. This upheaval formed the Cascades but it also has formed a number of seamounts along the spectacular Oregon coastline. The Columbia River runs through the famous Columbia River Gorge as it descends to the Pacific Ocean. Water from the high country crashes over numerous waterfalls as it flows into the gorge to join the river. The tidal pools along the coastline are filled with a wide variety of colorful marine life.

Oregon's coastline is littered with rocky outcroppings and seamounts formed by magma rising to the surface as the Pacific Plate passed under the North American Plate. These rocks dot the beaches in the area, which are popular with both tourists and locals for gathering shellfish.

This sea mount near Cape Sebastian stands silhouetted against the shimmering ocean as the sun goes down over the Oregon coast.

Beginning just north of Brooking, the Samuel F. Boardman series of state parks extends up the coastline. Oregon has excellent state parks along the coastline and the scenic terrain is preserved from development so that everyone can enjoy it.

Within the Samuel F. Boardman series of parks is an overlook to Arch Rock, one of the many rock formations along this coastline.

The rocky coastline takes a pause on it's journey north as the Umpqua River empties into the ocean. On either side of the river is a large section of sand dunes. The National Sand Dunes Recreation area is federally protected but there are areas where dune buggy rentals are a popular recreation activity. These dunes are just south of Florence.

Prior to modern electronic navigation Oregon's rugged coastline was capable of wrecking many ships. A series of lighthouses marked the capes and points to warn sea goers of danger. Most are inactive now but a few are still operating for nostalgic purposes. This light house is at Heceta Head, just north of Florence. The keeper's house in now open as a living history museum.

Heceta Head's burning lighthouse is silhouetted against the setting sun over the Pacific.

Located west of Tillamook, Oceanside is a small coastal community with an excellent beachcombing opportunities. At low tide it's tidal pools are brimming with marine life.

Haystack Rock is a 325' tall monolith rising out of the waters of the Pacific just off shore from Cannon Beach. At low tides it's possible to walk out to this rock to view the marine life in it's tidal pools. It serves as a nesting place for puffins, gulls, and cormorants.

When the tide goes out marine life is exposed. Life forms such as starfish, sea urchins, clams, and mussels all cling to the rocky surfaces waiting for the water to return. The starfish on the left span around 24" and can get quite sizeable. At low tide it's possible to explore these tidal pools. These images were taken at Haystack Rock during low tide.

In the June of 2001 there was a brief period where an extreme low tide had occurred. At this point the low tide was about 3' below the normal low tide for about 3 days. During that time it was possible to walk to Haystack Rock and explore the opening in it's southern side. This small cave turned out to be a tunnel that curved through to the western seaward side of the rock. Inside was a collection of colorful marine life, much of which was smashed by the pounding surf as the tide receded.

The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach. Tillamook Head rock is in the distance on the right.

Crater Lake is located atop Mount Mazama in the Cascades. Mount Mazama was a huge volcano that erupted in prehistoric times. It's crater is very deep and is filled with cold water that reflect the shining blue of the sky at this high altitude. Because of it's great depth the lake never freezes in winter and conversely, never warms up in summer. It is a national park.

Built just inside the rim of the extinct volcano, Crater Lake lodge looks out over Crater Lake. Originally built in 1915 it underwent an extensive renovation in 1995 to strengthen it's structural integrity but it still retains it's 1920's charm.

Because of it's unique position in the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake receives an average of 550" of snowfall every year. The Rim Drive generally does not get opened until mid July when the plowing operations are finally completed. This image was taken on June 26th after a portion of West Rim Drive had just been opened. The temperature was around 90 degrees on this day.

This small stream is typical of the many that crisscross the Cascades. The snowmelt runoff begins in the high peaks and begins it's journey to the ocean.

Mount Thielsen is an inactive volcano. It's lava flows were steady, rather than an intermittent severe eruption, and it's spire and down slope ridges were built up from these flows over time. Located just north of Crater Lake in the Mount Thielsen Wilderness Area , it looks down on nearby Diamond Lake from high above.

There are many streams in the Umpqua River Valley. This stream near Diamond Lake illustrates the rich vegetation in this area due to the readily available moisture from snowmelt.

In the Umpqua River Valley are many waterfalls. This land is managed by the US Forest Service and they have established many scenic hiking trails in this area.

Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon. It towers over the south bank of the Columbia River Gorge, but at 11,237' it can be seen from a number of places in Oregon. Popular with climbers, Mount Hood is actually a volcano. Most of the mountain's flanks were formed by eruptions between 180 and 250 years ago. This barely dormant volcano will pose serious threats for the communities that are now found on the southwest flanks during future eruptions.

The Columbia River forms the northern boundary of Oregon and separates it from Washington to the north. As the river flows westward it drops in height. Many of the raging cascades that Lewis and Clark encountered are now tamed by dams but as the river flows westward it digs deeper inside the Columbia River Gorge.

In 1913 work began on the Columbia River Highway, later renamed to the Historic Columbia River Highway. This highway was laid out in such a manner to showcase the scenic wonders within the gorge and provide access to the many waterfalls and geographical features. Extensive stonework was done on bridges and guardrails and care was taken to limit any grades to 5% and hold all curves to a minimum 100' radius.

Once the private lodge of a timber magnate by the name of A. E. Doyle, this property was given to the State of Oregon in 1926. Now Oregon's most popular tourists attraction, Multnomah Falls is the centerpiece of the Columbia River Gorge. It's 620' drop from Larch Mountain makes it the nation's second highest year-round waterfall. A spectator bridge crosses the break in it's mid-section and the lodge is now converted into a restaurant and visitor's center.

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