Travel Recap #2: Oregon Trail

Our second week full-timing began with a quick tour of Sun Valley, then a trek from Ketchum, Idaho through Boise and to the Oregon border. A late start and a lengthy delay due to a bad RV accident on the freeway meant we reached the Rest Area/Visitor Center at sunset and stopped for an over-nighter in the parking lot. 

Next day, we headed up the highway to a Forest Road near La Grande for a quiet camp in the rainy woods. The rain only lasted half the day, so we enjoyed hiking and biking around the area the rest of the day. 

We set off in the a.m. and drove west all along the gorgeous Columbia River toward the majestic Mt. Hood. We had 3 nights booked at the KOA in Cascade Locks; a decision I had made when we set out, believing we’d need a set spot to look forward to resting, refreshing and taking a break from constantly monitoring water and electricity usage (hookups are a luxury for us!) It was nice to know we would have a few days to re-up on groceries and do laundry on-site, without having to close up shop and hit the road again right away. We had a great pull-through spot right next to a lovely couple that was kind enough to pick up a few Oregon Trail activity packets for the kids. (It inspired us to play the classic computer game during our down time in the RV… Taren eventually finished the Oregon Trail as a lone survivor after everyone else in his party succumbed to snake bites, drowning, or some other old west disease, of course. Good times.) 

The first evening we were there, we made a split decision to visit Multnomah Falls and, not knowing how strenuous the hike would be, we brought flip flops and hungry kids. Justin broke off soon after the bridge with Naiya and Dezi in tow, knowing they wouldn’t make the whole trek to the top, and waited and enjoyed some ice cream at the bottom. Taren and I (with Ellia in the hiking backpack) continued onward up the steep switchbacks, not wanting to leave without seeing the upper part of the falls. As we neared the top, I glanced up the path and recognized the two faces I saw: the girls I used to nanny almost two decades ago in the Portland area!! And their parents were also waiting at the bottom. What are the chances?! The Good Lord orchestrates these things far better than we ever could. It was a welcome surprise and a wonderful (albeit brief) reunion. 

We took a drive to see several of the other waterfalls along the same stretch of highway, then spent some time in Portland seeing how a once-pretty city has declined into vandalism and vagrancy. We also had a chance to enjoy the pool and the playground at the KOA, and did a family hike down the little trail behind the campground, across the train tracks and down to the river. After that, we enjoyed picking the wild blackberries that grew in abundance along the path. Pure, simple nature at its finest. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Next day was a trip to Mt. Hood and a few fun runs down the Alpine Slide. To round out our stay in Cascade Locks, we took a family bike ride that evening around the fabulous, emerald-green bike paths that wove through the forests along the interstate. Northern Oregon was officially a wrap!

A route up through my old stomping grounds in southwestern Washington State was next on the agenda, ending at our next camp spot outside a fish hatchery on the Cowlitz River. Fishing lessons from Dad on the banks of the rushing waters, plus a short hike with Mom along a path dotted with wild peas to see a few large trout made for a fine stop indeed. 

We continued northeast from there to a horse camp near the base of Mt. Rainier. It was really pretty with tall pines and only a couple other campers. (We would eventually run out of solar due to the tree cover, but it was only a minor inconvenience for such a great spot.) I took the kids on a walk down one of the horse trails, and they had a great time painting pictures outside, biking around the loop, and swinging in the hammock. We of course took the chance to visit Rainier National Park and soak in the beauty of an apparently popular destination. 

Sometime during our second day there, we got new neighbors (and I hate to admit this, but I always get a sinking feeling, as though having “other people” around is going to be a drag. It almost always turns out to be the exact opposite!!) We soon discovered it was a very nice couple camping with their son and grandson. For the next few days the kids had a blast playing with their new friend and getting the perfect grandma treatment from miss Sue, who had all the best games, snacks and treats on hand. We were so blessed by their brief friendship, and so heartbroken when we learned why they were there; the boy’s mom had recently passed away. It was a somber reminder that there are people hurting all around us and we are so often either blissfully unaware or achingly indifferent. They were wonderful people and I felt so deeply for that boy and his father. I wanted so badly to help them, but I had only prayers to offer. 

Lord, help us to be a light and a blessing to those we meet. Teach us to defer judgment and embrace compassion. Give us the wisdom to listen and learn. Equip our hearts to serve and love well. Amen.