Bear Canyon
Of late Theresa and I have been fairly busy with two citizen science projects; our monthly COASST bird surveys and the Wild and Scenic River surveys. However, when we can, we still enjoy heading out into the backcountry with nothing on the agenda other than finding new areas to explore and sights to behold. We found a gem in Bear Canyon just outside of the picturesque logging town of Morton.
We stumbled on this gorgeous canyon purely by happenstance. We had decided to get out of town on short notice, and all our usual parks in the Mt. St. Helen area were booked so we turned to Hipcamp to see what was available. The nearest property that had an open spot was a tree farm. Not our first choice, but like a book, you can’t always judge a property by its listing. Turns out the Arboretum was an exceptional find.
Bear Canyon can be accessed by multiple points along SR 508. If you travel a bit further east apparently there is a trailhead. You can find more details here. For us, it was as easy as taking the trail behind our campsite. The trail quickly drops into the canyon and is heavily wooded. At its bottom, we found the Tilton River. I found out afterward that this river is popular with white water kayakers.
The appeal for us was the solitude and obvious signs that the area wasn’t visited very often. Theresa had brought a book and read while I snapped photographs. The fact that Theresa would ‘slow down’ and enjoy the serenity of the place should tell you something about the energy of the area. Besides the occasional chirp from a bird, the only sound was the gurgle of the small waterfall which fed the river.
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
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Walking through the forest near our campground on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s almost hypnotic listening to the breeze in the canopy and the waves on the shore.
As the sun ascends, an explosive burst of vibrant hues paints the sky over Damon Point, illuminating the world with a kaleidoscope of colors and reminding us of the breathtaking beauty that awaits those who embrace each new day. Read more about our adventure; the link is in the bio.
Theresa is leading the way to Pebble Beach. A local in the area had shared that this was once an Indian summer camp and that you could still find arrowheads and pottery.
Camping with Jason who found us a great spot on the Columbia River. It’s unbelievable how close the shipping channel comes to our sites.
Come explore the stunning beauty of Tokeland with us! 📸 Click the link in our profile to see what Theresa captured and to join in on the conversation about conservation.
Exploring the Coastal Charm of Tokeland - Essex Media & Explorations
From above, the waves on Long Beach Peninsula look like a canvas of abstract art, each one unique and captivating in its own way. It's like watching a symphony of nature in motion - powerful, graceful, and utterly mesmerizing. 🌊✨
I recently witnessed a breathtaking sunset on the Pacific Coast. The hues of orange, and pink painted the sky and reflected off the calm water. It was a truly unforgettable moment.
Theresa's enjoying a moment of peace in Long Beach - just look at that sunset! All of us can help preserve these beautiful places for people to enjoy for years to come. Share your favorite conservation memory in the comments below!
We recently camped at Lake Sylvia State Park and were fortunate enough to have a break in the weather. Just as we were rounding the lake's northern end, there was a break in the clouds revealing a golden sky.
I'd love for you to check my lastest article which includes a short video of my visit to one of Washington's fire lookouts. https://buff.ly/409XOYR
Just published an article over on the website which also has a short clip of my trip to find the Burley Mountain Fire Lookout. Find the link in the bio.
Fluffy cotton candy clouds adorn the serene skies and tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We had to wait a bit for the tide to recede before we could start our #COASST bird survey.
We took shelter under an underhand to wait out a squall while conducting our #COASST bird survey on Murdock Beach. Theresa took advantage to do a bit of Agate hunting while the storm blew over head.
Softly floating on a canvas of blue, spring clouds dance above Waughop Lake.
This is just one of many structures that fell into disarray after the closure of the gravel pit that once operated on the shores of Steilacoom.
Morton
Our first trip to Morton was a few years ago when Theresa, on a curious whim, announced we were going to be attending a Loggers Jubilee in this small mountain community. What a day we had! From a bed frame race through the middle of town to watching loggers race in some nail-biting competitions to the swamp meet, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Let’s get this out of the way. Certainly, I wish we had done a better job of managing our old-growth forest here in the Pacific Northwest, but I personally don’t hold that mismanagement against the workers out in the forest putting bread on the family’s table. They weren’t the ones making policy; just hard rugged men in a dangerous job.
Morton was settled in 1880 and a two-room schoolhouse soon followed as the community grew to meet the demand for lumber. Incorporated on Jan 6, 1913, and named after the country’s current Vice-President Levi Morton, the city developed into the business center for East Lewis County.
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The town certainly has a colorful past having survived both devasting fire and flood. It also has a certain claim to fame in T.A. Peterman. After enjoying success in modifying trucks to operate better in the local steep hillsides, he moved his operation to California and started what is now known as Peterbilt Trucks.
The downtown may have seen better days, but there are still some jewels to be had in the local businesses. One is Rivers Coffeehouse and Bistro. Good food, good coffee and a rich tapestry to enjoy it are to be found here.
If you’re anywhere in the area, it’s worth spending a day in this area.
