Old Salmon River Trail

After last night's festivities, our plan to wake up early for a hike was looking pretty far-fetched. But we bucked up, chugged some coffee, and hit the road. Russ had chosen the hike for the day--a return to an old favorite, the Old Salmon River Trail in Mt. Hood National Forest.

We stopped first at the Zigzag Ranger Station to get directions and a trail guide. 

Stuffed Owl in the Ranger Station

Stuffed Raccoon in Ranger Station

The info sheet described the hike as 1.9 miles one way, with minimal elevation gain--just 100 feet. It's a kid-friendly trail that parallels the Salmon River. Despite running near the road, the constant rush of the river and the dense old-growth forest makes it feel wonderfully remote.  

Bridge near the Trailhead

We were standing in a rare forest, much like those that once blanketed the Pacific Northwest. These were old-growth trees, some more than 150 years old. The forest was alive with layers of canopy, moss, fungi, fallen logs, and the buzz of wildlife. 

Old Growth Douglas Fir

Old Salmon River

The thick canopy provided deep shade--bliss on such a hot summer day. 

Dense forest canopy

The following video is courtesy of assistant blog editor, Ira (in fact, all the photos and videos today were his--I decided to hike phone-free with just my watch. Crazy, I know!).

Old Salmon River

Everywhere we looked, there were fascinating details: moss-draped branches, sculptural fungi, wildflowers along the trail. 

Moss clinging to a tree branch

Mushroom

Old-growth forests are more than beautiful--they're vital. Scientists discovered in the 1980s that taxol, a compound found in the slow-growing Pacific yew trees, helps slow the growth of cancer cells. A synthetic version is still widely used in treatment today.

Research continues to show the role these forests play in buffering climate change. Their shaded canopies and moist understories stay cooler longer, creating safe havens for wildlife. And importantly, they act as powerful carbon sinks, pulling greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. 

After soaking it all in, we retraced our steps back to the car. But Russ had one more stop for us before dinner: the Jonsrud Viewpoint.

Mt. Hood from Jonsrud Viewpoint

The viewpoint overlooks the Sandy River Valley with Mt. Hood towering in the distance. It was cleared in 1922 by the Jonsrud family, who later donated it to the City of Sandy. Today, it's one of the best places to take in the grandeur of Oregon's tallest peak.

Mt. Hood and Sandy River Valley

Back at Kris and Russ's, Kris and Russ generously offered their flower gardens to cut flowers as a gift for our dinner hosts. Troy and Nancy, who live in Tigard.

Troy (an old coworker from Mirai in St. Helens) and Nancy welcomed us warmly. They share their home with Nancy's mother, and over dinner we chatted about our move to Italy. They're also dreaming of a European move--likely Spain, since Nancy already speaks Spanish. They were eager to hear about our experience, maybe seeking a little reassurance that they aren't crazy for considering such a leap. 

Dinner was memorable: pork carnitas tostadas, built carefully with Troy's tutorial--start with a tostada shell, spread on refried beans as a binder, pile on the carnitas, and finish with cotijia cheese, onion, cilantro and salsas of varying heat. Easily the best carnitas I've ever had. I even went back for seconds, which almost never happens! Pro tip: pre-breaking the tostada is preferable (unless you're apt to flirt with disaster) Dessert was a bright, lemony cake.

Pork Carnitas Tostadas

Lemon Dessert

Of course, it wouldn't be a bonsai visit without bonsai. Troy has pared down his collection to just one prized bonsai: a pomegranate, currently in a wooden box until he finds the perfect handmade pot.

Troy's Pomegranate

Back at Kris and Russ's, we wound down the evening chatting with them--and giving some love to their adopted stray, Foggy, who was especially affectionate that night. 

Foggy

I thought I'd fit two days into this post, but this one grew long on its own. More adventures next time. 

A dopo!