Between Estacada and the Ripplebrook Ranger Station on highway 224, you can exit on Memaloose Road.  If you continue along for about 12 miles you will come to an easy uphill hikethat has great visual rewards.  The views from the top of the Memaloose Lake hike are breathtaking.  You can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. St. Helens and the Three Sisters. You will encounter many beautiful and exotic plants, cross the creek a few times and enjoy a beautiful lake halfway up to the top of the mountain viewpoint.  I went last spring with Cub Scout Pack 717.  It was a fabulous day for a hike.   This photo was snapped from the top of the viewpoint.     The hike takes you into a canopy of old growth trees that is carpeted by ferns, moss, shamrocks and trilliums.                    The... 03/18/2007

As you leave Sandy, Oregon and take the scenic route towards Pleasant Home and Gresham via Bluff Road. You might want to stop for a moment at the Jonsrud Viewpoint.  This viewpoint is located not too far from the Sandy High School.  There are some historical facts that you can read about.  On a clear day you can see Devil's Backbone, the Sandy River and Mt. Hood which is the at the center of the incredible view.  You can see ridge after ridge and grassy valleys and snowy foothills.  The Sandy River also takes a nice turn here.  The viewpoint is located on a cliff that Bluff Road. runs along.  This is actually along the historic Barlow Road that pioneers took over Mt. Hood from the Oregon Trail.  If you head North on Bluff Road you will be treated to a nice country drive consisting of nu... 03/12/2007

Nestled in among the farmland and forests at the foothills of Mt. Hood, lies the growing community of Sandy, Oregon.  Once a sleepy town that visitors stopped by on the way to a day of skiing and sledding, Sandy is evolving into a picturesque village with quaint shops and plenty of local flare.   The heart of Sandy is the two one-way streets that transect it:  Highway 26 heads further east and Proctor Boulevard heads west.  Many buildings along this stretch are reminiscent of old western boom towns, while others have a more modern, Cascade style.  Take a stroll down the thoroughfare and discover the many boutiques and antique stores along the way.  After a morning spent shopping, you can sample the local cuisine at one of the areas local restaurants.  Paola’s Pizza is known for it great... 02/13/2007