Blazing our Oregon Trail

In 1999, Steve and I learned that his job would be moving us to Portland, Oregon, before the year was out.

Steve was instantly delighted; however, I met this news with, at first, acute consternation. I knew nothing of the new state that was to be our home. I immediately set about rectifying this matter, and it did not take me long to discover that we were moving to a state rich in history, culture, geographic variety and incomparable scenic beauty.

Oregon is truly a state that provides a landscape for whatever mood you might be in. From incredible, majestic mountain ranges to austere deserts; from rocky beaches to solemn evergreen forests; from semi-tropical rain forests to winter wonderlands; from raging rivers to tall, secluded waterfalls - it truly boggles the mind, and frequently takes my breath away. Some of the loveliest, poetic places on earth invite us to lose ourselves in them only minutes from our home; we often wonder can we ever manage to see it all?

In the center of all this wilderness beauty the city of Portland sits like the jewel at the front of a queen's crown, providing plenty of scenic diversion even during the work day. I walk the banks of the Willamette river during the lunch hour while cherry blossoms replace icy drops once the winter rains have passed, and I have only to look up to view the powerful and awe-inspiring images of Mt. Hood to the east and Mt. St. Helens to the north - a view that can never grow stale. Then there are the Japanese and rose gardens, Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum, Pittock mansion and the Rose Quarter...the choices are endless, even overwhelming.

This is my back yard. Come out and play with me.

Jenn Eagen
Portland, 2002


Following the Example of the Eastern Explorers

Join us on our journey of exploration. I will be the best guide I can. Like my big brother, I must beg you to forgive my inadequate photography skills. Tim is a far better photographer than I am, and while I have done and will continue to do my best to record Steve's and my adventures, I will ask those of you who have never been to Oregon not to judge it by my pictures, which do not capture the grandeur and vivid color of the place to my satisfaction. Likewise I'll ask those who have been here to forgive me for not portraying it in a better light. Neither Steve nor myself are avid picture-takers, usually too caught up in the beauty surrounding us on our hikes to recall ourselves sufficiently to pull out the camera. I'll put in what I can, though, and when I can't I'll include images from a wonderful web site, The New Oregon Trail, which contains pics from far more accomplished photographers than I. Of course, I will also attempt to relate in words (a far easier medium for me) what I cannot on film.

Special Places of Interest


Suggested Publications

The Works of William L. Sullivan. Steve and I regard Bill Sullivan as the god of Northwest hiking. A fifth-generation Oregonian, The Wise Mr. Sullivan (as Steve and I refer to him) is the author of the 100 Hikes series, which cover the Northern region of the state plus Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Coast and Coast Range, the Central Cascades and Southern Oregon. These have been invaluable resources for Steve's and my hiking trips, for not only do they cover the areas in great detail, but include maps and helpful and interesting information on flora and fauna, the likelihood of crowds, historical tidbits, permits and backpacking options. One word of caution - the man literally covers everything, so some of the hikes are not as nice as others. Choose wisely.

Other books by Sullivan include Hiking Oregon's History, a highly interesting narrative, A Deeper Wild, and Listening for Coyote, a classic account of Sullivan's sixty-five day solo journey through Oregon's renowned wilderness, a 1,361-mile search for the elusive wilderness spirit from Cape Blanco in the southwest corner to the state's easternmost point at the bottom of Hell's canyon.

Oregon-Washington Tour Book. From AAA, this is a highly-detailed reference to the recreational activities the area has to offer.

Helpful Links

The New Oregon Trail The pictures on this page are borrowed courtesy of this wonderfully informative site.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The City of Portland

Mt. Hood Volcano, Oregon

Oregon Live News and weather.


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