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Contributed by hike leader John Sweat

I had a few hikers willing to take this trail by the horns and endure the steady climb up for 3.5 miles. After trudging up hill for an hour and 40 minutes, we hit the summit.

Our reward for our efforts was a relatively smoke free sky to the south and great visibility to the west and north.  After a quick snack we made it down in short time to the trailhead and back to Sisters. Our stats for the day was 7.6 miles with an elevation gain of 2300+ ft.  A fun day and a big thanks to all who joined me!

Contributed by hike leader John Sweat

It didn't take long for this hike to fill and with good reason.  Canyon Creek Meadows Trail has so much to offer, beautiful wild flowers, lush green meadows a meandering creek, a cirque lake with Three finger Jack looming in the background.  What more can you ask for?
We were all very fortunate on our hike with comfortable temps, clear skies (Smoke Free) and best of all, relatively free of mosquitos!  The only down side of our outing was no signs of Mountain Goats, one hiker had informed us they were up on the higher plateau. Oh well, can't have everything..
I want to thank everyone for joining me on this hike.  A very fun day!   

Contributed by hike leader Gary Jones

There were still plenty of wildflowers to see on the Browder Ridge hike. Warm but not too hot! A good time was had by all.

Submitted by Sue Sullivan

The Central Oregon Nordic Club maintains roughly 100 miles of ski and snowshoe trails here in the Deschutes National Forest. As you probably know, we’re not the only group that maintains winter trails; Meissner, Sisters Trail Alliance COTA, the Dog Pack and several snowmobile groups also maintain trails nearby. In the Ochocos, there are a number of ski trails near the Walton Lake Sno-Park,  and the Portland chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club has taken on the responsibility for clearing and marking those trails. In June, Portland ONC invited us to join them in a three-day work event to spruce up the trails. Nine of us assisted the Portland group, with most people camping at Walton Lake for the event.

It was not all work either! Walton Lake proved to be a beautiful spot to camp. Ron Padgett brought along his dulcimer, and Louise Brown brought a violin, so there was evening entertainment around the campfire. Some folks spotted wild horses while doing trail work. Those of us who had never skied at Walton lake vowed to come back this winter as the trail system goes through some really nice terrain.

There’s a possibility that Portland ONC will be returning to finish more trail work some time later this summer, so we may be having another opportunity to help improve these trails. 

Submitted by John Sweat

Our outing started with beautiful weather and a pleasant drive out to the Fremont-Winema National Forest.  At the beginning of our hike, it was somewhat uneventful but, as we were making our ascend to the summit in amongst the Mountain Mahogany we were greeted with a display of Indian Paint Brush and Balsamroot.  At the Lookout we enjoyed a refreshing breeze and wonderful views from, Mt Shasta, Mt Scott, Thielsen, Diamond and the Sisters.  Our stats for the day were 8 miles with close to 2100 ft in elevation gain.
Our stomachs were on empty and couldn't wait for the family style Dinner Tree feast!  The meal was more than satisfying and when we finished we all had enough leftovers for the week.
Overall a very fun and eventful day.

Submitted by Roz O'Donoghue

High winds, hail and chilly temperatures greeted five CONC members at the onset of the North Twin Pillars hike on June 15th.  The blustery weather subsided as we walked past views of Desolation canyon, through the forest and down to the Twin pillars.  The chilly wind kept the group from ascending onto the pillars but the views were outstanding.  We returned on the same trail as the sun broke through and rewarded the group for their perseverance.

Submitted by Roz O'Donoghue

Three CONC members hiked on Round Mountain in the Ochocos on a splendid sunny day.  We were treated to great views and a gorgeous display of wildflowers.  Arrow leaf Balsam root, Larkspur, Indian Paintbrush, Arnica, Yellow Bell, BallHeaded Gilia were just some of flowers viewed.  The trail wound through meadows with expansive views, parkland forests and rocky slopes.   It was a day well spent.

Submitted by Ann Padgett and Jeanni Capell

Even though it was a long drive east, 16 eager hikers showed up to hike Sutton Mountain.  After a 2 hour drive we arrived at the trailhead and hiked 3 1/2 miles up to the top. Wildflowers- Lupine, Paintbrush, Yarrow, Camas, Phlox and more were abundant. But the star of the show, and the reason we went to Sutton Mountain, were the Hedgehog Cactus blooming on the summit. After our hike down we went into the town of Mitchell where we enjoyed cold beers at Tiger Town Brew Pub. A nice finish to a perfect hike!

Contributed by hike leader Gary Jones

A group of six hikers started at lower Canyon Creek Campground and hiked the West Metolius Trail out and back to the fish hatchery. 5 1/2 miles total. Cool, pleasant weather. Beautiful river, beautiful flowers!

submitted by hike leader John Sweat

Never to be disappointed when there's questionable weather in the forecast, which called for high winds, rain and snow, I had three eager participants ready to take on the elements.  When we arrived at Clear Lake we were pleasantly surprised with light snow fall, which continued on to the turn around point.  Along the trail we saw many old growth fir trees, judging from the diameter had to be well over 200 plus years in age.  Also we observed a prime example of a Nurse Log, which had at least 50 or more young trees nurturing and making way for the new generation.  We hiked along both side of the McKenzie River to view the falls, which was a first for many.  On the return our luck changed and had a constant drizzle and slogged our way back.  Generally speaking we all had a good time, regardless of the not so ideal conditions.