But the Coast Range has some fun places named after much more famous ones, ala Niagara Falls. So come along on a still pretty long drive as Joan and I head down to just north of Florence for the day and hike up the Enchanted Valley Trail with a stop at Darlingtonia ( just down the road from the trailhead right off Highway 101) for the only park in the state dedicated to one plant, the carniverous Cobra Lily. And another quick stop at Devil's Punchbowl where the tide was out so not much action other than the resident squirrel entertainers. They are verrry bold.Enchanted Valley was filled with 'meadow muffins' from elk, deer , bear and possibly cougar too piled high from one end to the other. But not much wildlife action since it was midday. A return trip at dusk or dawn would work better. I did see a bear high tail it up the hillside when he heard me round a corner but he was gone before I could even think of trying to get a picture. Funny, last time I saw a bear years ago it rattled me pretty good. This time we called 'here bear' to it and tried to follow it for a bit but to no avail. It's just an incredibly peaceful and quiet place that would be even nicer with fall color and better timing for the hike during the day. And it's much different than your average Oregon Coast Range trail. Photo descriptions here http://picasaweb.google.com/pdxgene/EnchantedValley
And off we go..
Pretty gravy having a plant that eats bugs
