So, I read about the sometimes nasty locals around the trail head for Lee Falls, but didn't pay it too much mind...other than being aware that I shouldn't park in front of the gate at the trail head. Thanks again, for the heads up on that in the Field Guide. I was making my way down the narrow gravel road that leads to the trail head when somebody in a pick up came roaring around the bend. I moved over as much as I could, but they kind of hogged the whole road. I tried moving over some more and the next thing I know I'm sliding into a drainage ditch along the side of the road!!! I was good and stuck. The truck just kept going. I don't THINK that it was intentional, but you never know. Any way, I saw some folks coming off the trail and asked if they lived nearby. They didn't, but offered to pull my vehicle out of the ditch. If you are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! You really saved my bacon, because I had no cell service and didn't particularly want to waltz past all of the NO TRESPASSING signs to ask the locals for help.
At any rate, I'm not trying to scare anybody off of going here because it is a pretty amazing place. Just be careful and respectful of people's private property and you should be just fine. One last thing, if the gate happens to be open when you get there DO NOT drive down the road. The people that I talked to said that they lock the gate up at completely random intervals. One day it might be open until 6:00, the next day they lock it at 1:30 it was locked up at 3:30 today. If it gets locked with your vehicle on the other side, you're staying the night. Also, I'm pretty sure that there are no motor vehicles allowed any way but I'm not positive???
The trail itself is essentially a gated off logging road for all intents and purposes. It's in great condition and makes for a pretty easy six mile jaunt. It's completely level too, so if you're a biker you could probably do it that way as well. I got started on the hike around 3:30 this afternoon and saw a few anglers and the family who helped me out of the ditch as they were leaving. I had the rest of the trail to myself the entire time. It was GREAT.
I was really surprised by how "Wild" the place felt for being nestled in between Forest Grove and Gaston. Lots of wildlife and not many people (At least when I was there) . Hagg Lake is also in pretty close proximity, so if you want to make a whole day of it you could go there and enjoy the trails and some water sports.
This might be a little off subject, but the drive there is also pretty nice. Lots of farms and orchards. very scenic. Also, if you're a wine enthusiast, there are quite a few vineyards and even a Sake distillery on the way. It might be fun to stop and pick up a nice bottle and relax by the falls for a while. Just remember to pack that bottle back out with you.
Now, on to the pics...
