Yesterday I visited a spectacular look out point just outside of Portland called the Vista House.  It overlooks the Columbia River.  Just a little bit further were the Multnomah Falls.  Visitors to this spot should exercise caution.  There’s a lot to soak in, and it’s beauty may stop your heart. Consider yourself warned.

Today’s adventures led first to the Bagby Hot Springs here in Oregon. The natural hot spring is a small stream of constant hot water (about 160 degrees) flowing up from the ground and down a small channel, then into a hollowed log duct system that flows along several small, private rooms. These rooms, also clothing optional, have 10 foot long wooden tubs carved out of ancient trees. Pull a small plug and voila! Instant relaxation, just add your naked body.  It takes a 3 mile hike to get back to the springs, of which the majority follows a beautiful stream.  Even the dead trees are still amazing.

While at the Hot Springs, I met a man named Elf.  He was roughly 35, but has been coming to this spot since he was about 9.  Following his recommendation, the hike was continued for another quarter mile past the Springs to a small waterfall that has been made out to be a shower of sorts.  The water was freezing, but was quite refreshing after all the hiking.

After finally leaving the area, the next stop was straight towards Cannon Beach and the ocean.  We didn’t make it there until well after sundown, but we followed the Oregon Coast Highway along the ocean for a while and stopped at a lookout point overlooking the beach and the ocean.  Dear god, movies couldn’t make a better view.  The moonlight was glistening off of the ocean while the beach and lights from a small town were visible from the cliff we stopped on.

Overall?  I think I could die here.