I started off the day with a few minor locations before I went to Three Pools. I’m sure I’ve previously mentioned how surreal it is to be on an unpaved forest road and start to see no parking signs. Then the day use area is a large paved parking lot with speed bumps and striped spaces. But I completely understand why that is. I imagine that on summer days the place must just be a madhouse. Today, however, I was the only person partaking in the magnificent beauty of the area. That differs from our previous visit when there were a few people leaving just as we arrived. Either I have great luck in finding solitude or I just visit during at the right time of the year. Unlike my previous visit, today wasn’t raining, so other people just have no excuse.

I then finished the part of the North Fork Santiam Trail that I missed yesterday. I thought I was only going to be able to hike a short portion, but the signs indicating that the bridge over Cedar Creek is out are outdated. There’s a nice, new bridge there. So I was very happy that I was able to complete the hike. This section is pretty easy. There are lots of views of the turquoise water through the trees. Mostly you have to be content with obstructed views because there aren’t many places where it’s possible to bushwhack down to the river on social paths. But even gazing at the marvelous river through the trees is an outstanding way to spend a day.

I spent the rest of the afternoon driving down Forest Road 2207 and stopping at each pullout. I remember seeing lots of pullouts when we visited Sullivan Creek Falls. So today I had plenty of time to walk down go down to splendidly scenic Cedar Creek.