I was unable to locate White Branch Falls on my first attempt. I returned today. The gate was closed, so I walked the short distance in. I found a path on the right side of the road shortly after the clearing. It first went alongside a small stream, but quickly became very overgrown. When it turned away from the creek, I started thinking that it probably lead to the camp, which it did. I returned back to the road, walked a very short distance further and found the real trail. I’m happy to report that I did not get skunked at White Branch for a second time.

The rest of the day was spent on the western portion of the McKenzie River Trail. Well first I spent a long time looking for my car keys. But that’s a long story. I was eventually able to start out. I really enjoyed the portion of the trail that was actually close to the river. When it turned away I figured it wouldn’t be for such a long distance. Oh did I mention that it was raining? And since I wasn’t near the river I had my tripod slung over my shoulder and I was hiking double time. I started thinking about what other options I had but decided that I liked hiking in the forest better than anything else I could think of. I eventually decided to turn around. I figured that I could hike the first section that Sullivan recommended skipping. It might not be the best part of the trail, but at least it’s close to the river.

I didn’t take a whole lot of pictures today. I considered uploading one of the shots of the McKenzie with vine maple on the far bank. I had several I like. Another obvious choice would be White Branch Falls. But what you’re going to get stuck with is the little creek I was hiking along on my wild goose chase before finding the correct trail to White Branch Falls. You see, it wasn’t wasted time after all. Keep your eyes open and sometimes the hunt is better than the destination.