We dreamed of the Hot Springs in Umpua as we made our way North East in the beautiful state of Oregon. Would it get smoky again? Would we find a place to camp near the hot springs for the night? When we arrived at the hot springs, we were so relieved to have made it. We walked around the area to check things out...it was pretty well populated by the regulars and many new comers made their way in one after the other. The place was busy to say the least. Garbage was overflowing and the toilet house exuded abominable smells which the gentle breeze wafted throughout the air around us. Luckily, Mim made it back up the gravel road and to the rangers station just before they closed, to inquire about any campsites that might be close by. (Keep in mind, the smelliness and business of the place was down the hill - the Hot Springs waited up the mountain, about a half mile hike uphill and across the river) So, after some impressive questioning, the ranger gave in and told Mim about The Last Resort!! We had no idea how awesome it was going to be...
Here's the huge campsite we stayed in for two nights (I wish we stayed longer!!). The amazing trees loomed above us, forming a wall along the side of our camp. The whole entire time we were at this place, we saw maybe one or two other people and never heard any noise. It was incredible. Just down the hill to left of the photo were luxury bathrooms that were so clean, I smiled every time I walked in. The bathrooms also had free, hot showers that were super clean with perpetual hot water. In the trees to the right of our tent, was a trail leading down to a creek where we found a gargantuan downed tree that formed a bridge over the creek and further down was a marvelous swimming hole complete with a view of the giant tree bridge, a beach of rocks, and a rope swing ready for us to dunk into the refreshing water. Unfortunately, Mim had a book to read, which he found at the general store (A short walk from the campsite and had everything we needed). And we didn't find the awesome swimming hole until it was too late...and we never got to use that rope swing...such a sad, sad story...
But while we stayed at our sanctuary camp spot by the creek, we took a day for exploring and rode back to the hot springs. Since we went back in the morning, there was immensely less people. In fact, we hiked up to the water holes and found only one small family visiting. There were plenty pools for everyone.
There was even a pool down below - right on the river!
Little bats chirped behind us hidden in the pockets of the cliff above us as we soaked in the pool. Having the river directly next to us was quite the experience. For the first time, I tried out the ice cold water right after soaking in the extremely hot water. It was extraordinarily refreshing.
After our Natural Hot Springs soak, we headed back down to explore the waterfalls in the area, of which there were many. First up - Toketee Falls on the Umpua river. Toketee is a Chinook word that means "pretty" or "graceful".
The river flows through a narrow gorge creating this beautiful waterfall...Mim climbed down on some treacherous rocks to take a photo of the canyon.
Our next stop was Watson Falls, the third tallest waterfall in Oregon. The hike up was fairly short...the mossy rocks surrounding the base of the falls were just gorgeous. The pictures don't really do it justice. The colors popped in a way that made me feel we entered into a dreamlike painting of life...
Mountain couldn't resist and shed his clothes to stand under the falls.
And for me, the view got even better :)
This was one of the best days we've had so far on this trip. Perfect camp spot, amazing waterfalls, relaxing natural hot springs...and we closed out the day back at camp with a lazy afternoon in the shade of a fir tree, reading books, singing songs and drinking beer. Sometimes, the simple pleasures in life are overwhelmingly joyous.
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