Last month a local couple hiked the Trail of Ten Falls near Silverton, a stretch of the Pacific Northwest famed for its cascading waterfalls and old‑growth forest. They described the experience as both grueling and breathtaking, noting the roar of water, the mist that clung to their faces, and the towering pines that framed each view.
Superlatives from the trail
As they walked, the hikers exchanged remarks such as, “That waterfall is stunning!” and “What a majestic setting—feels like a movie set.” They also heard fellow trekkers from Texas, Arizona and Michigan offering similar praise. One woman stopped to tell her companion, “This is the most magical place I’ve ever been in my life.”
Why Oregon stands out
The couple explained that Oregon’s appeal is year‑round, but the summer months bring a technicolor landscape of trees, wildflowers and abundant harvests. Grapes drop from the vine, pears arrive by the bushel, and even invasive bushes produce sweet blackberries. They contrasted these delights with recent trips to Maine and Vermont, noting that while those states offered nice cheese and rugged coastlines, Oregon’s Tillamook cheese, Heceta Head and Yaquina Head felt superior.
Local access to nature
Living in Eugene, the pair said they can step out their front door, head to Hendricks Park, and instantly find gardens and forested trails. A short drive along the McKenzie or Willamette Rivers, they added, reveals a “wonderland” of scenic spots that are easily reachable for residents.
Comparisons beyond the U.S.
After a year living in England, the couple returned to Eugene and felt a renewed appreciation for the state’s beauty. One of them recalled a February hike to Salt Creek Falls on Highway 58, where winter runoff turned the falls into a roaring cascade surrounded by moss‑laden ferns. The experience reminded them that even distant destinations like New Zealand cannot surpass the natural splendor found at home.
A playful ranking
In a light‑hearted conclusion, the hikers imagined a state beauty contest. They suggested Oregon would easily outshine other states, with California as a runner‑up and Utah earning points for its red rock. While Alaska and Hawaii might be strong contenders, the writers felt Oregon’s “green emerald” would claim the crown.
Looking forward
Despite their admiration for Oregon, the couple acknowledged the value of travel—New Zealand for its hobbit lore and Hawaii for its warm ocean. Yet each return home reaffirms their pride in Oregon’s landscapes, prompting them to “give a queen’s wave” and gather a bouquet of local flowers as a personal celebration of the state’s unmatched beauty.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
