Welcome!
We’re back and for the first time in a long time, we actually made it out of town and into the woods! The hiking season has officially begun!
Howard Creek Loop Trail
This trail is one of many in Silver Falls State Park. Most folks who visit the park go for The Trail of Ten Falls, an ~8 mile loop that legitimately visits ten different waterfalls. I’ve never done the loop all in one go, but I’ve done it in bits and pieces. It’s understandably the show stopper of the park, and where everyone wants to go, no matter the weather.
But on the other side of the road from the falls are even more trails! Some wind through muddy, marshy areas, others climb up into the wooded hills, and still others meander through campgrounds and recreational “villages”. I’ve done a handful of these less popular trails (including that time we got lost on the Catamount trail and ended up hiking ten miles instead of seven), but I’d never visited the Howard Creek Loop trail before.
This trail has a little bit of everything. The trailhead itself is huge, with ample parking, and plenty of people eager to set out on hikes and mountain bike rides. The trail cuts across a gravel road, then winds up into the trees, crisscrossing the Buck Mountain trail as it goes.
Pro-tip? Keep to the right. That was the advice one friendly mountain biker gave us as we started out, and it was 100% correct. So, thanks Mountain Biker Man!
The trail loops around, coming back down to run parallel to a creek (presumably Howard Creek), then it cuts through a quaint campground “village” of cabins, complete with a giant field and a full service café. Talk about glamping!
The trail isn’t well marked at the village, but we asked a very nice park employee and she pointed us in the right direction. So we crossed a parking lot, crossed paths with our biker friends, and then strolled along the creek some more. There was a short stint walking along the side of a road, but it was small and quiet. And then, before we knew it, we were back at the car!
Stats & Specs
This is the part where I break down the park by the numbers!
Park Specs:
- Distance: 4.06 miles.
- Elevation Gain: 266ft.
- Hours: Hiking is Day-Use only, and does have a $5 fee.
- Environment: This was a lovely first hike of the season. Silver Falls is a convenient distance from home, but few people get out on the trail before 9am. We got to enjoy the mossy trees and somewhat muddy trail all to ourselves. Spring is really late this year, so it was still pretty chilly out, and the flowers are just not beginning to bloom. It still felt like a winter hike, despite the lovely weather.
- Condition: Since spring is so late, things are still pretty muddy. Waterproof boots were very much appreciated on this hike.We only had to cross one downed tree, and nowhere was there any footing that felt treacherous. But, the sign posts were clear and easy to follow and the staff were very nice and helpful. Silver Falls is the most popular park in Oregon, so it isn’t surprising that even the less popular trails are well maintained.
- Popularity: It’s Silver Falls. On nice days in the mid-late morning, it’s going to be busy. That’s why we like to get to the trailhead early to avoid sharing the trail. That said, it is substantially less popular than the waterfall trails across the street.
- Uses: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and in drier months trail running.
My Stats:
- Duration: 1 hr 27 mins
- Pace: 21’23”
- Average Heart Rate: 120 BPM
- Max Heart Rate: 164 BPM
- Active Zone Minutes: 64 Zone Minutes
- Steps: 8,000
- Calories Burned: 757
My Gear:
- Mystery Columbia Pullover with Throat Zipper in Black Heather
- Asolo Athena WP Boots
- Fleece-lined leggings, black
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College beanie, black
Bolt’s Gear:
- Puffy jacket, red, brand unknown
- Leggings, make unknown
- Merrell Q Form 2 Select Dry Hiking Boots, in blue gray
Yuki’s Gear:
- Harness, make/model unknown
- RuffWear Knot-a-Leash Rope dog leash, in Hibiscus Pink
Simon’s Gear:
- RuffWear Front Range Dog Harness, in Aurora Teal
- RuffWear Knot-a-Leash Rope dog leash, in Aurora Teal
The Verdict
I really liked this one. It was just right for where we’re at fitness-wise. I always get so rusty over the winter season, but I think all our little outings kept me in slightly better shape, because this one was a breeze. I loved seeing the Trillium blooming and all the moss on the trees. But I think I’d like a little more elevation gain.
I love this trail. I’ve done it before, and it was just as good as I remembered. Quiet, peaceful, with lots of moss and cool mushrooms to look at! It’s the perfect length and difficulty for the first hike of the season, and it’s close to home! What’s not to love?
So many sniffies! And it was longer than so many other walks I’ve been on lately. But… it could have been longer.
Good sniffs. Too short. Still have ALL the energy.
With a convenient location and a labyrinth of trails, campgrounds, and day use areas, Silver Falls State Park has a little something for everyone. The Howard Creek Loop trail is no exception, and met our little party’s needs and expectations. A great, entry level hike.
That's All, Folks!
We did it! We hiked, took lots of pictures, and now I’ve managed to share it with you all, ON TIME! Will wonders never cease?
My week ramps up from here, so don’t expect another blog post before Monday. I hope you all have a great week/weekend, and a Happy Mother’s day to those celebrating.
Until late, Bloggos!
BZ
