Winged Wonders LbNA #9528
Map
Nearby Boxes
Add Note
Add Location| Owner: | Funhog  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Jul 22, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Terrebonne |
| County: | Jefferson |
| State: | Oregon |
| Boxes: | 2 |
| Found by: | Calli-K (2) |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Jan 14, 2012 |
| Status: | FFFF |
| Last edited: | Jul 22, 2004 |
On July 22, 2004 Funhog placed the Winged Wonders letterboxes at Crooked River Ranch, OR. This hike down into the Deschutes River canyon can be very hot and dry. Bring plenty of water on a summer day. The quest for these two boxes covers about three miles roundtrip and is probably not suitable for small children. Most of this trail is very good but there is one short, steep section with slippery, loose sand where hiking boots will come in very handy. Do watch for the resident golden eagles while you are here and don’t forget about those snakes when you go for the boxes. There is a map of Crooked River Ranch posted at the Firehall.
NOTE: The second box is missing 3/12 but the hike is still stunning.
To the trailhead: Just north of Terrebonne on Hwy 97, turn west on Lower Bridge Rd. There is a highway sign for Crooked River Ranch at this intersection. Follow the signs on to the Ranch, going right at 43rd and left on Chinook Ave. From Chinook go left on Mustang and right on Shad, following the green and white signs to the Fire Hall. Once at the Fire Hall, with the building on your left, proceed on Shad Rd about 2 miles to Sandridge Rd. Turn left and go to Shelf Ct. Turning right, the trailhead is at the end of Shelf Ct. This dirt road has a few rugged spots and it is best to park before you reach the very end to avoid getting stuck. (Been there; done that.)
To the letterboxes: The trail begins with a level stretch and then heads downhill at the second wooden H. Right after you cross a small, dry gulch, you will come to a Y. Go to the left here. Just before you reach the canyon rim, a small trail will take off to your left beneath a silvery arch. Follow this trail, keeping to the high road, heading towards the white striped wall.
At this wall, the trail becomes loose sand and you must go down over a small ledge, about four feet high. (This is the dicey part of the hike) Once over the edge, continue upstream along the base of the wall, avoiding trails down to the river. While walking beneath an overhanging ledge, watch to your left for an impressive lifeline piercing walls of stone. The letterbox is four steps to your right beneath a rock.
Continue upstream on the trail. The lofty Black Tower will appear on your left as you pass through an open meadow of giant grasses. When the trail disappears into a volcanic tumble, look for the second letterbox at the base of the last juniper you passed. You can continue on for another twenty minutes along this same trail to see stunning Steelhead Falls before you head back.
NOTE: The second box is missing 3/12 but the hike is still stunning.
To the trailhead: Just north of Terrebonne on Hwy 97, turn west on Lower Bridge Rd. There is a highway sign for Crooked River Ranch at this intersection. Follow the signs on to the Ranch, going right at 43rd and left on Chinook Ave. From Chinook go left on Mustang and right on Shad, following the green and white signs to the Fire Hall. Once at the Fire Hall, with the building on your left, proceed on Shad Rd about 2 miles to Sandridge Rd. Turn left and go to Shelf Ct. Turning right, the trailhead is at the end of Shelf Ct. This dirt road has a few rugged spots and it is best to park before you reach the very end to avoid getting stuck. (Been there; done that.)
To the letterboxes: The trail begins with a level stretch and then heads downhill at the second wooden H. Right after you cross a small, dry gulch, you will come to a Y. Go to the left here. Just before you reach the canyon rim, a small trail will take off to your left beneath a silvery arch. Follow this trail, keeping to the high road, heading towards the white striped wall.
At this wall, the trail becomes loose sand and you must go down over a small ledge, about four feet high. (This is the dicey part of the hike) Once over the edge, continue upstream along the base of the wall, avoiding trails down to the river. While walking beneath an overhanging ledge, watch to your left for an impressive lifeline piercing walls of stone. The letterbox is four steps to your right beneath a rock.
Continue upstream on the trail. The lofty Black Tower will appear on your left as you pass through an open meadow of giant grasses. When the trail disappears into a volcanic tumble, look for the second letterbox at the base of the last juniper you passed. You can continue on for another twenty minutes along this same trail to see stunning Steelhead Falls before you head back.