Last week we looked at the “Rest of the Story” listing other activities to enjoy in the Umpqua National Forest while visiting the many waterfalls in the area featured in the “Take a Waterfall Tour” in the July issue of RV Life. This week we will expand on the article “An Oregon Hideaway” http://www.rvlife.com/Travel/an-oregon-hideaway.html also featured in the July issue of RV Life. First, where to camp? If you will be visiting White River Falls featured in the article and your RV is longer than 25 feet, you may want to drop your RV at nearby Hunt RV Park http://www.co.wasco.or.us/county/visitors_park_hunt.cfm located in the Wasco County Fairgrounds and travel to the falls in your tow vehicle or dingy. Those in fair shape and that have been bit by the shutterbug, will want to take the short hike down to the old powerhouse. There you will find plenty of photo opportunities to keep an imaginative mind busy for a long while. Geocachers will want to bring their GPS receiver along too as there are a couple geocaches located around the falls. Once you have found the geocaches, filled up the disc space on your camera and enjoy an evening at Hunt RV Park, then head down the road (south on Hwy 197) to Maupin. Maupin is a quiet picturesque small town on the Deschutes River http://maupinoregon.com/ It is used as the primary launch point for those rafting the river. From Maupin, southbound Hwy 197 climbs away from the river onto the high plains of Central Oregon. Once atop the plain you will be rewarded with great views of Mt. Jefferson and the rest of the Cascades. Be on the lookout for a pull off on the west side of Hwy 197 at N44 58.936 W120 59.472. There you will find a compass rose identifying the lofty peaks before you. Once you have soaked in the grandeur of the mountains head gently down Hwy 197 southbound to the junction of Hwy 197 and Hwy 97. Those needing a break or time to plan where to go next, should head down Hwy 97 a few miles to the Cow Canyon Rest Area located at N44 53.750 W120 56.165 where they will find ample room to park the RV and more scenic landscape.
Exploring the quiet parts of the great Northwest, one of the best adventures RVing has to offer!
White River Falls as Seen From the Powerhouse
Sun, Shadow and Perspectives Provide Endless Photo Opportunities
Cascade Views Along Hwy 197
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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