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Tom McCall Preserve - Page 2

© Wayne R. Brown

I took this hike in late February, on a chill and sunny day. I wanted to soak up as much of the sunlight as possible, so I purposely chose this trail for its wide open vistas and lack of trees. For this, it was ideal. I set off down the trail, quickly learned to avoid the muddy spots, and was soon looking for a very vocal frog that I never did spot. I took the optional trail around the first pond. By the time I reached the second pond, I had become an item of interest for a herd of deer (nine or so) who carefully watched my every move. I snapped a few pictures of them, continued to the end of the trail (which terminates at the edge of the cliff), then snapped a few more pictures of the deer on my way back.

Overall, this was a good hike for early in the year. It's short and easy enough for someone who's out of practice. I would recommend it for a sunny day in early spring (or late winter) when one wants to maximize their exposure to the sun. I'm not so sure, however, that the experience would be so enjoyable in the heat of summer.

The Dalles is just a few miles down Interstate 84. The west end of town has the usual collection of fast food restaurants. They've got an Arby's, and that suits my tastes just fine.

A few miles east of The Dalles is Biggs Junction. Across the river, on the Washington side, are a couple of points of interest. The first is Maryhill Museum. I went there as a kid, but that was over thirty years a ago.

The second, and this is really cool, is a full scale replica of Stonehenge. Yes, I said Stonehenge. Yes, I also said full scale. There are some differences. First, this Stonehenge was built in the desert as a memorial to World War One vets who gave their lives overseas. Secondly, it isn't built on a plain, but on a hill overlooking the Columbia River. Third, these stones are all still standing. Okay, so this isn't the Stonehenge of legend. But, hey, it's the next best thing and I can drive there in under four hours.

I took a little different tack with this article, instead of following my standard formula. I hope this worked. I also hope it prompts a couple of readers out there to try the scenic little hike chronicled within. I hope you find it enjoyable. And watch out for that poison oak!

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