| Date: January 1, 2007 | | Location Tenmile Creek Hike | | Where: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area | For the first hike of the New Year I decided to explore a new trail. A group trip to Tahkenitch Creek had fallen through, leaving Jeanette and I free to hike anyplace, so we took the opportunity to explore a 'possible trail' along Tenmile Creek from Spinreel Campground to the ocean.
|  | | new, but short , section of trail A fisherman at the campground alerted us to 'a new trail that the convicts had cut through the brush along the river.' We found it just to the right of the restroom, but it dead-ended after only 50 yards at an impossible stream crossing. Retracing our steps we climbed a sand dune to the left of the restroom. We continued along the edge of the sand dune, keeping within sight of the creek, on a well-used path, which brought us out to a vast open OHV use area. We headed out on a southwest direction with the hope of connecting with the mouth of Tenmile Creek.
|  | | OHV sand road We followed along on the 10 Mile Sand Road that in theory travels through an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) closure area. Tracks in every direction on both sides of the road indicated that OHV people have little regard for rules. In an attempt to get back to the river, we kept choosing sidetracks. Eventually we found one that worked and came out on a viewing point where we sat on a log for lunch and watched a flock of Tundra Swans, several Great Egrets, a couple of Great Blue Herons, numerous ducks, and a number of unidentified hawks.
|  | | safely back to the start On our route back we found an old track that runs right next to the river. This turned out to be the most scenic of the day. After getting caught in a dead-end, we eventually found a track out, and then following the foot prints of a fisherman, found our way out into the open dunes again. Buster's keen nose helped find our route back to the campground.
For a map of the area click here.
|  | | Tenmile Creek |
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