The first time we visited Lebanon Hills Regional Park, the leaves had yet to appear on the trees. This time around, the leaves were in the process of falling off the trees. Last time it was clear, sunny, and warm. This time it was clear, sunny, and decidedly cooler, the temperature having dipped below freezing (ever so briefly) the night before. Last time the lakes were almost full; this time, not so much. It would be a wonderful thing if we got some serious rain before winter arrives. 🌧😕
Last time, we did a loop out and around Jensen and Schulze Lakes from the Holland Lake Trailhead. This time we did essentially the same loop – but started from the Visitor Center Trailhead and added a tiny stretch of cross-country to tighten the loop.
Our goal was to see yet more Fall colors before they leave (pun? 😒) for the year. Although the forest’s colors were somewhat muted by the drought, there was still plenty of color – the maples being the showiest of all (as usual). 🍁🍁 We were rarely alone on the trail, as numerous other people were out enjoying the colors and the invigorating Fall weather.
Along the Southern Voyageur Trek just south of O’Brien Lake, we entered a forest stand that had the most concentrated display of Fall colors we saw all day. As we were standing there gaping, a trail runner came along, stopped in his tracks, exclaimed something like “Oh, wow“, pulled out his phone, and started taking photos. We thought it encouraging that Nature was so beautifully intense here that it made an otherwise totally focused runner stop short and take note. Score one for Nature! 👍😊
Today’s loop came to 6.2 miles (9.9 km) and was an absolute delight, with great weather, clear trails, and Fall colors. It was also nice to see other people (and their dogs) out enjoying the weather and colors too.
We’d gotten an early(ish) start and were back at the trailhead just after noon. Nothing to do then but seek lunch and libations at the nearby – and appropriately named – Trail Stop Tavern. Even though they were busy, both the service and the burgers were excellent. 🍔🍺😋
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BOOTS on the TRAIL 
Thanks! There were a lot of “running 3-year-olds” out on Saturday too. 😀
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My daughter and her family just hiked this park on Sunday, or more like chased to keep up with the running 3-year-old. I enjoyed seeing where they went. Your photos are, as always, exceptional.
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Yes, I feel the same way about Southern Oregon sometimes. 😥 Probably more so once it starts really snowing here.
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This actually makes me a bit “home”sick for Wisconsin. 🙁
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Thanks! We managed to miss the green forest and the wildflowers at Lebanon Hills this year – so many other trails to distract us. Maybe we’ll get to it next summer?
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We stayed at Lebanon Hills in July and hiked trails through vast expanses of blooming prairie wildflowers and along a forested ridge. I haven’t written about it yet so don’t recall the exact trails (which is why I keep a blog, LOL). It’s obviously just as beautiful in the fall. Fun to see your lovely photos!
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