Adventure #2 - Willow Creek Hot Springs and Orovada Falls Snow Hike
Updated: Jan 26, 2021
Objective Reflection:
For my second adventure, I decided to tackle the Water Based Adventure during my trip to Eastern Oregon. To start the day, we got up just in time for a dip in the Willow Creek Hot Springs to enjoy the 7:22am sunrise. Willow Creek Campground is far out in the Alvord Desert, about an hour down a dirt road with basically no civilization for miles. It's a true backcountry campground for travelers and nomads; hard to get to and not busy, especially in the winter. Although it was a freezing morning and hard to leave the comfort of our car camping shelter, taking a dip in the naturally 102 degree pool won out. The pool is split into two sides, the smaller warmer than the other, and has steps made of rocks on both sides with plenty of ledges to sit along. Since it was freezing out we rushed into the pools, but should've been more cautious as the rocks are slippery from microbial and algae growth leaving me with a few scrapes and bruises. Sitting in the pools you could see the open sky and plains for miles, feel the crisp air against the heat from the water, and watch frost settle on the desert brush around the hot springs from the rising steam. To experience the hot springs almost entirely alone and in such a quiet, serene atmosphere was unforgettable. After this unique outdoor experience, we hopped in the car for the drive back to California, through Northwest Nevada. On the way through we took a short detour into the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to do a snowy waterfall hike in Orovada. After another dirt road/off roading drive into the forest, we came to a trailhead unmarked except by other footprints in the snow. Using Alltrails we started up the mountain, following the stream to the waterfall. The trail was empty, the sun was out, and the snow was fresh, making it an easy and rewarding 1.2 mile round trip hike.
Personal Reflection:
This experience was a lot less challenging than my first adventure, both mentally and physically, but more challenging to plan. Finding these really unique spots was so fun, but finding directions and advice on how to drive in or find the spots took a lot of effort and quite a few different sites and apps. Absolutely worth the effort and I felt super prepared throughout the day. This multi-activity day was a little different than the one I had submitted in my plan, which with my spontaneity and indecision was bound to happen sooner than later. At first my research had suggested that the best way to the hot springs was to hike in, but we found a soft dirt road through the desert and luckily had the perfect vehicle to cross it so we could camp right next to the springs. This ended up being a much better stay and morning experience than if we had to hike back and forth. Since we had saved some time by driving in we had more time in the pools and got to stop at the little gem we found on the way home. This was also my first experience going out of my way to hike in the snow, which is surprising being from Connecticut, but I really enjoyed it. After hours in the car down endless straight highways, it was refreshing to get out, stretch, and enjoy a second adventure. The air was crisp and the trail was so peaceful. Even though the waterfall was frozen over, it made for some cool sites and amazing views. I'm really glad I made it up to the snow for this adventure, and I would highly recommend this day plan, especially to anyone who likes relaxed adventures.
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