Smith Rock State Park | NW Quilted Cat

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I’m slowly getting caught up at home and at work after some vacation time last week for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. I hope to have my photos uploaded soon.

I did capture this picture of Mt. Jefferson from Smith Rock State Park at sunset one evening. Unfortunately, I did not have my tripod with me so this photo does not do justice to the explosion of color that we saw first-hand.

Mt. Jefferson from Smith Rock State Park at sunset

I’ve caught up on one of my BOM projects – the Aurifil BOM! The guest designer for July is Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms. I have her Swoon pattern, and it is on my to-do list!

Camille’s block is called “On the Plus Side” and is great fun to stitch together.

Using my palette of Kona Shadow for my neutral combined with reds and blacks, here is my Aurifil July block:

Aurifil July BOM – On the Plus Side

I picked up the red batik in the border and the white/black print from the Stitchin Post in Sisters last week, and I think they’ve found a great home together in this block.

If you’ve been following along with this BOM, we’ve now completed 7 blocks. Here are my blocks together:

Aurifil BOM, Blocks 1-7

I think we have 5 more blocks to go in this BOM. It’s never to late to join in on the fun! I’m linking this post up with Lee’s WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

Enjoy,
~Jennifer

Last weekend, we decided to spend the first part of spring break doing some short hikes in central Oregon. The weather was perfect for hiking with bright sunshine and highs in the 60s.

On our first hike, we visited Balanced Rocks. These rocks were revealed in 2002 when a wildfire burned down the surrounding forest. Since then, the Forest Service has established a short 1/2 mile walk to the balanced rock overlook. Once at the overlook, you can walk down into the balanced rocks to explore them up close, if you don’t mind a little scrambling along the loose terrain.

Behind the rocks, you can see part of the Cascade Range including Mt. Jefferson in the foreground and Mt. Hood way in the distance.

Balanced Rocks Hike with Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood

The short walk out to the rocks is suitable for all ages. Older kids can easily scramble down with you to view the formations up close.

A Kid-Friendly Hike

Here are some up-close views of the balanced rocks:

Balanced Rock and Mt. Hood

Balanced Rock Close-Up

Balanced Rocks with Tree in the Middle

To get to the Balanced Rock hike from Cove Palisades State Park, follow the signs towards Perry South campground. You’ll be on a paved road for about 12.2 miles until it turns to gravel. Drive another 0.3 miles and you’ll see a small turn-out on the right. Park here for the trailhead. The trailhead sign seems to have disappeared but you will see some posts, boulders, and a gravel path:

Balanced Rocks Trailhead

The next day, we decided to hike up Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rocks State Park near Redmond. Yes, the trail is actually called Misery Ridge due to the steep switchbacks. The trail is about 2/3 mile up to the top with stunning views of the Cascade Range.

Smith Rocks with Black Butte in the Background

Although the trail is steep, kids can definitely do this hike with you provided you have plenty of water and snacks. I highly recommend doing this hike before it is too hot outside. The trail down is often slippery due to the loose rock so take your time and watch your kids.

View along Misery Ridge Hike

A Little Hiking Dude!

Once on top, enjoy some snacks and the view of Cascade Range!

Cascade Range from Smith Rocks

A great family hike!

Misery Ridge Trail loops around the top

These 2 small hikes were the perfect start to spring. We really enjoy exploring all the beautiful places here in Oregon. If you have a favorite hike, let me know!

Enjoy!
~Jennifer