By Danella Demary, For The Mountain Times
Among the countless forested roads and scenic hiking trails of Mt. Hood Territory are the popular spots most locals recognize by name. We have the breathtaking mountain views at Trillium Lake, the well-trafficked trail at Ramona Falls, and the all-famous PCT sections through Mt. Hood National Forest. This area is overflowing with opportunities to get outside and is part of the call we all have to live and recreate in this area. I love looking for and visiting these spectacular spots, but after three years of living here I have begun to dig deeper into the lesser known treasures. I find that I am drawn to the calmer and quieter wonders of these woods.
Along Route 26 eastbound, just before Fernie’s Coffee and Al Forno Ferruzza Pizza — about 20 miles east of Sandy, OR — there is a small pull off on the right-hand side of the road. Here you can see a suspension footbridge, just through the trees and bushes. The Rhododendron Foot Bridge itself is a destination to experience. Built in 1965, and rebuilt in 2017, the bridge boasts a bouncy path over the Zigzag River. Depending on the time of year, the waters below move from peaceful to turbulent, and the surrounding flora changes dramatically. I find myself returning over and over again to watch the plants and rivers shift and change with the seasons.
The Rhododendron Suspension Bridge is a portal to another world. Once across I find myself in a choose-my-own-adventure setting. I can walk along Road 10 to Road 12, Road 13 or Road 14, and explore the frequently empty forest cabin exteriors that are immersed in the old growth trees and surrounded by the sound of the rivers running through the backyards. These recreational residences are private part-time homes that follow the rules and regulations of the National Forest to maintain historical and cultural preservation. Cabins and bungalows, A-frames and cottages are speckled along the many creeks and rivers that lie in the Zigzag District of Mt. Hood National Forest. Walking along the forest roads that grant access to them is a treasured delight and a glimpse into the history of this area.
Another option past The Rhododendron Bridge is to take an immediate left onto Marion Way and continue walking. This is not among the forest roads, but rather Marion Way (also known as Gnome Way) and it grants you access to the magical mountain energy we all feel when in Mt. Hood Territory. This half-mile walk, slightly uphill, will lead you past miniature decorations made to remind you of fantastical settings, such as the tea party from “Alice in Wonderland” and one of the many mystical scenes from “The NeverEnding Story.” Besides the full miniature scenes, my favorite part of walking along Marion Way are the tiny doors, bridges, and homes constructed at the base of larger tree trunks that almost completely blend into the natural surroundings. Small moss-covered entrances, miniature homes with twig porches, and acorns adorning as doorknobs are all wonders that can be spotted along the dirt road.
Marion Drive is a whimsical treasure hunt for both children and adults. It allows me to play and laugh and experience the enchantment that is part of the forest. Each time I go, I find something I haven’t seen before. I create stories of families and friends that live in these homes and scenes. All of this while walking outdoors. If I come to the end of the road (signaled by a tree trunk of wooden and metal signs) and want to continue on, I take Road 20 all the way to Still Creek, crossing the closed-to-vehicles road that makes for a perfect salmon spawning viewpoint in the fall months. Road 20 will then circle back around to Road 10, making a 2.5 mile loop with a few hundred feet of elevation gain.
No matter the length of walk you choose to take, beginning at The Rhododendron Bridge and going beyond is one of my favorite ways to experience the place I now call home. The forest roads are among the hidden havens that top my list for places to experience the magic of Mt. Hood. They offer accessible walking opportunities to enjoy the forest, the rivers, and the local flare that I have come to admire so much about this place.