This is the start of a linear photo essay about the Paul Thomas Trail, a path I took while staying at Orland Buttes Campground back in April. The Simpson Bridge was constructed in 1885 and allowed wagons to cross Stony Creek in winter without getting stuck. It was only decommissioned in 1963, when Black Butte Dam was opened, and Mr. Thomas had one of the arches saved for posterity.
I walked this far in case it was a historical marker (nope ;) so then I walked back home. :)
It went up a gravel embankment that could either have been a levee or an old railroad track. I’m really not sure, but I suspect the former.
The orchard belongs to the nearby monastery.
Just up from the picnic area was a gate, but a trail clearly led off through it. I went exploring some more.
They led through thick undergrowth, sometimes even brambles, into the thick of the forest. It was peaceful and silent there.
There were several “unofficial” trails in the area, so I took one of them. They were narrow and overgrown, with pretty shadows and lighting.
I took the other branch of the path this time, and ended up beside the river. Many trees had fallen over in recent storms, and were cluttering it. In fact, one of the trails was closed off entirely because of this.
