By ROB DeHARPPORT/For The Herald — Saturday, September 23, was the first day of fall, marking the official end of summer.
Typical fall-like weather has arrived as well. This should be a welcome relief to firefighters and communities near a few fires in Oregon.
Recently, the Anvil Fire near Port Orford has grown to 13,000 acres. The Pete’s Lake Fire in the Three Sisters Wilderness has expanded from 300 acres to over 3,000 acres in a matter of days, threatening Elk Lake Resort and Lava Lake Resort. Further east near Bly the Morgan Fire has exploded to 1000 acres. Prompting level 2 evacuation levels at several locations. Including Dairy Creek campground and others along the Chewaukan River. Let’s hope the cooler and wetter weather helps contain these fires!
Most other large fires in Oregon, specifically the Lookout Fire and Bedrock fires have reached points of containment that bring a sense of relief.
As we welcome the Fall seasons arrival, many folks are finalizing deer hunting plans as opening day approaches. Others will find this the perfect time to hike and fish in cooler weather.
Fishing continues to be good at Diamond Lake, Odell and Paulina as well as many others Cascade Lakes. Creek fishing continues to be good as well. I recently had a great day fishing a small nearby Creek where we landed Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout as well as a few Whitefish.
Many folks snub their noses at Mountain Whitefish and consider it a trash fish. Not so fast with that assumption! Whitefish are great sport on light tackle, as well as excellent table fare fried or smoked. I haven’t tried smoking Whitefish but plan to give it a try soon.
Soon the Fall colors will arrive, another sign of changing seasons. A great time to enjoy a car ride to see the brilliant colors, pack a picnic, toss in some fishing gear and enjoy. Winter will arrive before we know it. As we enter Fall there is still time for rifle hunters to get out and scout their favorite areas. Coastal rivers will soon see increased angling pressure as the Salmon migrate up rivers.
In my opinion, Fall is the best season of all. I know many will agree with that. Those of us who live along the Highway 58 corridor are blessed with so many options to enjoy the season. High Lakes and streams, the Coast and ocean air as well as the smells of Sage Brush in the High Desert areas — all of it within an hour or two drive. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy your favorite places or explore new places. Be safe and get outside and enjoy!
Rob DeHarpport photoRob DeHarpport was a long-term resident and former mayor of Westfir. Rob now lives in the Crescent Lake area and is The Herald’s reporter for the Outdoor Report.
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