Stumptown Magazine

Dear Portlanders-

In the time that I’ve been absent, I’ve discovered what you truly hold dear. I’m not talking about your 1985 Daewoo, or your big bearded boyfriend. I’m talking about the fact that we live in a really cool city, with cooler shit surrounding it. The great outdoors is something that few of us city dwellers really become addicted to. There’s cigarettes, booze, the occasional cock fight and drugs, but you can’t look over the addiction of driving away from life to set up camp in some of the prime destinations in these United States. Take a break from bartending and escape to these amazing locations:

1. Crater Lake- Check this shit out. When dude declared blue a color, he was looking at Crater Lake. Good God. This is a destination spot if I’ve ever seen it. It’s 10 bucks for a week pass, and the hike down and up the crater is strenuous, but so worth it.

2. Union Creek Resort- This place reminds me of Wall Drug. Right outside of Crater Lake, for 58 smackers you can stay in this little place, surrounded by the best river fishing in Oregon. I’m not saying that there aren’t other primo spots to catch trout, salmon or the like, but Rouge river is beautiful and deep. Check it. And for all you writers out there, this place blends Ted Kooser and Hemmingway. 

3. Klamath National Forest Refuge- True story. I was hanging out with the wife, and the wildlife ranger. The guy is AWESOME. He let us do things that you citizens would be very jealous of. This place is amazing. Birds I’ve never heard of, elk everywhere hanging out with coyote and heron…you know, the norm.

4. Summer Lake Hotsprings- Total hippy spot, but clean and in the desert. Breathtaking views of high desert, hawks, sunsets and SKY. So much sky as far as the eye can see. The little town 6 miles away has some pretty good deals on beerzo too. Sweet.

5. Bend: Our sister to the East is a cool place. It’s small, it’s clean, and it’s got great seafood. Be nice people. Portland has some amazing seafood. Seattle is even better, but Bend has a great little place called High Tide. YUM.

6. Three Creek Lake- If you have a small canoe, or a two person boat, go to Three Creek Lake. If you can fly fish, bring your waders. The fish jump this time of year from 10 on. I’m telling you…these kids love flies and nothing else. I got some hits with a grub and jigger, but the guy in the middle was heaving them in skimming the surface.

SOOOO. DOOO IT!!! Go out and take a vacation. It’s sunny, hot, beautiful and cheep. If you can afford gas and camping you  can afford the break. Trust me, this trip is worth it. Any of these places have bountiful spots for you and your girlfriend, wife, dog, boy toy, pony or IPOD. Enjoy life because you deserve it.