This past week, I set off on a 4 ½ hour road trip to witness the smiley face in the trees between Willamina and Grand Ronde. I was so excited that I eagerly shared my plans with everyone. Well, upon arriving in the area, my initial enthusiasm was met with disappointment as I couldn’t spot the smiley face, which should have been unmistakable. It’s positioned near mile marker 25, and I found that. The reason for my disappointment then became clear – while mid-October is supposed to be the peak viewing season and it was already Halloween, the leaves hadn’t changed yet! Despite this, I was able to catch a faint glimpse of the smiley face, promising to return for a better view later. After this initial setback, I made my way to McMinnville, a charming town where I was staying.
Once settled into my hotel, I decided to explore the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, highly recommended by some of my colleagues. While it was undeniably impressive for aviation enthusiasts, including the runway-like road driving in, I found it wasn’t quite my cup of tea as planes aren’t really my passion. Nevertheless, it offers a comprehensive collection for those who enjoy aviation, space, and war history. Its main attraction is the enormous Spruce Goose, which I’ll admit was pretty amazing to see. The Spruce Goose, officially known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules, was a colossal flying boat aircraft conceived by Howard Hughes during World War II. This mammoth aircraft has a wingspan of 320 feet, making it larger than a football field. It is a wooden vessel powered by eight engines. The Spruce Goose completed its maiden flight on November 2, 1947, in Long Beach, California, reaching a modest altitude of around 70 feet and flying for a mere mile. However, the aircraft never flew again, and it found its permanent home at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
After all of the space and plane education, I strolled down Main Street, discovering its quaint charm. Despite the limited options on a Monday night, I managed to enjoy a wine tasting at Willamette Valley Vineyards, McMinnville Tasting Room. Here, the service provided by Jeff and Niki was nothing short of exceptional, accompanied by engaging conversation and valuable recommendations. To my delight, I discovered that Niki runs a small business offering wine tours in the area, and with her profound knowledge of the region, expertise in wine, and her vibrant personality, she undoubtedly shines as a promising tour guide. Check her out at A Vineyard Wine Tour! Following Jeff’s recommendation, I had dinner at La Rambla, savoring a delicious mushroom flatbread that left me thoroughly impressed. La Rambla also has a loft for visitor accommodations that would be worth looking into if you visit McMinnville. After dinner, with nothing else open, I called it a night.
The following morning started with a leisurely stroll at Miller Woods, a beautiful natural area suggested by Niki. The crisp morning air added to the ambience of the surrounding evergreens. Miller Woods is a serene natural area that beckons visitors with its diverse ecosystems and scenic beauty. Composed of 130 acres of woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and wildflowers that bloom in spring and vibrant foliage during the fall, the area was donated to the District by Frieda Miller in 2004 to be used towards advancing outdoor education. The Discovery Loop Trail, complete with informative signs, introduced me to the diverse flora and fauna of the area. While I wished I had more time to explore its beauty, it was undoubtedly worth the stop.
Next on my itinerary was a visit to Erratic Rock, an imposing glacial rock with profound geological significance. This massive boulder, unlike the surrounding rock formations, serves as a testament to the ancient sheets’ forceful movements during the last Ice Age. Its presence holds significant geological importance, offering insights into the region’s part transformations. Accessible via a short uphill walk from the roadside, Erratic Rock is well-marked with informative signage, offering insight to the region’s glacial history. Alongside you are fields of vineyards that litter this part of the state, coercing you to refresh with a glass of vino after your walk. The site is maintained with conservation in mind, and this unique geological wonder is an easy stop for all who appreciate the Earth’s fascinating history and the power of glaciation.
Continuing my journey, I arrived next at the Galen McBee Airport Park, referred to simply as Airport Park. Nestled near the McMinnville Municipal Airport, this well-maintained park consists of a short trail – 1.1 miles for the large loop – that has several park benches and picnic tables along the way. What truly stood out, however, were the whimsical features added into the park’s design by sculptor Sam Gendusa. The Mushroom House and two moss-covered fountains transformed the trail into a fairy wonderland. Airport Park’s history traces back to WWII when the War Department sought to build an airfield in McMinnville. After a series of transformations, the property was eventually transformed into this 20-acre park.
My adventure continued with a drive back to Klamath Falls, with intentions of finding the elusive McCredie Hot Springs, a hidden gem that I had recently heard about. Finding them proved slightly challenging, and even the road name on Google Maps was misleading. Nonetheless, thanks to the help from my friend who had told me about the hot springs, I located the trailhead and wandered down the short trail along the river. The hot springs are clothing-optional, and there were already a few fellow visitors enjoying the warm waters au natural. There were various pools of different temperatures, none more than two feet in depth. After a relaxing soak, I finally made my way back to Klamath Falls, the hot springs serving as a perfect ending to this memorable trip.
*Edit: Thumbnail was updated after I made another attempt to see the smiley face, this time a successful one!
