Salmon River Trail

I really don't need any excuse to go trail running, but sometimes it helps to have one readily available before you try to make a three hour trip to run with friends in a non-race situation.

Heck. I don't even get to drive three hours to race usually!

But I won't complain, because I have some pretty awesome runs right out my front door. ☺

Conveniently, a lady runner I had met via blogs had
a birthday and needed help celebrating.
Cake is not a bad idea, but we opted for a trip to the Salmon River trail instead, at our mutual friend Jodi's suggestion.

Devon turned thirty-five, so the decision was made that we would NOT run 35 miles each. We split it 4 way.. and with some some shaky running math, came up with almost 9 miles each to run.

As we set off from the Safeway parking lot to ride share our way to the trail head, things looked a little sketchy weather-wise: Pouring rain. Luckily, we were dressed for the occasion- at least Carissa was.

Still, given the choice, I think all of us would rather get soaked for 9 miles in lush forests, cracking jokes and taking photos, than stare at a digital clock on a treadmill.

From the onset, the trail was in great condition. Trees were decorated with lush mosses. Water was roaring down creeks and into the main river.

There were foot bridges.

And switchbacks.

And rocky vantage points where you could stare down into a river valley that seemed to go forever.

It
was
     SPECTACULAR.

The only thing missing was snow, which I think is supposed to be somewhere around there this time of year. ?

We made more than a few stops to take silly photos, with what can only be described as a cliff leading to instant death behind us.

Photo By Jodi Stilp

 The birthday girl gave us all some helpful pointers on taking good jumping pictures.

Yet another striking photo by Jodi Stilp :)

Then we made our way back down the trail toward the parking lot, where a dry vehicle awaited us, dreaming of french fries.

Somehow we managed to scramble in (halfway clothed and smelling like roses) just as the sky tore open with buckets of rain that had held off for our run.

I kind of wish I could do it all again tomorrow.

Photo by Jodi Stilp

After this run I realize that I don't have the corner on spectacular trails here in Oregon. They are everywhere in this state! I am so blessed when I get to share them with good friends.

***

Would you rather race with a friend, or go do an easy run with a group?

Do you ever have food fantasies while running?