The snow was continuing to fall at higher elevations.

In response I decided to head to the eastern slopes of the Coastal Mountains.

This was the beginning of a ten-mile hike in wonderful Oregon sunshine (to the uninitiated, that’s concrete skies and rain).

After crossing the Buxton Trestle I continued several miles on the Vernonia Rails-to-Trails.

Then I took  a long lollipop loop on the Hare’s Canyon and Boomscooter Trails. The wet snow became increasingly deeper as elevation was gained.

Even though I looked like a drowned rat at the end of the outing (still warm though), I enjoyed the good exercise, interesting history of the old railroads and the vibrant rainforest.

Mushrooms popping out of the snow

Sun pouring through the branches

Buxton Trestle

Reflections in a small pond

Wet hiking conditions

The sun backlighting lichen hanging from the trees

Mushrooms in the snow