La Pine State Park

We're in LaPine State Park, space 128-North Loop, right across from the amphitheater, and it's great! More private than most of the sites, and as there were no programs while we were here we had no neighbors across the road in the  parking area. We also had immediate access to the trails out into the scrub and down to the river, so we didn't have to disturb other campers when we went for walks. We were spoiled at North Davis by having the creek right by our campsite, and the river is farther away here, but worth the short walk to get out to the trail to view it.

Within view of our site is this amazing downed tree. It's been here for years, and is beginning to disintegrate as the bugs and other critters work on it. It was apparently a lightening strike by the look of the part of the trunk still standing. There are a few others this size in the surrounding area, quite old judging by the size.


We took several very nice walks along the river on the nature walk trail. There are still a few wildflowers blooming, mostly the tall graceful pine drops, and the current bushes are loaded with fruit which I'm sure the deer are enjoying. There are no riffles or falls here, so all you hear is the gentle swish of the water as it flows over the downed logs and around rocks and clumps of weeds. Poor Shiner was nearly driven to distraction by all the golden mantle squirrels dashing across the trail (chipmunk, in the common vernacular, though they aren’t really.) One of them came running directly AT us on the trail, without deviating. It just ran straight under Shiner and then into a bush. I can’t blame her for going a little berserk!

After the experience at Ochoco camp we’re trying a packet of the Shake-away rodent repellant in the engine compartment. We’ve never had a problem with critters nesting in the engine before, but there’s always a first time.

This is a busy campground, with only one or two spaces not “reserved” each night, and so available for one night only. It is a nice area, as the trees are thick, and the Deschutes is an old river, so the banks have a lot of character, and it’s very attractive to fishermen and boaters alike.
I know Shiner very much liked dipping her muzzle in the cool water after a dusty walk down the trail.

We've stayed here many times, but just discovered a previously unknown feature of this campground when a fellow camper asked us if we knew the location of the “dog park” that the ranger had told him about. We didn’t even know there was one! Checking the campground map we noticed a location that said “pet area” and pointed to a large area covered by a text box. . . not very informative, but a clue.

The doggie playground

So, we headed out to check out the situation and we found a really nice fenced area with a shaded bench, picnic tables, and lots of parking. Access the dog area from the North Loop via the trail across the road and slightly to the left from the loop entrance. If you’re in either of the other loops you’ll pass a small brown sign on your right marking the area on your way to the entrance to Middle Loop and South Loop (the pet area is on the west side of the road). I didn’t notice any water available, so be prepared if you plan to stay very long. Shiner enjoyed snuffling around, and there’s plenty of room for even a large dog to chase a ball and get in a good run.

We’re here three nights, so long enough to catch up on laundry, a few repairs, and run up to Bend for a shopping run there, and a quick check in at a quilt shop.

Shops in every state are participating in what they call a “row by row” quilt project. They have souvenir “license plates” representing their shops and give-away patterns.

As I always like to visit the various shops and see what unusual things they might have to offer it’s fun to participate in the event. I’ve been trying to pick up at least one of the license plates for each state we hit, but the shop I visited in Bend was out! They promised to mail me one, so I’ll have it when we get home. The shop, Sew Many Quilts, was amazing. I've never seen so many beautifully constructed quilts in one shop, and fabric galore. I had to make myself leave before I scummed to my weakness and trudged out with too much fabric. Gotta watch the space and pounds!