Campground review
Alsea falls campground is located in a heavily wooded area about 30-45 minutes west of Monroe off Hwy 99.
This is a cozy little BLM managed campground with 16 total sites. Two are group sites, and only some sites can be reserved via recreation.gov (see photo for site #'s). The rest are first come first served.
The grounds offer two pit toilets; that were kept very clean, water bibs, dish water dumps, along with fire pits and picnic tables at all sites. They do not have full hookups, electricity or RV dumps. I also did not see any wood sales, or trash/recycling services, so plan to "pack in pack out".
Tons of BLM 4x4 only tracts are nearby to explore with many vistas overlooking the valleys and mountains. Just be aware, there are many impassible roads and gated areas, so scout as you go.
There are two main hiking trails, one is a moderate 6.7 mi hike on the west side of the "back country byway" and the other is the main hike to Alsea falls with the trailhead at the campground. The main falls is only about a 1/2 mile from the campground, but if you venture further; about 2 moderate miles, you find "Green peak falls" which for my money is a way better experience. Well worth the extra time and effort. This trail also takes you through "Mcbee park campground" which is a smaller privately owned primitive campground.
Alsea falls is a nice well maintained smaller campground that is family friendly and a nice distance away from civilization, but not too far. Nice place to get away and relax with plenty to keep you busy for the weekend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCUUE-acLsU&feature=youtu.be
Product review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt I have the privilege to test products every so often. This is my review of the Midland ER310 E+ Ready emergency crank radio.
https://midlandusa.com/product/er310-eready-emergency-crank-weather-radio/
https://mid.factoryoutletstore.com/details/283375/midland-er310.html?category_id=75274&catalogitemid=255940
https://midlandusa.com/
This is a nice compliment to any emergency kit or to just bring along with you on any type of camping trip. This unit comes with a lithium ion battery that's included, but can also run on six AA batteries that weren't included. It can be recharged via the included micro USB cable through 110v wall outlet, solar panel, or by hand cranking. I suggest charging fully the first time on the wall outlet and anytime you need to get a full charge. If you are not using; unplug battery as it will last a good amount of time on standby; but wont be ready when needed. If you are running low on juice, the crank and solar are good ways to add some voltage, but don't rely solely on these as charging sources.
As a AM/FM radio it gets great reception with the fully adjustable, collapsible, stowable antennae and as an NOAA radio it has good reliability when storms hit. I have already used it on the coast through a wind and rainstorm as well as a thunderstorm at Alsea falls, both times had remarkable reception.
Other features include: Flashlight w/ high, low and s.o.s flash function, dog whistle and backlit display that can be turned on/off or a 5 sec. delay. It has good sound for its use and size, with good volume control. It also has a headphone jack; this may also be used to attach a separate speaker, if need be.
I highly recommend this unit as it works just as advertised and beyond. It can come handy if the occasion calls, but is nice just to use as campsite radio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OvGH6DJIbo&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN5Ig7A5qT4&feature=youtu.be
