Oregon Field Guide

Season 21, Episode 7

Episode Title: Bryan Bates, Surfer, Devil's Staircase, Hagg Lake Expansion

Air Date: 2009-11-26

Overview:

We head to Pacific City to learn more about the growing community of hardcore surfers. There's a place in the coast range so steep, rugged and disorienting that trails don’t go there. Many have trekked in and spent unplanned nights among the ancient trees trying to get out. That place is The Devil’s Staircase, a 30,000 acre area that redefines off-trail adventure. The reward for making it to the heart of this ancient forest, a chance to lay eyes on a rarely visited waterfall and swimming hole along wild, crystal clear Wassen Creek. Washington County wants to expand Hagg Lake to secure enough water for the next 50 years of growth. After years of planning, they’ve hit an expensive snag. New tests show the current dam does not meet today’s standards for earthquake safety.