Once upon a time, a long long time ago, secrets were secrets. A moment ago I used this very keyboard to see what the internets might say in this regard. Curiously, Webster tells me a secret is something that is "kept from knowledge or view." The search engine dictionary, however, tells that a secret is "not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others." Note the subtle distinction, old school v new school. New school adds the "not meant to be known" qualifier to what resonates in a more traditional way with Webster. And, sadly or not sadly, BG is more accurate than OG. Because it's hard for many things to be secret anymore. Take places. Remember those places that only you knew, or so it seemed? And even if you shared a breathless description with your closest friend chances the world finding out about it were slender for as your friend was as incompletely connected to the rest of the world as you were. Not no more. The saving grace for certain special places, even those that get a bright light shined on them by Instagram place of the day or whatever that light is called, is that if they aren't terribly convenient there may be at least a small chance that should you venture out (for a first-timer) or back (if it's your secret) you won't be accompanied by the Rest of Humanity. Case in point - Boardman. I did not know of Boardman until i received the saved image from the IG feed and instantly I wanted to go. So we did. But it was way far away from any other destination and after 20 minutes on the graded County road after hours on the superslab I got to thinking about how this place may at one time have been somebody's secret. And that the saving grace has been irrespective the IG illumination given the simple fact that it takes six hours round trip practically from Portland to get here perhaps just perhaps it remained inconvenient enough to allow you to make photos of it and her and yourself if you're inclined and have a tripod without a thousand people in the background doing the same thing. Boardman was 25,000 acres of hybrid poplars, bred to grow quickly and straight and not be terribly thirsty while they are at it. According to the reading I've done today since returning from day before yesterday with the leaves and solitude in the far off portion of the forest Boardman was sold in 2016 and is in the process of the final harvest, to be replaced completely in the coming year(s) by other people growing potatoes and cows. Perhaps they will leave the square groves along the I-84 standing for one or two more full seasons, to maybe give folks who need a little extra motivation a reason to make the six hour drive. That would be nice. If not for the near future of these trees I'd not be so encouraging. In light of this and I do speak for the trees I think you should go. Autumn is lovely and almost over and you'll have to hurry to make it but I'm thinking the bright green of spring will be beautiful as well. #secretnotasecret read more

Boardman Tree Farm - Farms Near Me - Boardman, Oregon

At this time Sept. 13, 2018, they are currently cutting down more of the trees. I was able to see the last portion by the highway. About 2 acres, or so. (I'm not great at acreage size). There was a section of trees I could see further in the property by the highway, but couldn't tell if it were the same trees or evergreen trees. It was private corporate property so couldn't access it. What left I saw was beautiful and sad. Glad I had a chance in my lifetime to see them. Majestic memories can now only be seen on Instagram... I wish someone would start another tree farm elsewhere. read more

Boardman Tree Farm - Portion of the the last ones left. I was near the edge. - Farms Near Me - Boardman, Oregon

As of 2018 it is still there! Many tree areas to stop and visit. When we first arrived we thought the tees were all cut. If you drive around after exiting the highway you will find them! read more

Boardman Tree Farm - Farms Near Me - Boardman, Oregon

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