The second stop in our summer-long series exploring the hidden gems of Oregon was at Henline Falls, outside of Mehama.

It was my second hike in Oregon, so I had a better idea of what to expect.

Staff photographer and outdoor enthusiast Jeff Smith again led the way.

The payoff at our last hike, Shellburg Falls, was a beautiful gushing waterfall, but Jeff promised a "surprise" at Henline Falls.

We saw more people and the trail was more crowded at Henline Falls, but that didn't take anything away from the experience.

I had a feeling it was going to be a scenic hike, based on the drive.

After a while, the paved roads and lights turned into gravel roads and a forest.

The trail is groomed and easy to navigate. Physically, I found it to be easier than Shellburg Falls.

The trail leading to the falls is slightly uphill but not much of a challenge.

After less than a mile hike through a secluded forest, I could hear the sound of a waterfall splashing against the earth's rocky surface.

And that's just what we saw when we arrived.

The waterfall was spectacular - just as beautiful as Shellburg Falls.

Above the top of the waterfall was a scenic view of the mountainside.

The mist created by the water crashing off the boulders at the bottom of the waterfall was refreshing.

But that wasn't the payoff. I was in for an even more exhilarating experience.

The Mine

To the naked eye, the payoff was the waterfall.

Without Jeff pointing it out, I would never have noticed the abandoned mine.

The old mining tunnel is a level cave that extends a quarter-mile into the mountainside.

The entrance to the tunnel is a short climb over a few boulders. If you are looking directly at the waterfall from the trail, the entrace to the mine is unnoticable.

For somebody looking for an adventure, it's very exciting.

The climb to the mine entrance requires some balance.

Before entering, Jeff and I switched into our hiking sandles - well, Jeff had hiking sandles and I had flip flops - and set off to explore the mine.

Appropriate shoes and flashlights are necessary to experience the mine.

Extra batteries are also essential. Jeff's second flashlight was running off of nearly dead batteries. Luckily he was prepared.

The mine is about six-and-a-half feet high throughout. I felt comfortable enough to walk upright the entire time, which made the experience more enjoyable.

After a couple hundred feet, the light at the end of the tunnel fades and the light from the flashlights will be your guide.

For those who are not comfortable in tight, enclosed spaces, you should not go in the mine.

It also requires a bit of balance, so it's not suitable for small children. Older children should go with an adult.

If I were to go again, I would definitely invest in a pair of hiking shoes.

The flip-flops I was wearing were completely inappropriate. There were several times when I scraped a toe against a rock.

There are ankle-deep puddles that cannot be avoided, so you should prepare for that.

At the end of the quarter-mile hike through the mine, gold glitter was sprayed on the rock walls.

The waterfall was gorgeous, but the mine made the experience that much more of a treat.

Driving directions

From Salem, take Highway 22 east toward Stayton.

After 22 miles, turn left at the second yellow light just east of Mehama onto North Fork Road S.E.

After 15 miles of pavement the road turns to gravel.

Travel 1.3 additional miles until you reach a sign with brief remaining directions to Henline Falls Trail.

Trail

Easy one-mile hike to reach the falls through mostly forest land.

Ideal for beginning hikers.

Mineshaft

Requires some tactical maneuvering.

Not suited for children or people who are claustrophobic.

What you need

Flashlights, extra batteries, change of shoes (will need to walk through some shallow water), drinking water, food.

Parking permits are needed and can be purchased at the Detroit Ranger Station.

Year-long permits are recommended for continuous use of the area.

A day-pass costs $5 while a year pass costs $30.