McKenzie River Stops

I often feel nostalgic as the seasons change, reflecting on the iconic locations of my life of outdoor adventures. The McKenzie River Valley holds more than just beautiful views; it carries my memories of a life well-lived in these vibrant, green corridor. Each river spot reminds me of my adventures and a collection of snapshots brings back both joy and reflection on the past.

Here are a few of my favorite places along the River . . .

Leaburg Reservoir

Just 20 minutes from the larger city center of Springfield, this reservoir is a go-to destination for townies looking to float or paddle board. Though there are plans to dismantle this dam and return the river to its natural river bed here, it’s still our evening swimming hole and quick kayak trip from the boat ramp.

Due due to my daily commute to Eugene, I am afforded many a beautiful landscape or sunrise opportunity along with curve of the river . . . too many picture to ever post but worth the stop every time!

Goodpasture Bridge

Coincidently one of the most photographed covered bridges in the state, the Goodpasture Bridge near Vida features prominently in my own photo adventure living near-by as I do;)

As you continue up Highway 126, one will find many a pull off or boat ramp to tempt you off the beaten path. About 20 minutes east you’ll pass near the town of small town of Blue River – slowly recovering from the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire – and its name sake reservoir.

Blue River

Blue River Reservoir offers a delightful experience on both sides! On the town side behind the community of Blue River, you’ll discover ‘Viewpoint’ along with several inviting swimming holes and remnants of old logging roads just waiting to be explored.

Tourists most often flock to the Mona Campground side of the reservoir where RV amenities and a convenient boat ramp cater to campers and water enthusiasts alike.

*Saddle Dam

To get to this boat entrance, drive past the town of Blue River and take the next reservoir entrance.

*Mona

Continue past the boat ramp along the northeastern shore of the reservoir and you’ll find Mona Campground along with an enticing bridge or two (for youthful jumpers, BUT only certain times of the year!), and several long forest access roads.

Find the first view at the end of said road, the second from the bridge ~

Buck Mountain

If you’re up for a journey, keep going straight past the turn off to Mona to where the road turns to gravel for a chance at mountain top views and abandoned mines for miles.

Wolf Rock

Or, go east at the fork in the gravel road and you might stumble past Oregon’s largest monolith, Wolf Rock!

Deer Creek

If you continue east, the long way around bypassing Highway 126, you’ll pop out at Deer Creek and a beautiful section of the McKenzie River Trail!


With 90 miles of length, the McKenzie River has a lot to offer.

What’s your favorite spot

The Eugene Mission

Frontline Work with the Unhoused in Downtown Eugene
(circa 2014 – 2020)

Communal shelter the masses, 100’s of community volunteers, dozens of ‘Conversations with Marshall,’ opening the Rescue Center, hosting cooking classes and chapel services, and capturing rainbows.

Outreach

Mornings spent underneath the densely packed Washington Jefferson Street Bridge or downtown Eugene looking for our folks, only rescuing a few. Losing some to the streets (poem), yet there was beauty to be found too.

The Team

Family. Because one does not do this kind of trauma-heavy work alone. Any help at all is only possible because of the dedicated commitment of the few and the brave who get on the frontlines and serve those in need each and every day.

It takes a Village to save a Village and for a time we gave it our all. Grateful for 7 years of living our best life. Forever changed.

Eck Yeti Life | Cold Beverages & Hot Delights

Oh, the places you will play when you journey!

For us, Yeti proved to be the answer to our outdoor needs as we traversed from the Mojave desert of Nevada all the way to beaches of Oregon. Coincidently, our Jeep adventures (another one of my blog posts!) also sparked our #eckyetilife journey!

BEVERAGES

Probably best known for their insulated containers, Yeti delivered ice cold beverages in the desert and the mountains as well as hot coffee or tea for early, winter morning jaunts.

Cocktails on the beach, thermoses on long treks, and hot tea all day at work, we sure got our use out of these lovelies!

McKenzie River Pottery

An ode to our #eckclay adventures!

Humble Beginnings

Every great journey has a starting point, and ours are firmly rooted in the enchanting landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. It was on our porch looking down on the magnificent McKenzie River that we first discovered the joy of pottery—an art form that transforms simple clay into unique creations.

Thus was born McKenzie River Pottery.

Centering

At the heart of the crafting process lies the art of centering—both literally and metaphorically. In pottery, centering clay is crucial to achieving balance and symmetry in the final product.

Similarly, we strive to balance our creative inspirations with the raw materials we work with. Each piece begins as a humble lump of clay, yet through mindful shaping and manipulation, it transforms into something that tells a story.

Glazing

The glazing process is another exciting chapter in our pottery journey. You’ll never find uniformity in an #eckclay collection; each layer of glaze results in distinct variations that bring character and individuality to every item. It’s a delightful surprise each time we open the kiln, as the organic nature of our glazing process means that no two pieces will ever look alike.

Handles & Such

Thoughtful details define pottery, and handles are a prime example. Handles are an extension of the piece, complementing the form and adding to the overall experience of using your favorite mug. More than just functional elements, our handles – and other clay elements! – are designed with comfort, aesthetics, and beauty in mind.

Mug Madness

Our mugs encapsulate the essence of our creative journey. They are a celebration of individuality, each one telling its own story through unique shapes, colors, and patterns.

#MarshallsMugMadness is a favorite among our customers for the sheer variety and character each mug brings to the table (or coffee shop!).

Sets

While our pieces often stand alone in their uniqueness, we will often witness the emergence of small ‘Collections.’ These sets may share a common theme—whether that’s color, shape, or seasonal influences—but each item remains distinct.

We embrace the delightful chaos of handmade artistry, where themes emerge organically rather than being forced. You’ll find that even within a collection, the individual flair and character shine brightly.

Dining

But our pottery journey doesn’t stop even after that final fire when clay hardens and glaze transforms; it extends into the home, where our pieces become part of daily life. We envision each finished clay piece not as decorative items sitting on a shelf somewhere but as integral elements of shared experiences and cherished moments at the dining table, around the fire, or on the porch.

We hope you’ll use and enjoy each piece, remembering that every imperfection, every unexpected detail, is part of the story. Join us as we continue this exciting adventure together, exploring the whimsy of handmade art!

Photo shoots

Capturing our pieces through photography is another exhilarating part of our journey. Each photoshoot immortalizes the beauty and individuality of our crafts, highlighting their unique textures and colors. We aim to showcase the stories they carry with them.

Photography allows us to share our passion and workmanship with you, inviting you to see the world through our artistic lens.

Pre Orders

Each year we seem to have a limited inventory of Pottery that goes on sale at somewhat random intervals. The holiday season often offers some selection, but a better way to get an #eckclay creation?

Pre-Orders!

Cups, Bowls, Plates and Noodle bowls are available for the holidays. Check out our Etsy Store for ordering information.

Grey Goose Essences ~ Libation Demonstration

Strawberry & Lemongrass

“The subtle taste of freshly picked strawberries meets aromatic notes of lemongrass for a cocktail experience like no other.”

~ Grey Goose

Serve up or over ice with cranberry juice or lemonade for a simple Lemon drop or Cosmopolitan. For a twist just left of center, mix with a Kombucha with a dash of Artisan Fermented Honey for complexity.

For an extraordinarily light spritzer, use a hard sparkling berry beverage like Truly Berry Punch as your mixer.

Cool Treats

For an even cooler treat, top your fruity cocktail with a berry sorbet and take in the view.

Off-Roading in the Nevada Desert

#eckjeeplife

In 2022, Marshall and I made an exciting leap and swapped our trusty Dodge Truck for a rugged Jeep Mojave. It may still function as a truck, but it undeniably brought out the adventurous kids in us who had always dreamed of cruising around in a Jeep. Bursting with excitement over our new toy, we couldn’t wait to hit the road. So, what did we do the very next day? You guessed it—off we went to the stunning Mojave Desert! Buckle up for a wild ride through one of America’s most iconic landscapes! 😉✨

Walker Lake

Our first official ‘off-road’ adventure in our new Jeep took a thrilling turn just before Walker Lake, leading us up to a breathtaking plateau that offered a stunning panoramic view of this natural gem.

The lake appeared as a mesmerizing blue halo amidst the surrounding brown desert—a sight to behold! However, we were taken aback by how much the water levels had receded compared to historical records. It was a little surreal to see picnic tables seemingly floating over nothing! Like many bodies of water, this precious lake has been shrinking, which has significant implications for local wildlife and tourism (check out the article).


Off-Roading

As we continued to wind our way south, we found many, MANY more pull-offs designed for folks just like us looking for off-road adventures! We were temped down virtually endless dirt roads so many times, we rolled into Vegas several hours later than anticipated. No regrets;)


Vegas Sights

Las Vegas isn’t too far away from Eugene, Oregon for it to be a semi-regular vacation destination for the Eck family . . . 2 days by car or 3 hours by plane. Sometimes we drive and sometimes we fly, but the food and views are always worth the while!

For a wider look at our #EckVegas adventures, check out this earlier photo and travel blog post.


Joshua Tree National Forest

With a kid named Joshua, we had to check these particular trees out and then fell even more in love with them when we start to explore their history and possible future!

This unique specimen ONLY grows in this part of the world and has withstood the extreme elements of the Mojave Desert for ages. As their environments change, the fight to save these trees has only begun (article).


Lake Mead

And last but not least, just below Las Vegas, we took a drive through Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This protected area was a delight to drive through full of both ancient and more recent human history . . . Even managed to capture a rainbow!🌈



Outdoor Cooking

For us, outdoor cooking and off-grid driving just seem to go hand in hand. Here we capture the chef in his natural habitat cooking for families and friends😉


Never-Ending Horizons

And who can forget the skyline in the desert . . . And the sunsets! Never-ending horizons give you the feelings you can drive forever☺️


Citrus Mistress ~ Libation Demonstration

Delve into the world of vodka with Ketel One Botanical Vodka infused with the luscious flavors of Peach & Orange Blossom. This premium spirit harmoniously blends botanicals and natural fruit essence, offering a refined taste that dances between sweet and aromatic notes, ensuring an elevated imbibing experience.

To craft a tantalizing martini, start by fusing Ketel One Botanical Vodka with zesty citrus juices like grapefruit, orange, lemon, or lime. This infusion introduces a tart and vibrant twist, perfectly complementing the floral undertones of the vodka.


Once the vodka, citrus juices, and simple syrup converge, shake the concoction vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker. The ice will imbue the mixture with chillness and dilution, culminating in a flawlessly balanced and revitalizing martini.


For presentation, strain the martini into a frosted martini glass or serve over ice. Elevate your libation by garnishing it with citrus peels such as lemon or orange twists to intensify the citrusy aromas. Optionally, enrich the visual and aromatic appeal by adding a sprig of fresh herbs like rosemary or basil or an edible flower or too.


Libation Photo Series ~ https://tabithacrystaleck.com/2023/01/08/distilleries-wineries-and-breweries/

Newbury Crater

Just a short drive from Bend, Oregon you’ll find the intriguing Newbury Crater – the hollowed out crater in the heart of an ancient volcano!

The volcano is a stunning natural wonder, still teeming with thermal activity and spanning several miles in diameter. Exploring the caldera reveals a diverse landscape, and there’s truly nothing like the experience of standing in the heart of a collapsed volcano! This area is steeped in human history, dating back over 10,000 years, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the past while immersing themselves in its breathtaking surroundings.

Our first time to this landmark, we took Little Crater Loop for a close by panoramic view of the caldera. Later we found out that most folks head out for the longer trek to the summit of Pauline Peak for the sights. Taking the lesser summit trail gave us the morning to ourselves, reaching the top without encountering a single hiker!

Our short detour to the summit of Little Crater Trail popped us out just at the end of the campground for an easy walk back to our car. We didn’t make it to the hot springs but Paulina Lake was beautiful nonetheless!

Next, we made our way to the Big Obsidian Flow, a stunning sight that had previously captivated us from the summit of Little Crater. Here, we embarked on a hike along a trail glittering with black glass, bringing us up close to the crater’s youngest feature, which last erupted with flowing lava just 1,300 years ago!


Currently, gathering obsidian is off-limits for visitors, but this site has a rich history of native foraging that spans thousands of years. Various types of lava rock were harvested for an array of purposes—some for ceremonial use and others for practical applications. From the Newberry obsidian, skilled traditional craftspeople crafted arrowheads, spears, scrapers, knives, and various tools, each flow showcasing unique properties.

We didn’t make it to the Lava Cast Forest or the Lava Tubes but apparently the lush volcanic landscape of this crater resembled the moon so much, astronauts trained for outerspace here in the 60’s! A sample of the lava rock even made it to the moon in remembrance of these early space training days.

Next time😁

McKenzie River Stops ~ Leaburg Reservoir

Nestled just 20 minutes east of Springfield, Oregon, Leaburg Reservoir is a gem along the McKenzie River, beloved by locals for its fishing and swimming spots. But as someone who lives upriver and a long history of commutes into town for work, I’ve discovered a quieter treasure: the breathtaking sunrises that paint the reservoir in hues of blue, purple, and gold.

Sunrise Moments

While afternoon boaters and swimmers soak up the sun on these calm waters, my early morning drives around the river’s bend offer a front-row seat to a spectacle that many travelers miss. They are the kind of moments that makes me roll down my car window, pull over for a quick pic and then linger longer than planned, just to soak it in.


Morning Mists

For an even closer look, I’ll park at the lot near the Leaburg Dam and take a short trail to a rocky shoreline spot. Standing there, with the quiet lapping of water and the faint calls of early birds, feels like stealing a moment of peace before the world wakes up.


Fall Colors

This magical fall capture occurred before the 2020 Holiday Farm fire. How quickly I forget how much lush green growth there was along the river banks!


Playful Hours

And last, but least, we have the park and boat launch just over the Leaburg dam! There’s a huge field back there along with multiple picnic sites along the banks.


McKenzie River Backroads ~ Mile Marker #8

Whether you yearn for solitude amidst the tranquil forest or seek to explore the vibrant urban areas nearby, Willamette National Forest offers something for every traveler.

With an extensive network of over 6,000 miles of roads, this natural wonderland provides abundant opportunities to immerse oneself in its unparalleled beauty of the McKenzie River Valley (blog post).

Mile Marker #8 and Beyond

If you’re up for a trek, try taking one of the old logging roads up behind Blue River Reservoir. Somewhere past Mile Marker #8, the views will just keep you climbing!

As some of the side roads become impassable in a vehicle, the trek can be continued on foot. Just down hill from our usual stop, a surprising creek proved lush and beautiful and an opportunities for a little amateurs gold hunting.

If you persevere and stay on the trail, you might have the chance to find a few gems hidden by time. Case in point, this abandoned mine!

And let’s not forget the flowers you’ll spy on drives during the spring and summer !Bear grass, Rhodies, Larkspur and more can be found at nearly every stop and viewpoint.