Morels. You hear talk of their abundance in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where towering evergreens whisper ancient secrets and moss-covered trails beckon with promises of hidden treasures. Here the rainforests produce a kinds of fungi, but the spring morel hunt is a particularly time-honored tradition that draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike into the enchanting dance of this elusive mushroom.
Finding Morel Mushrooms
As the emerald canopy above filters the first soft rays of warm sunlight, morel seekers immerse themselves in the forest, armed not with swords or shields, but with humble baskets and eyes trained to spot the subtle, honeycombed caps that lie in wait beneath the forest’s foliage.
The thrill of discovery pulses through the veins as each morel, with its cryptic camouflage, reveals itself like a prize waiting to be claimed.
Ans if you see one, STOP!
A moment of stillness will often reveals a second morel near by, and then a third. Every hunter’s heart – new and old – quickens at the sight of these elusive fungi, nestled among the debris of the forest floor, their wrinkled caps a testament to nature’s artistry and mystery.
Dining on Morel Mushrooms
And then, there is the culinary alchemy that awaits the triumphant morel forager that transforms the humble mushroom into a gourmet delicacy. Whether sautéed in a rich buttery sauce, sprinkled over a bed of creamy risotto, or perched atop a bubbling pizza fresh from the oven, these mushrooms elevate the dining experience to a realm of epicurean delight.
In the McKenzie River Valley, fried morels are the go-to celebratory dining experience for local mushroom hunters. A castiron pan, egg, and seasoned flour and you have the best mushroom appetizer the Eck family has to offer;)
Morels for life!
In the end, morel mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest is not just a pastime—it is a pilgrimage, a reminder that the earth still holds mysteries waiting to be uncovered and that the simple act of foraging for food can become a transformative journey of the soul.
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 back roads, this natural wonderland provides abundant opportunities to immerse oneself in its unparalleled beauty.
Blue River Road ~ 1500
Nestled within the breathtaking 1.7-million-acre expanse of Willamette National Forest, the captivating Blue River Road 1500 awaits. This picturesque 22-mile route winds through the heart of the forest, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to embark on an unforgettable journey. Located centrally in Oregon, this road serves as a gateway to adventure just up the hill from the majestic Blue River Reservoir (blog post) and Mona Campground (blog post).
As you navigate Blue River Road, you’ll encounter a well-maintained gravel surface. While the road is generally in good condition, be mindful of a few minor potholes. It’s important to exercise caution as you pass through areas affected by fires in both 2020 and 2023, as they may present hazards such as rocks, landslides, and fallen trees even years later. As striking as the stark landscapes might be, these burnt areas have also given rise to new environments, attracting a variety of mushroom (blog post) growth throughout the year.
Hidden Jems
One of the hidden gems along Blue River Road is the magnificent Wolf Rock (blog post). Rising to an elevation of 4,535 feet, this monolith was once the plug to an ancient volcano that has eroded away over time. Its impressive stature and breathtaking landscape attracts only a handful of climbers each year, making it a coveted destination for adventurers seeking solitude and natural wonders.
Nearby, this rather large pond never fails to dazzles though it is without a name so far as we can find.
And keep your eyes open for the remnants of the old logging industry as well as various individual mining claims and artifacts from long ago natives all around the reservoir and backroads (blog post).
Backroad Adventures
Along the road, you’ll discover dispersed camping sites offering rustic charm. While these sites lack amenities like running water and restrooms, they can offer breathtaking views. Buck Mountain (blog post) in particular has some of the best sunset views! Spending a night under the starry sky, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the forest, provides an unparalleled sense of tranquility and serenity.
Or maybe try your luck trekking up one of the many tributary creeks that feed into Blue River and, ultimately, the McKenzie River. They are gorgeous and chilly no matter the time of year;)
And if you exhaust the adventures available ton you on Road 1500, you can wander over to the Deer Creek (blog post) side of the McKenzie River Trail if you take one of those right turns behind the reservoir instead of continuing on to Highway 20 from Blue River Road.
Explore the Enigmatic Nestucca Valley and Its Secret Little Village
Along what’s nicknamed the “corridor of mystery” (really the Nestucca Valley)—that dark tract of steep, winding road and dense trees between Lincoln City and Pacific City in Oregon—sits a mystifying yet resplendent secret little village – Neskowin. This idyllic town along the Oregon Coast offers a captivating destination for couples and travelers seeking natural beauty and coastal charm.
Sunrise
Upon reaching this small Oregon coast town, we managed to catch the sunrise along with a number of picturesque reflections of dawn along the shore.
Proposal Rock
An Oregon Coast treasure, Proposal Rock beach is a bucket list item for many an explorer.
As you stroll down the sandy path following Hawk Creek, you’ll reach the mesmerizing sight of Proposal Rock. This tree-covered basalt sea stack rises majestically a hundred feet above the waves just offshore. Neskowin has both romantic and tragic stories associate with marriage proposals here over the last few centuries.
We took advantage of the low tide and made the scramble up Proposal Rock. This climb is not for the faint of heart, but then neither is the view! Here visitors can experience the awe-inspiring view from the top of Proposal Rock itself during low tide on a calm day, just as Charles Gage and Della did back in the 1800’s with an epic of marriage proposal. Not a bad spot to make out . . . if I do say so myself;)
It was from these heights that we looked down on the remnants of an ancient forest of trees thought to have been over 150 feet tall before they were destroyed by a natural disaster 1000’s of years ago.
Ghost Forest
If you look south along the coastline during low tide, a remarkable sight known as the “Ghost Forest” will be revealed. Ancient, dark stumps of Sitka spruce trees emerge from the sea, transporting you back in time to a primordial era. It is believed these stumps were once part of a higher plateau until the catastrophic Cascadia Zone earthquake over 2,000 years ago. Now, they stand as haunting remnants of a bygone era, submerged and revealed with each ebb and flow of the tide.
Plenty of Fish and Natural Splendor
Mostly, Neskowin is one giant beach, with sands running northward uninterrupted from the bottom of Cascade Head, through Winema Beach, to the edge of the Nestucca Bay — about five or six miles. The word “Neskowin” is tribal language for “plenty fish” because of the area’s abundance of marine life. This coastal haven promises a wealth of natural wonders, artistic inspiration, and a peaceful escape for couples and travelers seeking an unforgettable experience along the Oregon Coast.
So . . .
Discover the charm of Neskowin Beach on the Oregon Coast, where captivating landscapes, historic remnants, and hidden mysteries await. Plan your romantic getaway or tranquil retreat today and immerse yourself in the allure of this coastal gem.
We found Yeti’s outdoor gear to be a valuable companion on many an outdoor adventure. Yeti’s insulated products are well-known for their durability and performance, making them a reliable choice for all of our outdoor excursions, from the Mojave desert to the beaches of Oregon.
Best know for keeping food and beverages chilled, let’s not forget the versatility of the Yeti chairs and blankets!
JUST SITTING AROUND
We actually got both the Camp chair and shorter Base Camp chair. While both sets were amazingly comfortable, the Camp chair was our first choice for traveling with the easy carrying bags.
And be careful around the campfires! They’re not fire proof and sparks will make a small hole in the comfy FlexGrid Fabric seats;)
The pandemic inspired many a person to get outdoors more and we were no exception . . . and more adventures also meant more gear, right? For us, Yeti proved to be the answer to our outdoor needs and thus began our #eckyetilife journey!
All in all, it was an amazing year of Eck Family Adventures and some very cool Yeti gear:)
Have you ever marveled at how many people have never seen the ocean? Growing up in Lane County, I had access to outdoor adventures from the ocean to the mountains with only about an hour of travel in any direction.
Did you know that Eugene – Oregon’s second largest city – is perfectly situated between the beautiful coastal town of Florence and the mountain oasis of McKenzie Bridge?
Florence, Oregon
If you’re looking for a quick beach getaway, Eugene is the place to be as it’s so centrally located. In just over an hour, you can drive over the Pacific Coast Range and find yourself at several family-friendly ocean waysides.
The North Jetty
The nearest shore to Eugene will be at the North Jetty and just a few miles more down Rhododendron Drive you’ll dead end at the more well-known Driftwood Shores hotel and wayside. I recall a lifetime of memories on this stretch of the Oregon beach. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun and feel the sand between your toes. Sometimes we’d drive an hour only to spend a few minutes wandering on this sandy shore before heading back home.
The South Jetty
Access to the South Jetty is just over the Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence proper and this is also your closest entrance to the dunes. It was this beach that first inspired our membership to 1000 Trails. With RV spots available year ‘round, it could not be more convenient just up the road from dune access and a long shoreline.
And if you’re spending the night in Florence, Oregon, be sure to make it to the beach before the sun rises for another spectacular view.
Heceta Head
If you’re looking for the quintessential Oregon Coast experience, look no further than Heceta Head. This iconic lighthouse is a must-see for any traveler along the coast. And if you’re driving from Eugene to Florence, this view is sure to let you know that you’ve arrived. Simply take HWY 126 and look for the second tunnel. Once you’re through (and have honked your horn a few times!) and you’ll find the entrance to Devil’s Elbow on your left along with a trail to lighthouse itself.
Carl Washburn State Park
Discover the hidden gem just north of Florence – Carl Washburne State Park. A lovely stretch of beach adjacent to Hobbit Beach and just around the corner from the iconic Heceta Head Light House. Whether it’s Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, walks along this shore are both beautiful and therapeutic. Witness the breathtaking landscapes during sunrise and sunset. Collect handfuls of lovely stones scattered everywhere, including agates. Take a break from your busy life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Carl Washburne State Park.
‘Stretching from the central Oregon Coast to the towering Cascade Mountains, anchored by Eugene and Springfield in the South Willamette Valley, this region is a place of happy contrasts.’
The origin of this local nonprofit is a steeped in the grassroots of the Occupy Movement in Eugene, Oregon. Now over a decade later, Community Supported Shelters has grown to operate 14 separate sites; the mission of this non-profit simple – to build intentional communities for the unhoused. Their iconic Conestoga Huts are named after heavy covered wagons that were used in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Conestoga Huts are more affordable and easier to assemble and maintain than other individual shelters and tiny homes as evidenced by the CSS hut manuals shipped around the world to those aspiring to build their own alternative shelter. These resilient structures emphasize keeping unhoused people reasonably sheltered from the weather with the basic security of privacy and locking door.
Safe Spot Communities
CSS Communities are classified as ‘Safe Spots’ and find their literal identities in a highly specific City of Eugene code. Here Conestoga Huts are defined as ‘vehicles,’ this cementing CSS’s humble beginnings as a car camping program . . . a less than glorious start for a pioneer of alternative shelter but one we’ve used to our advantage over the years. Eugene is infamous for creative solutions to the homelessness crisis in the State of Oregon. CSS was the first of many such alternative solutions aimed at solving the struggle for shelter in a community with very limited resources for the growing unhoused.
CSS Communities vary in size from just a few huts placed on public or private land to the CSS-operated sites of up to 20 huts or more, primarily built on park land otherwise unneeded by the city. Micro-communities (less than 6 huts) on church properties were some of the first sites to successfully host CSS. The Eugene Mission followed suite and to this day hosts two separate CSS Safe Spot Communities on their 7.5 acre campus on 1st street – one for Veterans and one sober-site.
Shared Spaces
CSS Safe Spots include a shared kitchen and living space with wood heat and propane cooking surfaces. With these and other creative design elements, CSS hones its specialty in leveraging otherwise unused or undeveloped land with their off grid solar and water conservation strategies.
Did you know CSS trucks in clean drinking water and pumps out grey water to the majority of their 14 shelter locations in the City of Eugene?!? Conservation efforts include the development of several grey water filtration systems in partnership with the University of Oregon. All-natural filtration systems such as these would eliminate the need to haul dirty water out every week AND provide a reservior of filtered water for the communities’ gardens. Everyone wins!
CSS off-grid villages leverage solar solutions (battery bank pictured below) for community room lights and a place for clients to charge their devices!
Even as CSS continues to learn more about solar charging stations with the help of knowledgeable volunteers, the hope is to upgrade the infrastructure at a few strategic sites. Upgraded sites will include hook-ups to traditional sewer, water, and electricity! Special thanks to the City of Eugene for providing funding to make these essential, quality-of-life enhancements.
Interiors
As reassuring as it to simply have a space to secure one’s personal belongings, with only 60 square feet of interior space, storage is always a challenge with a Conestoga hut😉
Jack (below), like many residents, got very creative with storage in his small space. Here he is inspiring the professional designers visiting from the University of Oregon School of Interior Design. A ‘Make a Hut a Home’ school project, anyone?!?
Heal
The intent of a CSS Safe Spot is to interrupt the fight-or-flight responses developed to survive life on the streets. These huts can cost less than $10000 a year for essentials and services, and extraordinary savings considering the national average for the cost of a single unhoused person on a community is nearly $35,000 a year! These cost-effective, intentional communities provide for essential needs: shelter, sleep, food, water, restrooms, and human connection. With basic needs met, clients can begin rebuilding their lives.
Beyond the effectiveness and resiliency of the Conestoga Huts themselves to provide shelter night after night, the program-focus on community and engagement has given CSS one of the highest success rate of moving individuals from homelessness to positive housing.
ADA Huts
Spring of 2023, Community Supported Shelters’ shop in Eugene was bustling with their latest project. The CSS Maintenance Team and dedicated Hut Volunteers had been working tirelessly on a new ADA hut for one of their most vulnerable clients!
Above, you can see J* trying out the ramp on our newest project … an ADA hut at our Skinner site! About a foot wider and taller, this hut also differs from our traditional template in that it has a full size door for better accessibility.
This hut is different from the standard model, with a full-size door and a ramp, making it perfect for our client’s power wheelchair. The installation of solar panels to power a generator and an especially spacious Bucks added to the comfort and convenience of this new shelter.
Partners, Pets & Possessions (The 3 P’s)
In the world of shelters, the three P’s have always been a struggle…especially in more traditional, communal shelters for the unhoused. The Conestoga Huts and CSS Safe Spot Communities allow clients to have their own space to balance their idividual lives and needs a bit more. Dogs, for instance, are something that can be accommodated in most cases and some CSS Communities even enjoy a shared leash-free agreement within their site.
The Future of Alternative Shelter
CSS leadership sees immediate opportunities for growth tied to their expanded consulting arm. This Team seeks to help other non-profits and communities quickly add shelter beds and jumpstart recovery for the unhoused.
There simply isn’t enough shelter for everyone to even begin their journey.l of wellness!
Here in Lane County, if we filled every single shelter bed right now, 95% of of our documented unhoused would still be without a safe and sanctioned place to sleep! It will take the entire community working together to address the immediate needs of the 95% (bathrooms, trash receptacles, safe storage, etc…) as well as quickly increase the number of shelter beds available in our community.
For CSS, the near future will include a re-invigoration of local faith communities to host Micro-Communities and increasing opportunities for clients to engage with one another and the larger community.
One of our most spontaneous trips was our venture to south eastern Oregon for some spectacular views of the high mountain desert. On this adventure, we made it all the way to the top of Glass Butte in the Jeep Mojave up a long dirt road.
Sky High Views
At 6,388 feet, we had an unparalleled view of Oregon’s high desert in all directions and shards of obsidian littered the ground everywhere we looked.
Obsidian Deposits
In fact, the area around Glass Butte boasts the largest obsidian deposit in the world!
Over the Fire Cooking
After some rockhounding, we pulled out the Yeti gear for a cast-iron delight in the desert:)
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. A city that inspires (and sometimes overwhelms!) all of the senses, Las Vegas vacations have proven entertaining for us whether we were traveling as a couple or with the kids for a family-friendly Vegas experience.
Family Travel
Despite its strong In 2019 (moments before the the Pandemic, coincidently!) we flew the kids out to Vegas for Christmas and New Years Eve festivities. Every evening the live entertainment as well as the breathtaking views of the various casino attractions kept us occupied and roaming for hours. Daytime jaunts included a visit to Hershey’s Store, pool time and riding the roller coaster at New York, New York, and photo ops at every turn with parrots, pretend hookers and giant rabbits in bathtubs:)
Skylines & Hotels
Inside or out, Vegas offers views in every direction. Truthfully, I found myself taking a ridiculous number of pictures trying to capture the lights or the buildings or the extravagant food from every angle. There’s an exoticness to Vegas that inspires these kind of attempts to capture every moment. For instance, why is it I can stay up until 2pm in Las Vegas, sleep for five hours and then pop wake for a snazzy breakfast under the Eiffel tower at Mon Ami Gabi, but struggle to stay awake past 8:30 pm at home?!?
And the Bellagio Fountains never get old! There’s always some new art exhibit hanging from a casino ceiling somewhere. I know many people talk about the opulence of Vegas, but the same urge to consume rich food, pay for expensive shows, and stay snazzy hotel rooms also helps us appreciate the unique experiences, drink in the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps.
Beds, Baths and Balconies
Not only is there plenty to see wandering the Strip at ground floor level, Vegas is a city with elevated hotel room views to spare. Each hotel boasts rooms with views of this or that, but our most glamorous hotel experience was definitely at the Cosmo. For our 10th Anniversary, we chose a Suite with open-air balcony and watched the Bellagio Fountains from 19 floors up! We can’t afford that kind Vegas vacation every time, but I am grateful we got to go all out at least once:)
Eating Out
From Tomahawk steaks and Crepes to Fried Chicken and Mocktails, Las Vegas has all the flavors. We will often look for the best hotel deal, but we NEVER skimp on the food! And no matter what hotel we end up staying in, we always go out of our way to make it to Momofuku at least once a trip. It can be hard to get a reservation, but we usually can find a seat at our favorite spot . . . the kitchen bar watching the whole culinary orchestra with front row seats.
Pools & Patios
Pools in Vegas appear to be more for lounging around than for swimming. That being said, with a wide array of hot tubs, shallow pools, and manmade waterfalls as well as more exclusive adult-only pools to chose from, Vegas offers wet options for everyone. Sometimes we made hotel choices based on the kind of pool experience we wanted. In 2021, for instance, we drove down to Las Vegas with our youngest and chose to stay at New York-New York because of the kid-friendly amenities. We could watch the roller coaster from our lounge chairs at the pool!
Road-tripping to Las Vegas
Speaking of 2021, that was the year we jumped into our brand new Jeep Mojave instead of an Allegiant plane ride and ventured south for the scenic route to Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a comfortable two-day jaunt by car from Eugene, Oregon – our home base – with a one night stay in Reno. With stops for all the views and a little rock hounding, we ended up adding about 4 hours to the 2nd leg of our journey. I’d never had a vehicle truly designed to go off-road. It surprisingly fun, almost as if we were going where no man has gone before because we could literally just drive off the side of the road and take off into the desert! And with a car at our disposal, we also did day-trips past Las Vegas and into Lake Mead National Recreation Area . . . but those are stories and pictures for another day;)
In fact, we became such regulars, I created a few unique Eck Family Adventure hashtags . . .
#eckvegas: the main album
#eckvegas2019: we went to Vegas more than once this year;) try #eckvegas2019y
#eckvegas2021: our roadtrip
#teckpanoramavegas2017: our 10th Anniversary
#eckchristmas2019: flew into Vegas with the kids
Bottom line, whether by air or by road, the Vegas experience has always been worth the the miles for us:)
Made it to the Painted Hills of Oregon last year . . . finally! Been talking about it for years and we were not disappointed with the colors and views of this unique geological masterpiece:)
A few years back, we kicked off a new season of exploration when we bought our Mojave Jeep and headed east to do some out off-road driving. Our adventure ended in a series of Sunriver vacations in Central Oregon.
At an elevation of 4,200ft, Sunriver sits on the edge of Oregon’s high desert plateau. And with proximately to the spectacular Crater Lake National Park, upscale entertaining in Bend, and olympic-style winter sports at Mt. Bachelor, Sunriver has it all for the vacationing families!
Sunriver is full of B & B’s and rentals with all the amenities: hot tubs, game rooms, bicycles, porch entertaining, luxurious bathtubs and walking / biking paths for over 40 miles! All of this circles the shopping and dining options of the Village as well as four award-winning golf courses at Sunriver Resort.
Waterways allow for kayaking, swimming, golf course views and gorgeous hikes all round and through Sunriver, Oregon. This includes trails along the Deschutes and family swimming at the Aquatic Resort.
All in all, between the in-town beauty and the surrounding outdoor playgrounds, Sunriver is a vacation option for groups of all shapes and sizes!
Tabitha Crystal Eck 