Category: Mckenzie River

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

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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.

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Oregon Covered Bridges | Goodpasture

A well-known tourist trek through rural Oregon communities will often include a scenic view of one of our many covered bridges.

One of the most photographed covered bridges in the state, the Goodpasture Bridge near Vida, Oregon spans the McKenzie River.

For those of us living along the McKenzie River, we are treated to the ever-changing faces and seasons of Oregon’s second largest covered bridge.

Spring Growth

At their height the early 1900’s, Oregon had about 600 covered bridges in operation. To this day we still have over 50 – one of the largest collection in the nation – with as many as 20 in Lane County alone.

Sunsets & Moonlight

Though the historical structure of this covered bridge makes for amazing photographs, Oregon’s own McKenzie River with its reflections and the beautiful sunsets throughout the year are quite striking as well.

Adventures

Fishing, boating and swimming adventures are easy to find near Oregon covered bridges! Just down the way from the Goodpasture Bridge is a boat ramp and Leaburg Reservoir not to mention the fact that the bridge spans the iconic McKenzie River itself!

Winter Wonderland

Spring, summer and fall are all wonderful, but some of the best pictures of Oregon’s Covered Bridges happen in the winter with a dusting of snow to set the mood.

**Side note: In pulling together this gallery of Goodpasture Bridge views, I found the snowy pictures above that pre-date the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. I was struck by the reality that many of us in the McKenzie River Valley share the experience of stumbling across images we’ve captured of ‘before.’ It was an unexpectedly intense trip down memory lane resulting in the gallery you’re viewing now containing a striking array of photos before-and-after the flames and heat dramatically changed the landscape❤️❤️

Christmas Lights

The Goodpasture Bridge is one of a few Oregon Covered Bridges that changes into holiday colors come December. Be careful not to block traffic, but the red and green lights are amazing from every angle.

Lane County is a great place to start, but don’t stop at just one covered bridge on your trek through Oregon.

#pnw #oregoncoveredbridge #tecklandscapes #oregonlife #eckfamilyadventures

Eg

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Old McKenzie Highway | Oregon

Take the Scenic Route!

Along Highway 126 in Oregon between Eugene and Three Sisters are incalculable views to take in and trails to explore. If you have time this summer, take a slight detour along the ‘scenic’ route – the Old McKenzie Highway (Hwy 242). The original route through the Cascade Range is closed to cars during the winter, but bicyclists can take advantage of this picturesque trek long before it’s open to motorist.

The Path Well Traveled

Long before the settlers arrived, what eventually became the Old Mckenzie Highway was the regular route through the McKenzie and Santiam passes for Native Americans. Initially, the settlers’ wagons struggled to make it through the lava flows which spread out over 65 square miles. This and the steep terrain resulted in a ‘Lost Wagon Train’ or two over the years before the routes were improved. One trailhead – Scott Trail – follows a potion of the path of the first wagon train to actually make it through the passes.

Stop and . . .

Even with the many trails and view pullouts available to travelers along the Old McKenzie Highway, you simply must stop at the Dee Wright Observatory located amongst the basaltic lava fields. From the top, you have a 360 degree of pure gorgeousness in every direction while the interior provides various windows and peepholes aimed at the mountainous landscape!

Take a moment and appreciate this unique structure built by hand in the 1930s from the native lava rock.

Look Around

The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed with the popular peak finder atop the observatory which points out the various geographical landmarks in the distance.

On a clear day, you can take in SIX Cascade peaks – The Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood – as well as various crater remnants of a volcano or to. All of these peaks are identified on the view finder up top as well as at each windowsill or peephole within the observatory.

And don’t forget the glaciers! If the snow has melted, check out one of Oregon’s biggest glacier – Collier – on the west side of the North Sister.

Fire & Ice

As you meander through lava beds, lush Oregon forests and crystal clear rivers and lakes of the Old McKenzie Highway, you’ll view one of the highest concentrations of snowcapped volcanoes in the lower 48 states. Along the Old McKenzie Highway volcanoes are quite young by geological standards with activity as recent as 1500 years ago.

And somewhere between fire and ice of volcanoes and glaciers, lies Oregon marsh land! Literally adjacent to lava fields you will find this lush ecosystem complete wild blueberries and ponds galore!

Don’t Miss it

All in all, with so many amazing stops along Highway 126 such as Clear Lake, Blue Pool, or Koosh/Sahalie Falls, choosing the scenic alternative between Eugene and Three Sisters may sounds like landscape overkill. That being said, IT’S WORTH IT!

Next summer, enjoy a unique bit of Oregon and a take a trek up the Old McKenzie Highway.

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Christmas on Goodpasture Bridge

During the holiday season, there’s something extra enchanting about the way Christmas lights reflect on the water. In Oregon, where scenic waterways abound, this phenomenon becomes a mesmerizing sight to behold. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the landscape, the twinkling lights create a magical dance on the water’s surface, adding a touch of wonder to the festive atmosphere.

#eckriverlife #eck121022 #teckadventures #eckreflections

Let’s explore the captivating allure of Christmas lights reflecting on Oregon’s waterways.

@teckadventures

  1. Illuminating Nature’s Mirrors:
    Oregon is blessed with an abundance of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, providing ample opportunities for the reflection of Christmas lights. When the lights are strategically placed along the water’s edge or on nearby structures, their illumination is mirrored on the calm surface, creating a stunning visual display. The reflection adds depth and brilliance to the already mesmerizing glow, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland.
  2. Coastal Delights:
    Along Oregon’s picturesque coastline, the reflection of Christmas lights on the ocean’s surface becomes a breathtaking spectacle. Coastal towns and cities embrace the holiday spirit by adorning piers, lighthouses, and waterfronts with twinkling lights. As the waves gently lap against the shore, the lights shimmer and dance, creating a truly magical ambiance. Strolling along the coastline on a crisp winter evening offers a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of nature’s beauty and festive cheer.
  3. Lakeside Magic:
    Oregon’s numerous lakes also provide an idyllic setting for the reflection of Christmas lights. During the holiday season, lakeside communities and resorts embrace the festive spirit by illuminating their surroundings with colorful lights. As darkness falls, the lights cast their magical glow, which is mirrored on the calm surface of the water. This reflection creates a serene and ethereal atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday magic.
  4. River Reflections:
    Oregon’s rivers, with their meandering paths and tranquil waters, offer another opportunity to witness the captivating interplay between Christmas lights and reflecting surfaces. Many riverside parks and bridges are adorned with festive lights, casting a warm and inviting glow. As the lights reflect on the river’s surface, they create a symphony of colors that adds a touch of enchantment to the surrounding landscape. Enjoying a riverside stroll or a leisurely boat ride becomes an even more magical experience during the holiday season.
  5. Capturing the Moment:
    The reflection of Christmas lights on Oregon’s waterways provides a picturesque backdrop
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