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!
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 . . .
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!
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 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.
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 ~
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
Tabitha Crystal Eck 