Blue 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 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

September 10, 2024May 28, 2025 by Tabithaeck Categories: Mckenzie River, PNW AdventuresTags: #eckriverlife, Blue River, Mckenzie River Leave a comment

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.

June 21, 2024May 28, 2025 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: Blue River, Mckenzie River, Photography 1 Comment

McKenzie River Backroads ~ Blue River

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.

But that’s a whole different story!

February 6, 2024May 28, 2025 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: #eckriverlife, Blue River, Mckenzie River 2 Comments

Wolf Rock | Blue River | Oregon

Wolf Rock, located centrally in the Oregon Cascades, is recognized as Oregon’s largest monolith. This was the plug of an ancient volcano that has since eroded away. It’s also been called Oregon’s “big wall” and has about 20 established rock climbing routes including an early 70’s classic established by Wayne Arrington and Mike Seely in a multi-day effort.

On this particular excursion, we caught site of a few climbers close to the submit.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tabitha Crystal Eck (@tabithacrystaleck)

Not much has ever been written on Wolf Rock and I’ve yet to meet anyone who is familiar with this forest giant. Aside from rock climbing opportunities, there are view from every direction and an adventurous creek trail to the base.

Between exploring the views and a picnic along the way, you can make a day’s drive of seeing the many faces of Wolf Rock;)

Address GPS 44.30280, -122.1517

July 16, 2023September 15, 2023 by Tabithaeck Categories: PNW AdventuresTags: Blue River 2 Comments

McKenzie River Backroads ~ Beyond Mona | Blue River

Winter Walks ~

On the northeastern shore of Blue River Reservoir just across Tidbits Creek, you’ll find Mona Campground and a forest access road that will take you around the to the ‘other’ side of the reservoir. While the gate may be closed to vehicles in the winter, that doesn’t have to stop an intrepid adventurer from taking a gorgeous trek:) The path continues well past the large, accessible campground and is a worthy walk any time of the year.

Clear Waters

Blue River Reservoir is fed by ice melt and mountain springs so – as you can imagine! – it is shockingly cold in the winter. Even then, on sunny January days, you’ll be tempted to at least dip your toes in the refreshing waters. No matter the time of year, the clear waters make a picturesque backdrop. Typically Blue River Reservoir will reflect the surroundings and, on particularly clam days, the water will take on the greens of the forest. Other days, the waters will live up to their colorful name and seem quite blue reflecting the mood of the skies above.

River Banks

With the seasonally low water levels in the winter, you’ll find all sorts of lost and found treasures along the reservoir banks.

Reflections

Creek Beds

The 2020 Holiday Farm Fire left stripes of burnt forest riddled through the mountains around Blue River creating a unique landscape to wander and mycelium growing everywhere! Come spring, we will be tromping around in these forests looking for morels😉

The End of the Road

And if you make it to the end of the forest access road, just keep going and you’ll soon be looking for a way to get to this unique, aerial view of the reservoir (this one captured in the summer)! From here you’ll see how the crystal clears waters alternatively take on the colors of the sky and trees depending on your line of sight;)