Tag: Photography

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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Toby’s Family Foods | Springfield | Oregon

Beyond the obvious tasty topping to your favorite tossed salad, Toby’s Family Foods salad dressings and tofu dips have many delicious uses in the dining experience.From burgers and sandwiches to potato salad and fry sauce, Toby’s has a saucy flavor for you☺️

The Classic | Toby’s & Toast

A Eugene/Springfield original dating back to the 1970’s, Toby’s was a staple of my Oregon upbringing. California transplants, my hippie parents were vegetarians for the first two years of my life which necessitated many an alternative protein in my early years. With 3 grams of protein for every tablespoon, Toby’s tofu pâtés were an easy diet substitute back in the day.

On outdoor adventures, we’d pass around a loaf of fresh bread or tear off pieces of bagels or tortillas to scoop mid-hike. Toby’s became a staple in our fridge and, even as an adult, my go-to work lunch was whole wheat toast topped with Toby’s original tofu pâté☺️

Dippers

Chips, carrots, or fries . . . Toby’s Family Foods makes a tasty dipper for all your snack needs.

*Expert tip – Toby’s Jalapeño Dip and corn chips are the best snacks foods ever! Something about the salty corn chip and the spicy jalepeno . . . yum! If you don’t have water handy, stick with Toby’s original for a similarly tasty snack without the heat.

Sandwich & Burger Topper

Grilled sandwiches, cold sandwiches, tortilla wraps, burgers and breakfast sands, Toby’s Family Foods Salad Dressing are the perfect topper to these handheld meals.

Saucy Delights

Basically, you can substitute Toby’s Family Foods Feta or Ranch Salad Dressing for mayo in any given recipe for a unique and well-seasoned take on classic flavors. Not only does Toby’s work on sandwiches and wraps, you can replace mayo in your potato salad recipe for a tasty treat at summer picnics.

Feta, Potato and Green Bean Salad
  • Slice and roast red potatoes after tossing in oil, salt, and pepper
  • Roast green beans (broil on top of red potatoes)
  • Toss in Toby’s Feta Dressing
  • Chill or serve

*Expert tip – don’t chill this potato salad. Enjoy roasted potatoes and green beans tossed in a Toby’s Salad Dressing and served with the sautéd protein of your choice.

  • Toss with sautéd pork, chicken, tofu, or beef

Re-Purposed Glass Jars

Double bonus with Toby’s Family Foods Salad Dressings . . . The label peels off easily and the lid is a standard mason jar. Toby’s salad dressing jars make for easy storage containers and beverage glasses. It didn’t take long before empty Toby’s jars took over our cupboards😉

Tasty and local, Toby’s Family Foods is a favorite in our house with their Greek Feta Dressing taking top honors.

#ecktable #smallbusiness #pwnfood

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Oregon Coast | Neskowin Beach

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.

by Categories: Eck Beach Life, Oregon Coast, PNW AdventuresTags: , , , Leave a comment

McKenzie River Stops ~ Deer Creek, Oregon

*Pictures from 2019

Trail Adventures

This section of the McKenzie River Trail is marked by a lovely wooden bridge where Deer Creek flows into the larger river. The trail closely follows the icy waters of the upper McKenzie River only a few miles downriver from the more well-know Blue Pool and Sahalie Falls.

Check out the sights captured by the Wandering Yuncks who trekked in from Blue Pool.

Salmon Restoration

The Deer Creek section of the McKenzie River Trail has under gone significant changes these last few years with periods of closure. Not only has this area weathered a forest fire or two, a long anticipated habitat restoration project has radically changed the watershed in hopes of regenerating the native environment and supporting fish and wildlife.

Deer Creek Hot Springs

Just off the beaten trail, you can visit Deer Creek Hot Springs . . . a very unofficial hot spring one can still occasionally find empty;) During the summer, tourist often find the spot, but only locals make in the winter. Seasonally, the river rock wall is re-built in the spring, gating the warm waters dripping off the hillside into a private pool. When the river levels are high, the icy waters tend to dilute the warmth, so you take your chances visiting in the winter too.

**Local tip – If you enjoy a scenic drive, you can reach Deer Creek from the back with forest gravel roads stretching all the way back to Blue River Reservoir.

#eckriverlife #mckenzierivertrail #oregon #tecklandscapes #pwntravels

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