McKenzie River and Obsidian Trail

We drove east on Monday, for three days of exploring around the McKenzie River area east of Eugene.

 The McKenzie River next to where we stayed at the KcKenzie River Mountain Resort.

 The fall foliage was in its prime through much of our trip.

 Our room on the right surrounded by fallen maple leaves.

 Ok, I was a sucker and spent $1 to see the "fun time" behind the closet door. This was in the entrance of the restaurant we ate dinner at, the Takoda Restaurant in Rainbow.

 The next morning, we drove the scenic byway, Highway 242, up to the trailhead for Obsidian Trail.

 Obsidian Trail is a limited entry area, and Gail was fortunate to get us permits some time ago. 

 After about a mile, we had to hike through a recent fire area.

 Soon we were back in the woods.  The hike was a 12 mile lollipop hike with a steady gain of 2,139 feet.  The temperature at the trailhead was 53 degrees, but up on the higher portion of the hike was in the low 40's.

 We need a bumper sticker that says, "I brake for mushrooms." Photo by Gail.

 We had a real mix of terrain, unlike the coast. The trail started going through old lava flows from North Sister, one of the Three Sisters mountains.

 Lava flow.

 Weird and fascinating fungi on the end of a log.

 Gail called these lemon gummies.

 Much of the trail sparkled with obsidian.  Two volcanic rocks, basalt, I think, and obsidian.

 Near the high point of our hike was Obsidian Falls.

 An interesting mix of alpine meadows, streams, and volcanic formations.

 Close up of the boulder in previous photo.

 After reaching the Pacific Crest Trail at Obsidian Falls, we hiked about a mile then dropped down on Glacier Trail which eventually reconnected to the Obsidian Trail.

 On the way down, we entered a cloud.

 The fog in the burned forest was rather eerie.

Driving back down the mountain on the 242, a gorgeous scenic route.

 Wednesday morning, we drove up the 126 along the McKenzie River. We stopped and did a 3 mile waterfall loop hike.  This is Sahalie Falls.

 The McKenzie River above the falls.

 Koosah Falls.

 Koosah Falls.

 The water in this river is very clear and looks blue.

 An American Dipper going for underwater insect larvae.

 If you look closely, you can see a young man hanging from a couple lines over Sahalie Falls.  The lines were tied to a tree on each side of the gorge.

Why?

 We have a hard time passing up roadside attractions. There was nobody around this place along highway 20 east of Sweet Home. 

Well, that about does it for this trip. We are eager to explore more of this great state.  So much to see!