A couple of weeks ago I rallied the kids and we headed up the Mckenzie Highway to see what we could find. For those that don't know, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway is open during the late spring, summer, and early fall months and offers travelers outstanding scenery featuring both enchanted thick green forests and an expansive lava field at the top. The road is winding, narrow, and breathtakingly beautiful. You do have to keep a close eye out for cyclists who also frequent the road too. We entered the byway on the westside (coming from the Eugene area) where it meanders through the trees for a while. There are a number of different hikes on this side including Proxy Falls. We did this hike last fall. It's a great one-way, looped hike very doable for kids. Just up the road from Proxy is the Linton Lake trailhead, which we checked out on this trip. Apparently, there are some pretty cool waterfalls to be seen past the lake, but the climb is a bit of a scramble and I skipped this bit with the kids. The kids did great on the trail to the lake. There isn't much elevation gain if any, and even my littlest did most of her own walking.
After these trailheads, the highway switchbacks it's way up the mountain climbing nearly 1,200 feet in just 4 miles in one area, eventually straightening back out as you enter a huge lava flow created about 2,000 years ago by the Yapoah Crater. The broken and jagged lava stretches for 65 square miles. You can enjoy a view of the lava field, Belknap Crater, and surrounding peaks (Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, the South, North, and Middle Sister, and even Mt. Hood) at the Dee Wright Observatory constructed at 5,187 feet by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 using the surrounding lava rock. You can also learn more about the lava flow on the educational and easy Lava River National Recreation Trail located next to the observatory.
We were all impressed by the views and stood in awe of the moon-like world around us. It's was fun and interesting to observe with the kids that even in the harsh conditions created by the lava we could see life! Trees, lichen, and animals had all started to make this place home. A timely lesson that even in the toughest of times and toughest of places (such as a pandemic) life will persist. It's also inspiring to think, the scenic byway itself runs along an old wagon road. As you're standing amidst the rocky lava flow it's a wonder to imagine the pioneers working their way across the rugged and rough terrain. Their stamina and courage remind me to bravely walk my own path, head held high.
Thanks to modern technologies, and the hard work of those that went before us, we headed back down the road with ease... even if some of us did get a bit carsick on the twists and turns. There is definitely plenty more to explore in the area, we saw signs for Obsidian, Scott Lake, and the Pacific Crest Trail as we headed for home. Adventures waiting for another day!
Wyatt is sandwiched between sisters! North and Middle Sister behind and his little sister in front!
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