Trip Report

A group of twenty-seven Obsidians and friends left the Shopko parking lot at 8:00 a.m. to explore the beautiful McKenzie River. The fall colors along the way were just beginning to show, as we headed out with Belknap Springs Resort as our destination. The gorgeous morning brought more beauty along the McKenzie River via McKenzie View Drive. We stopped at the EWEB Park across the Leaburg Dam for our coffee break, making use of the very nice shelter there. There is also signage with information about the area. The Leaburg Fish Hatchery is located to the southeast of the dam with large trophy fish and a few sturgeons. There is a large population of small trout ready for planting in the streams. The facilities and trail along the lake shore are well-maintained and the fish ponds were well stocked at this time. Feeding the fish with the proper food available at the pond’s edge made for an exciting time for several riders. Enjoying another 35 – 40 miles of pure beauty we arrived at Belknap for hiking, soaking in the wonderful heated hot springs pool and enjoying the flowers. The highlight of this trip was a BBQ lunch hosted by the Beard family and the hospitality committee. The menu consisted of items from shiska-bobs, chicken skewers, bbq asparagus tips, Hawaiian shrimp & veggies, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, fresh fruit, and berry cobbler with ice cream. Although cooking outside in a strong wind was a challenge, no one went away hungry. Everyone enjoyed a leisurely four hours at Belknap and we appreciated having use of their lovely great room for dining. Upon departure we drove on up the highway to Sahalie Falls, which is always spectacular to see, and found more fall color along the road. After many cameras and cell phones grabbed fantastic pictures of the falls we headed back to Eugene, arriving approximately 530 p.m.