More Things to See Along the McKenzie Highway, East of Eugene, OR

Included in our stops for the day was a quick visit to the Old McKenzie Fish Hatchery, not to be confused with the McKenzie Fish Hatchery that I wrote about yesterday.  This hatchery is no longer in use and has been converted to a Lane County Park.  This is a fee park but again you can stop for up to 30 minutes without paying the fee.  There are restrooms and picnic tables and lots of beautiful trails to explore.


One of the things I love about western Oregon is that no matter where you go, there is always a trail to somewhere or other that begs exploring. 

There is also an observation deck overlooking one of the old holding ponds.  We saw lots of salamanders in the water, something I haven’t seen for a long time.  Russ wanted to catch one – boys never change, do they?


An old waterwheel brings out the kid in all of us.  Try as he might, Russ could not make it move.


For you golfers, we visited one of the premier golf courses in Oregon, Tokatee Golf Club.  Although we didn’t go out on the course, we knew there were terrific views of the Three Sisters Mountains and so we drove in just for the pictures.  We were not disappointed as the snowcapped peaks put on quite a display with the clear blue sky as a backdrop.  This is almost across the street from Takoda’s, where we had lunch.

Can you imagine looking at this as you play your round of golf?  How could you keep your mind on the game?  But I guess being surrounded by beauty is one of the reasons golfers do what they do.







From there it was just about 20 miles east to Sahalie Falls.  The falls were as full as I have ever seen them and the cascading water provided a cooling mist along the trail.  This is a fully accessible trail and viewing area.  There is limited RV parking and I would not attempt it in anything over about 30’. There is ample parking for cars.  Pit toilets are available.  This is a free attraction. 

It was really too bright and sunny to get good pictures but here are a couple.  This is such a beautiful area and the water is just crystal clear.  The McKenzie river flows from Clear Lake just a little further up the road and provides the drinking water for Eugene.










A trail connects Sahalie Falls with Koosha Falls but it’s quite a hike so we drove between the two.  Koosah has parking for only about 6 cars and no RVs could fit in there, except perhaps the 24’ or shorter.  There is a campground adjacent, Ice Cap Campground, which might provide a place to park your rig while you walked over for a visit.  There is a trail to the top and a trail that goes towards the middle of the falls.  Both trails end in viewing areas.  The lower trail includes stairs and is a bit steep in places, but well maintained.  If I can do it, most anyone can!!


The walk is well worth the effort.


To really get the feel for these magnificent waters, you have to hear them.  Here’s a short 15 second clip.


I caught this fella cleaning up the leftover snacks from visitors.  He had a preference for Fritos.  I know it’s a Blue Jay but I’m not sure of the variety.  I think it’s a Stellar Jay.


Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to Paradise…Campground that is!!  Right on the McKenzie River it is one of our favorite Forest Service Campgrounds.