Date: 2011-12-11
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Thanks to my patient readers last year, I now write a monthly Column for my local Paper. Check out my latest piece.Adventure in the McKenzie River Recreational AreaDistance from Salem: 100 miles, two hour driveCougar Hot Springs elevation: 1,800'Start of McKenzie River Trail elevation: 1,500'End of McKenzie River Trail elevation: 3,000'Snow gate on Hwy 242 elevation: 2,500'Proxy Falls trail head elevation: 3,100'Maps: McKenzie Ranger Station 541-822-3381 M-F 8:00am-4:30pmBelknap Hot Spring Lodge: www.belknaphotsprings.com Dogs are allowed: in all areas, but leashes are required at both hot springs and recommended as courtesy on the multi use McKenzie River Trail.The Adventure:   The McKenzie River Area is so rich with outdoor recreation that today's feature is a "choose your own adventure"! How does a soak in one of Oregon's most beautiful natural hot springs sound? If that's not your forte, perhaps you would like to hike beside a spring fed scenic white water river, or maybe a walk in the snow. You could even stay at a family hot spring resort if you really want to get away from it all.Cougar Hot Springs    After leaving Springfield on Hwy 126, drive another 45 minutes or so. Once you pass mile marker 45, turn right onto winding Forest Service Rd #19. Follow it, staying to the right, for 11 miles. The parking area for Cougar or Terwilliger (its official name) Hot Springs is well marked and obvious on your left. There is no parking fee, but there is a $5 per person entrance charge. After a short 1/2 mile hike, the trail leads you into an amazing old growth cedar and fern lined draw filled with crystal clear soaking pools. These pools are filled with steaming hot water fed from a spring gushing out of a small stone grotto. Enjoy the natural beauty around you while the minerals in the hot water rejuvenate your mind and body. As most hot springs in the national forest, Cougar is clothing optional.McKenzie River Trail   Once back on Hwy 126, continue east for 6 more miles. You will see the lower trail head to the McKenzie River Trail on the left. There is no parking fee here and it is mountain bike friendly. This trail closely follows the McKenzie River through lush fern covered forests, ancient lava flows, and over many small tributary creeks. What makes this trail so great, is the fact that though it is 26 miles long, there are 10 different trail heads to access it. This gives you the ability to customize your hike to be as long or as short as you like. Depending on the snow level this time of year, higher portions of the trail will be inaccessible at times, so make sure you check the web for snow levels before making plans. The good news is, there will almost always be clear trail to hike year round in the lower elevations.Snow covered Walk on closed McKenzie Pass Hwy    For some winter fun, continue just two miles up the highway. Shortly after passing the McKenzie Ranger station, Turn right onto Hwy 242 and follow it just 7 miles where it is gated off for the winter. It is plowed only up to the gate. Slip on your snow boots (maybe even snowshoes) before you hike in the snow, up this beautiful forest road through a winter wonderland. 2 miles beyond the gate you will see the 1.5 mile loop trail to the 226 foot Proxy Falls. I don't advise going to the falls if it is currently snowing incase your tracks get covered up. This trail is not marked for nordic travel. Belknap Hot Springs Lodge    Once back to Hwy 126, head east and turn left almost immediately onto Belknap Springs Rd. Belknap Lodge has many beautiful garden areas and two swimming pools filled with 101 degree mineral water. It is the perfect ¢base camp¢ while exploring the other amazing places nearby. Bring your suits along as it is a family friendly resort. Don't forget to search for the "Secret Garden".