Day 23 – Redmond OR

What a wonderful day! Bill got up early and went to get coffee, donuts, and see what the vendors had to offer. He came back with a sewer donut (for the RV!) and some light bulbs. We headed out at 10 for the McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. This is an 82 mile loop that goes through some varied and very impressive scenery. We stopped in the town of Sisters OR to get gas and sandwiches from Subway.

The first part of the trip is through a flat Douglas fir and cedar forest. Then it starts to climb to McKenzie Pass (elev 5325’) which is surrounded by large lava fields. At the summit is the Dee Wright Observatory made in 1935 from lava rock by the CCC. From the observatory we could see vast lava fields and several mountain peaks. It was quite cool up there even though it was sunny.

Back in the forest, we stopped to see Scott Lake which was just a nice little mountain lake. Then it was fun driving as we descended 1200’ in 4 miles through crazy switchbacks and curves on a two lane road. I am so glad that I don’t get car sick because this stretch could make almost anyone nauseous.

After we reached some flatter land, we stopped by McKenzie river to have our lunch. Just a short way ahead on the road we found the first of two waterfalls – Koosah Falls. It was just a short walk through pine woods to a great viewing point. That is where today’s photo is taken. A few miles down the road was Sahalie Falls, also a short pleasant walk from the road. It was so cool and pleasant at both Falls, I would have liked to spend more time there.

Our last stop was at the Head of the Metolius where the Metolius River originates from underground springs. It was a pleasant walk through Ponderosa Pines with a split-rail fence marking the walk. Chipmunks were darting everywhere like little kittens. The end of the path was a lovely overlook of the springs and a view of the river as it meandered away with Mt Jefferson in the distance. We sat on a bench to watch the chipmunks. One in particular kept coming close and darting away making it very difficult to get a photos. Bill picked up an old peanut shell and held it out to the chipmunk, and he scampered over to investigate. As he got closer he jumped on my shoe and bounced around a bit, and then sniffed at the peanut shell. They were so fun to watch.

Then it was back home to Redmond. We stopped at a grocery to get potato salad and fried chicken for our scenic tour tomorrow. Bill took a nap before we went to Red Dog Depot for dinner. It is close by and was a railroad depot that has been modernized and filled with hundreds of dog photos. It was okay but nothing to write home about.