The Cascade Mountains of Oregon:

North and Middle Sister viewed from the McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass Oregon Scenic Byway.

south and middle sister in the cascade mountains of oregon. travel oregon on the west cascades national scenic byway, the mckenzie pass, santiam pass oregon scenic byway of oregon, in the cascade mountains of oregon, along the clackamas river, the wild and scenic mckenzie river, the wild and scenic north fork of the middle fork of the willamette river, see waterfalls, volcanoes, lava flows. hiking trails through old growth forests, along rivers, in wilderness areas. Soak in hot springs along rivers: bagby hot springs, terwilliger hot springs, cougar hot springs, hike to sahalie waterfalls, koosah waterfalls on the mckenzie river, proxy waterfalls in the willamette national forest on hwy 242, the mckenzie pass, santiam pass, oregon scenic byway, marion creek waterfalls off the santiam river, hike to mountain lakes along creeks. hiking trails along the mckenzie river: the mckenzie national recreation trail, camping in old growth forests all the west cascades national scenic byway in oregon.

Standing on the summit of the Scenic McKenzie Pass, surrounded by mountains on every side.

Mountains, mountains everywhere. So this is Oregon? These are our roots, mountains shaping the planet we call home? One
cannot escape them up here. The wonder of them, their fearsome character, nothing to ever take lightly. Not just the big mountains
either. Not just those mountains we like to think of as ours when we live in their shadow. The mountains we love.

Here, the reminders are everywhere: mountains erupt, mountains become anew, but only until the next eruption. The eruption
of Mt St Helens, so beautiful before, so altered after, and this happens again and again. Growing up in the shadow of Mt Hood, I
thought couldn't bear that "my" mountain could erupt, that beloved mountain, and be so altered as to be unrecognizable to those of
who "love" a mountain. Loving as we do, it's easy to forget their foreboding character. Not up here. Even the smaller peaks, those
one has never heard of or thought about in the valleys below. They're not to be ignored up here. They demand
recognition, defined clearly by lava flows, until that's all to be seen. Mountains and lava flows now hardened, blanketing
everything, easily recognized on mountain flanks. Mountains, lava and a few trees and shrubs hardy
enough or lucky enough to find a place to grab hold and survive.

This spectacle should Never be missed. The McKenzie Scenic Highway is the old highway, and open only during
summer. Usually sometime around the 4th of July. A series of switchbacks, it climbs the flank of mountains. Be prepared for
time to make this drive. Connect with this wonder in Sisters, Oregon east of the pass, or off of Hwy 126 in the
Willamette Valley, originating in Springfield, Oregon.

Protect our National Forests and Wilderness Areas. Leave NO Trace!

 

Forward ~ Summit on the McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass Oregon Scenic Byway.

Back ~ Mt Jefferson photographed just east of the summit of the McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass Oregon Scenic Byway.

USFS: Willamette National Forest.

Brad and I invite you to travel the West Cascades National Scenic Byway: Travel Directions, Map: page 1 and page 2, and Scenery: offering mountains, hardened lava flows, wild and scenic rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails, hot springs, old growth forests, mountain lakes, forest service campgrounds.

The Crescent Lake, Oakridge "Inback" Tour: Travel Directions and Map.

 travel oregon: Wild rhododendrons growing in the cascade mountains of oregon.  

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
located in southern Oregon near Crater Lake National Park.

 

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Travel to Gathering Light .... a retreat on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway: Directions, Map and Scenery: hiking trails, waterfalls, wild and
scenic rivers, mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, Oregon scenic
byways, wilderness areas and more. Or, perhaps and, the Willamette Pass: Directions, Map and Scenery.

Directions to and Day Trips of about 100 miles from the retreat.

Little known Scenic Places to explore and photograph nature untrammeled: hiking with and without trails, wetlands, wildlife refuges, mountains, river gorges, wilderness areas, wildlife viewing and more near Crater Lake
and the retreat: Travel Directions Map and Scenery.

 The elfin treehouse at gathering light ... a retreat located in southern oregon near crater lake national park: cabins, tree houses in the forest on the river. travel to gathering light ... a retreat in southern oregon on the west cascades national scenic byway, one of many scenic byways in oregon.  

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The Unique and Unusual at Gathering Light ... a retreat.

For the Unconventional, Natural Adventurous, Outdoor Enthusiast.

Providing a "safe harbor" for "light living" imaginative kindred spirits
and unusual lodgings at exceptional rates.

Private Cozy Cabins at surprisingly low rates; elevated secluded unusual riverside "Leafy Hideaways" ...
"Treehouses". Also: TP, RVs, Rec Hall Family and Group Lodgings.
The Area offers hot - springs and opportunities for Skinny-dipping and Sunbathing along mile
long wooded river frontage surrounded by national forest.
Kayaking, rafting, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, wildlife viewing, birding -- Bald Eagles;
Located in Southern Oregon between Crater Lake National Park and Mt Shasta,
Lava Beds National Monument, Waterfalls, Wetland, Wilderness Areas,
National Wildlife Refuges.
For the "Snugglebug or Snail" in Everyone -- Gup   (BK) ... ( o ;
* Actually we're doing this for the fun of it. We're rather unconventional ourselves,
some might say "unusual" ... We take it as a compliment. (o ;

Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat.

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