Our work done, Ben and I leave Eugene the next day and head east, up to the mountains. Might there be some hot water along the way?
Yep, first stop will be Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs.
Cougar Reservoir is really low. This is the main reservoir, and the Lagoon is directly across the road from this. It was full back in July, but they have taken the water level down in order to be ready for the rain, snow, and run off.
Just to give a little contrast, this the the waterfall in the Lagoon at the Hot Springs in October.
This is the back part of the Lagoon in October.
This is the same water fall and Lagoon in July. Asa and I took a dip here at that time.
Enough of that, it's now on to the hot water. This is the trail to the springs.
We arrive, and while Ben is getting a feel for the scenery, I take to the waters. Ahhhh!!
I usually start out in pool 2, which is pictured here. It's in the middle, not too hot and not too cold.
This is another view of pool 2.
After getting into the vibe of the place, Ben decides to take to the waters and enters the brotherhood of soakers. Ben is officially welcomed as a full member in good standing in the Confederation of Reformed and Presbyterian Soakers. (CoRPS)
This is pool 1 (it is sometimes called pools 0 and 1). Notice the source of the hot water, it is coming out of the mouth of the cave (to the left of the water bottle), usually at about 115 degrees. The temp varies depending on how much rain they have. In dry times, the temp can go up to close to 120, and in the rainy season, it can drop below 98.
This is another view of pool 1. The source is to the left. Our soaking done, we get dressed and head back to the truck and head out to check out some lava.
Here's Ben exploring in the lava fields. This is about the same place were Henry fell into a hole in the lava, and I thought I had lost him. He emerged, cut, scraped, and bruised, and a little embarrassed, but otherwise OK.
We head on up Highway 242 to the McKenzie Pass to the Dee Wright Observatory.
This road, due to extreme snow and some road maintenance, did not open until September.
I hope Ben's Mom doesn't see that he is wearing sandals as he climbs around in the lava.
More lava, with Mount Washington in the background.
A closer view of Mount Washington.
Ben and Mount Washington.
This is Mount Jefferson. We will be spending the night at Breitenbush Hot Springs, which is fairly close to this mountain.
Black Butte, for which Black Butte Porter is named.
Looking to the south, we check out the North and Middle Sisters.
We leave the lava fields and head back down the mountain and continue to make our way toward more hot water.
We do make a stop to check out the Blue Hole, which is on the McKenzie River and is also known as Tamolitch Falls.
We finally make it to the Blue Hole. The McKenzie River begins at Clear Lake, which is fed by a giant cold springs. The out flow forms the McKenzie. This is a volcanic area, and a couple miles up stream the McKenzie enters a series of lava tubes, which are basically underground caves. The river flows underground through these tubes and emerges here at the Blue Hole.
Any idea how it got its name?
Ben at the Blue Hole.
The water is really clear and COLD!! Asa and I took a dip here in July. After a nice hike out, Ben and I head up the road and stop at Sahalie Falls.
Ben doing a little posing.
We continue our travels and make our way to Breitenbush Hot Springs, where we will spend the night.
Here is a lay out of the place.
We get checked in and receive our cabin assignment.
Then its off to take the waters and wash off the days trail dust.
This is the main lodge, where we will take our vegetarian meals. It is a hold over from the lady who first operated a hot springs retreat here. She was the daughter of the man who invented the ice cream cone.
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