HIKING AND FLY FISHING IN THE BEAUTIFUL MCKENZIE RIVER VALLEY

Rivers flow not past, but through us; tingling, vibrating, exciting every cell and fiber in our bodies, making them sing and glide–John Muir

McKenzie River Valley Fly Fishing

The sun was shining down on the crystal clear stream of the McKenzie River Valley as the day began. The excitement was building. This was going to be the first time our boys were going to go fly fishing. After a trip to Crater Lake National Park we headed over to the McKenzie River Valley. Hiking and Fly Fishing are very popular in the McKenzie River Valley. It was there that our Guide, Clay of Holloway Bros Fishing, met us to take the boys out fly fishing. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. My Mother in Law grew up on a river and we always joke that she has this crazy fishing touch. All she has to do is put her pole in the water and the fish always come jumping. I’m wondering if our boys may also have inherited that skill from her or they had some great Beginners luck. But within an hour they already had 6 fish. For lunch, Clay cooked up a few right there beside the river! Now that’s some Fresh fish! The boys loved it! They spent the full day on the water and said it only felt like they were out there for a few hours. What a great experience and memory of our trip to Oregon. They will never forget it.

Hiking to SAHALIE FALLS AND KOOSHAH FALLS (Heaven and Sky)

While the boys were out on their fishing adventure, Saj and I ventured out to chase some waterfalls. One of our new favorite things to do during COVID. We inquired with some locals about a good spot to go and were directed to check out Sahalie Falls and Kooshah Falls. (Hwy 126 near milepost 5 McKenzie Bridge OR. Waterfall Loop Trail) We got a 2 for 1 deal here. The Waterfall Loop Trail is an easy 2.6-mile trail. The tree canopy covered the trail so it never gets too hot. The lull of the McKenzie River crashes and surges by you on the side. The story about the falls is that they were formed over 3,000 years ago by lava that dammed Clear lake which made the water flow into the McKenzie River causing these waterfalls. The falls were named by the Chinook people that inhabited the area and used this area as a trade route. Sahalie means Heaven and Kooshah means Sky. As soon as you park you can hear the crashing of the falls. It’s a beautiful cascade and tumbling body of water that beckons you to come to see her. It does not disappoint. If you arrive there at the right time of the day you can capture a rainbow as the water spray catches the sunrays in action. It is a bit Heavenly. Yes, we found our rainbow.

As we continued down the loop you can see little alcoves where you can get down closer to the water. Be warned it’s ICE-cold blue water. We did have to put our feet in just to see HOW cold it was. Pretty Cold but refreshing! As we finally rounded the ben, we arrived at Kooshah Falls. It is less crowded and has a nice little sitting area where you can sit and take in the sights and sound of the river.

This is a great little area to take a little picnic and enjoy on the side banks by the river. Just be sure you take your trash back out with you. It’s a great little hike with big rewards. We highly suggest this hike if you are in the area. That afternoon as we were heading back to Portland, the smoke from the wildfires started moving in. Before we knew it the smoke was so thick on the highway we could barely see the cars in front of us. It’s hard to believe just a few hours before we were hiking in the woods and seeing rainbows. We escaped just in time. We are so sad to hear of the destruction and devastation that has happened there. All in all, this may not be the best time to travel there but you should add it to your list in the future for hiking and fly fishing. It’s a gem not to be missed.

Joys On A Journey