Issuu

McKenzie Magazine - Winter 2021

Ready for a McKenzie state of mind? Escape to open spaces, fresh air, clear streams and winter’s beauty

The Hall House at Fish Lake at 7:50 a.m. on the morning of December 29th, 2020. Taken with an iPhone by Guy Cohoon, USFS

CONTENTS A River Connects Us.......................................................................Page 4

7 tips for catching more trout this winter.................................... Page 11

Art in recovery.................................................................................Page 5

Snow To Go!...................................................................................Page 12

Managing the outdoors...................................................................Page 7

Ray Benson Sno-Park...................................................................Page 14

Fishing the Lower McKenzie River................................................Page 9

Business Services.........................................................................Page 15

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this publication or any part thereof in any form, including digital and artistic duplication of photos, maps, graphics, advertisements, or text, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without written permission of the publisher. © 2021 McKenzie River Reflections, 59059 Old McKenzie Hwy. McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 (541) 822-3358 mckenzieriverreflectionsnewspaper.com. Cover photo of Dee Wright Observatory courtesy Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club. 3

A River Connects Us

By Brandi Crawford Ferguson Upriver, downriver, new-river, old-river, we all share the beautiful McKenzie. Were you born here or did you choose to call this landscape home? Maybe you vacation here, casting for rainbows from a drift boat with a local guide. No matter your connection to this river valley, you have created cherished memories and care. On September 7th, 2020, the unthinkable happened and our memories of the beautiful McKenzie River valley changed forever. Over 173,000-acres burned during the Holiday Farm Fire with over 400 homes destroyed. We cannot begin to imagine what all the people and families impacted are going through. People, community, natural resources - something I first heard Darren Cross, District Ranger for the McKenzie River Ranger District state during his morning briefings about the firefighting efforts, ten days after the fire began. The Holiday Farm Fire ultimately burned 20% of the McKenzie Watershed, a 25-mile stretch along both sides of the river the downstream metropolitan area relies on for its drinking water. Members of the McKenzie River Guides Association (MRGA) have been stewarding

the river for 90 years. After the fire, licensed local fishing guides are assisting with river recovery by running segments of the river after significant rainfall, reporting hazards to agency partners for safe removal, helping to improve navigability, habitat and water quality. This effort, funded by the McKenzie Masters Foundation also helps to put local guides back to work on the river. Winter is here, the rains have come and many property owners

42nd Street Mini Storage

Coded gate access Security cameras Unit access 7 days a week

362 42nd Street, Springfield 541-746-2654 4

in the burn area are now dealing with muddy landscapes with little vegetation. Over 230 landowners have signed up to participate in a program to restore their properties and collectively help with the recovery of the McKenzie watershed. The Pure Waters Program (PWP), collaboration between EWEB, McKenzie Watershed Council, McKenzie River Trust and others, pivoted immediately after the fire to work with landowners offering free burn assessments to evaluate erosion concerns, hazard trees and hazardous material that could wash into the waterways. If needed, temporary treatments such as mulching, waddles and silt fencing are offered at no or minimal cost, most installed by the Northwest Youth Corp. In February the PWP began the next phase, offering native tree and shrub planting along the river and streams. No matter if you live upriver, downriver or in another water-

shed, we all live downstream. These are just a few stories of how our community has come together to care for this river we cherish and rely on. With spring in the air, nature will soon show us her resilience – just like the community of people who call the McKenzie River home.

Jim & Mindi Brock’s 2005 Willies 15-foot drift boat had her last journey on the McKenzie the Saturday before it was damaged in the fire.

Art in recovery

By Sean Davis For twenty-five years the McKenzie River Inn has operated on the banks of the river for which it was named. Bert de Klerk, who’s been fishing for trout since he was five years old, ran the resort and guided countless visitors to our river. Bert’s partner Annie Margarita created amazing and unique pieces of art in her studio close enough to the rolling rapids to hear them, always, in the background as she worked leather into custom and one of a kind handbags, rod and reel cases, wallets, and rifle slings that you need to see to really take in the incredible craftsmanship of the work. Annie Margarita received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon. She has an extensive background in many mediums including interior design, industrial sculpting,

film and animation, and mural work for theme parks, zoos and aquariums. She has taught fine art painting, leather work, and beading for over 12 years, many of those years in art retreats at the McKenzie River Inn. The Holiday Farm Fire burned the McKenzie River Inn and Annie’s studio to their foundations along with 173,393 acres and 430 homes according to Lane County. While we all agree we will get through this, people also know that our home, the McKenzie River Valley will never be the same. We realize, as only the survivors of a wildland fire can, that when the blaze runs through a community, it burns more than just trees and buildings. Art is at the soul of a community. But just because many original pieces have been turned to ashes, we will grow from it.

Annie Margarita’s leather work creations have included rod and reel cases popular with discerning anglers. Annie Margarita is just one small event complete with hors d of many extremely talented and oeuvres. The McKenzie General credited artists who live along Store had just started hanging lothe River. Every month our rural cal art as well. In fact, that’s the clinic, a hub of the community, only reason a lot of Jane Hamcelebrated our local artists by mond’s pieces weren’t destroyed hanging their work and holding a

forever when the Azul Gallery she owned and curated burned with the rest of Blue River. Micki Voorhies created metal art, both custom work like gates, arbors, trellises, private screens, and even steel high heels for galleries and art shows. On Labor Day night, as the Holiday Farm Fire burned the Valley, Micki made it out with only the clothes on her back and four rescue cats. Her property, her house, and her studio were all a total loss. No one can put a value on the potential art she had yet to make, but the loss of her completed pieces, equipment, and materials totaled more than $200,000. This huge obstacle would put a damper on anyone’s artistic spirit, but Micki is still creating, not with metal, but by painting old chairs to create vibrant works of art. Sheri Smith is another incredible McKenzie River artist, and before the fire she had just set up a yurt on her property and planned workshops throughout the year. Again, the fire destroyed those plans just as it destroyed so much else. Sheri had to cancel her juried

art shows. Many of the commissioned pieces she was finishing up for river folk were also burned in the fire, but she didn’t let that stop her. Her artistic drive is still alive, still going. She is a veteran fire survivor. This is her fourth - the first took the Forest Glen/ Cougar Room, the next destroyed Log Cabin Inn restaurant, and the third in 2012 that destroyed the Holiday Farm lodge. There is no denying the devastation of the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, but when talking to our artists I have found that there are things that not even a wildland fire can burn away. If you look at Margaret Godfrey’s art blog, you will see an inspiring story of perseverance. While the fire has changed us forever, some brave souls use the trauma in their art. Margaret has created an entire new series of watercolors and ink and paper about the fire. She says, “Looking into the motivation and the “why” of the work, I came up with the thought that I was putting scabs over the wounds left by the many personal losses. And aren’t scabs the beginning of healing?” she asks. “Burnt,” by Margaret Godfrey, became more than a pen on paper image when she added bright red watercolor paint to the graphic elements.

Did you know that the snow-pack that makes for great conditions in winter also provides fuel for the region’s rivers and hydroelectric system? Hydropower actually begins on snowcapped mountains. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPHSb #HydroFlowsHere Bonneville Power Administration

mckenzieriverreflectionsnewspaper.com

(541) 484-1151 • www.laneelectric.com

Managing the outdoors By Sean Davis This has been a very trying year for everyone with the COVID-19 pandemic, the tumultuous political climate, and difficulties with jobs and the economy. This year has been even more difficult for the residents of the McKenzie River, but we are resilient. Life goes on and a giant part of life for those of us who live on the McKenzie River and in Oregon is outside recreation in the snow. Darren Cross is the Ranger for the McKenzie River Ranger District and he says that before the Holiday Farm Fire the usage for our area was “off the charts” with near maximum occupancy on all our campgrounds because people wanted recreational activities where they could social-distance and be outside. Even now, the Santiam and Potato Hill Sno Parks “have had unprecedented

USFS This February’s storms have made snowshoes or skis the preferred option for accessing some trailheads. use” that has caused some parking challenges. As for the Holiday Farm Fire, Cross says, “The forest will always be resilient and whether it is wildfire or increased visitation, the Forest Service continues to work with the community and

our partners to steward the forest for everyone.” Many of the trails on and around the McKenzie River and Willamette National Forest are covered with one big beautiful white blanket due to recent snowfall. The weather has been milder

than the last three years, but people on the McKenzie know as well as anyone that not even a fortune teller can predict the weather here from day-to-day. The Three Sisters mountains glow white all winter though, and the Upper McKenzie and beyond are a playground for all of those who love to cross country ski, downhill ski, snowboard, or crank up a snowmobile. Let’s look at specific trails and Sno-Parks in the Willamette National Forest to see which are open and which are closed: Many of the campground and trails are closed for the season. Others are closed due to fire damage like Delta Campground on the McKenzie near Rainbow and Detroit Lake off Highway 26. The Aufderheide Scenic Byway is open and beautiful as ever,

but not maintained for snow and ice - which means there will be very little snow plows if any and people need to be aware of potential landslides and high volumes of snow. If getting out of your car and tromping about is what you love to do, there are many Sno-Parks open like Big Springs and Gold Lake, or Potato Hill. Most will require a Sno-Park permit. You can get them on the Forest Service website. They are $25 for an annual permit, $9 for a three day, or $4 for the day. In early February, the amount of snow was 19-24” and the snowpack at Little Nash SnoPark was heavy, wet snow on top of a heavy condensed base. Of course when you are having fun snowshoeing or riding a snowmobile be on the lookout for hazards. With snow at this level it was not deep enough to cover all shrubs and downed logs, especially under trees. The McKenzie River Trail is always a great place to hike and mountain bike and if you want to see our amazing waterfalls, Koosah and Sahalie are open, but

Share the trail

their parking lots are not maintained for snow and ice so watch out for slippery conditions. Unfortunately Proxy Falls is closed in the winter along with Highway 242. The Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, and Diamond Peak, all parts of the extended neighborhood of McKenzie River community. We know how to have fun in the snow, but we also know conditions can change at a moment’s notice so always carry emergency supplies, chains or traction tires, a map, and a shovel at the minimum. District Ranger Cross says, “The forest environment is full of opportunities to explore and winter offers unique ways to explore it. Anyone heading to the forest should do their homework and ‘know before you go.’ Be aware of weather and snow conditions. Have blankets, food and water in case you get stuck and be sure that someone knows where you are and when to start looking for you if you do not return at the expected time.”

Hike Oregon Group REMINDER when you are recreating at a sno-park, please share the trail. Snowshoers should not step in nordic ski tracks. If there are no snowshoe tracks and only ski tracks, please be courteous and break a snowshoe trail. Yes it is hard work, but frozen snowshoe tracks are a nightmare for nordic skiers to try and navigate. Same goes for skiers, if there are only snowshoe tracks on the trail, break trail along the side of the snowshoe tracks. Thank you everyone for sharing the trail.

Riverview Cottages Fully Furnished Sleep 4 -7 People (541) 822-3556 Milepost 51, 56404 McKenzie Hwy McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

www.caddisflyresort.com

State Farm ® Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Offices Bloomington, Illinois

caddisflyresort@gmail.com

David C. Willis Insurance Agency Inc.

David C Willis CASL CLU ChFC, Agent 212 Q Street, Springfield, OR 97477-2139 Bus: 541-747-1499 david.willis.coq6@state farm.com

Patsy’s Stage Stop

McKenzie Stage Stop Restaurant

Join us for great food for your “On the Go” recreational outings or take out meals for the whole family

Located in Cedar Flat

541-741-7907

Fishing the Lower McKenzie River

By Robin Alexander The McKenzie River runs 90 miles from its source at Clear Lake to the confluence, where it enters into the Willamette River. In the uppermost regions the McKenzie flows underground for three miles filtering through lava and resurfaces at Tamolitch Pool at the base of Tamolitch Falls. Then the McKenzie cuts, carves, and cascades, its way down in-between the mountains

Fishing Tackle * Worms Lane County Parks Permits Espresso * Ice Day Fishing Licenses

35286 Camp Creek Rd.

and finally plains out and quickly becomes a valley river roughly around Hendricks Bridge. Let’s talk about the fishing opportunities on the McKenzie from Leaburg Dam down to the confluence. Leaburg Lake is an excellent place to take your kids or grandchildren fishing for the day. A fabulous place to throw the lines in the water and sit in lawn chairs and have a picnic lunch. Easy parking, easy access

and usually ducks available for the kids to feed. Who knows, you might even catch a few fish to eat. Rainbow trout are planted in Leaburg Lake on a scheduled basis throughout the fishing season for everyone to enjoy. It seems to me that the fishing can be a little slow at first in the Spring, until the water warms up a little and then the bite sometimes can really turn up and take off. Below Leaburg Dam is ample opportunity in the Springtime onward to fish for chinook salmon and steelhead. A variety of fishing styles are used to catch these big fish. Chinook salmon and Summer steelhead are mostly pursued using egg roe, shrimp, different types of colored beads

McKenzie Watershed Council

Hot Food Fresh Sandwiches Take & Bake Pizza Groceries * Deli 541-747-0321

and lures. Also, the fly fisherman can peruse steelhead with wet flies, and nips. I recommend an 8 weight fly rod with a sink tip line for that novice fly fisherman that wants to get started fly fishing for them. The main areas fisherman seek these elusive big fish is the beginning legal point 200 feet below Leaburg Dam and down river all the way to Leaburg Boat Ramp. Chinook salmon fishing ends sooner, where the Summer steelhead fishing can last clear up into the Fall. The Chinook salmon must have the adipose fin clipped to be legal to keep, where the steelhead are legal to keep clipped or a native being 24

Voluntary Partnerships for:

• Restore fish & wildlife habitat • Protect water quality • Promote public awareness • Monthly meetings on watershed issues

541-201-8150 www.mckenziewc.org

inches or longer. Leaburg Boat Landing down to Hendricks Bridge Boat Landing is a fabulous section of the river to fish for those native rainbows and also the hatchery clipped rainbow trout that have been released into the river by a floating pontoon boat ran by the McKenzie River Guides, in association with the O.D.F.W. The fish leave the plant boat through a small gate and are distributed throughout that portion of the river system. The adipose fin is also clipped on the hatchery rainbows. Sometimes it is the only way you can tell that they really have come from the hatchery. Another bonus is that they are firm, have pink meat , and are very tasty for those fishermen that enjoy taking a fish fry home. The planned size of the hatchery fish that will be released this year will be about two fish per pound, which is an extremely good sized trout. Despite the horrific punishment of the Holiday Farm Fire, for us all last year,

the O.D.F.W. is working hard to be able to put plenty of fish into the McKenzie River with the possibility of only a twenty percent reduction. A remarkable accomplishment and well done by them all, while having to combat against their losses from the fire and some departments working with just a skeleton crew. At Hendricks Bridge down to the confluence where the McKenzie runs into Willamette River is the section of the river that turns into a valley river, unlike the carving, cascading, river of its upper region. Hatchery rainbows are not planted below Hendricks Bridge and an actual new type of fishery begins to change, as the river rambles Westward. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures except for fishing a short period of time for chinook salmon using bait. The river opens up to rock bars that become available to walk and fish from. The first opportunities to fish, each year, on the McKenzie River usually starts

State Farm®

with the March Brown hatch. Several sunny days in a row can make the bite begin, as Native Rainbow and Cut throat surface feeding on the bugs. It’s a magical sight seeing all the fish rise in high numbers all around you, making you feel as though your standing at the hatchery, and then they will all stop feeding at the same time and the river turns back onto a mirror vision and it looks like there’s not a fish in the river to catch. Truly a fabulous sight for every fisherman to experience and enjoy. I suggest for the novice fly fisherman to pick up and learn on a 5 or 6 weight fly rod. It will give you that maximum casting controlled ability and that natural power to be able to learn how to lay that fly line out across the water easier, while learning. Also, smaller flies can be a plus while fishing the March Brown season. I suggest 14 and 16 sizes of March brown and brown caddis patterns may work best. Don’t forget about nip fishing with a fly rod during the March Brown. It can become extremely rewarding. One of the biggest changes in the lower section of the river

is the further down you go a percentage change takes place between the native rainbow and the native cut throat population. By the time the river reaches where the Mohawk River runs into the McKenzie, the native cut throat population changes places with the native rainbow population. Now roughly 70% to 80% more native cut throat in the river compared to what was an even higher percentage of native rainbow population in the upper region. The cut throat feed a little different than the rainbows. They like the deep swirly boiling water along the riverbanks and also tucked away in the little hidden pockets that pool up behind the brushy outcropped spots in the river that create a little backwater. Enjoy fishing for them. Also, throughout the whole McKenzie River system there is always that chance of catching that mountain whitefish or that rarely seen bull trout. Take care of those natives. You can use a fish release letting them go back into the river without touching them and help keep those native populations higher for the years to come.

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

As far as fishing in the lower McKenzie in the winter time goes, it will be quite slow. Not hardly any bug hatch until those warm sunny days show up, which starts the active March Brown fishing. The fly fishing can start earlier than March with a little warmer weather. For that diehard fisherman who wants to get out there earlier. I would suggest nip fishing over dry flies for the possibility of having better luck. Robin Alexander

Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Corkey Gourley Insurance Agency, Inc. Corkey Gourley, Agent NMLS #314299

1310 Market St. Springfield, OR 97477-3334 Bus 541-747-4246 corkey@corkeygourley.net The greatest compliment you can give is a referral

Heather Buch

Dangerous Tree Removal Cabling & Bracing Stump Removal Tree Trimming/Hedge Pruning Roof Cleaning/Storm Damage Yard Restoration/Curb Appeal

County Commissioner At Your Service

541-682-4203

541-936-1757

centurytreesinc.com centurytrees@yahoo.com

CCB#183064 10

Heather.Buch@co.lane.or.us

7 tips to catch more trout this winter

ODFW By Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Dedicated fly-anglers don’t stop fishing in the winter, instead they adjust their tactics to the colder conditions. Oregon’s popular trout rivers take on a different character in winter. The barren landscape reveals a different sort of beauty, the crowds diminish and the fishing becomes more challenging. For some, it may be enough “to just be there.” But if your plans include actually catching a fish, here are seven tips that may help improve your chances. 1. Go small and light. Clear, slow water, smaller insects and wary fish call for smaller flies

keep your flies near the bottom of the river. But also be prepared for the occasional hatch with a selection of Griffith’s gnats and small blue wing olives. 3. Look for trout in slower waters. Trout metabolism slows in the winter. They’re eating less and looking for ways to conserve energy, like getting out of the heavier currents into quieter waters. Back eddies, off-channel areas, and the inside of current seams can all be places to look for winter trout. 4. Cover the water thoroughly. A fish won’t move far to take a fly (slower metabolism and all that), so you’ll want to put your fly right in front of its nose. Cover the water methodically to increase your changes of hitting a fish. 5. Sleep in. There’s no need to hit the water at daylight when it comes to winter trout fishing.

and lighter tippet than you might use the rest of the year. Downsize your flies. A dominate food source for trout in the winter are teeny, tiny midges that are best mimicked by teeny, tiny flies – like size 16 and smaller. Lighten your tippet. If you normally fish 4X, switch to 5X. This will let the smaller flies move more naturally, and avoid spooking fish hanging out in slower waters – where they have more time to scrutinize your fly. 2. Hope for dry fly action but plan to nymph. Winter fly-fishing is a nymphing show. Consider a double-nymph rig with a smaller midge pattern on top and a weighted stonefly below, to help

McKenzie River Trust helps people protect and care for the lands and rivers they cherish in western Oregon

Join us in caring for the river! mckenzieriver.org/volunteer

The best fishing will be during the warmest parts of the day – late morning to mid-afternoon. So follow your Mother’s advice and take time to eat a good breakfast before you go. 6. Follow these safety precautions: Travel safely. Travel in the winter can by dicey so be prepared for bad weather and bad roads. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. And remember to check in when you get home. Consider using a wading staff. Snow and/or ice can make wading even trickier. And winter is not the time of year you want to be falling in the water. Beware of hypothermia. If you do fall in the water, and it happens, you’ll need to get warm and dry as quickly as possible. Carry a change of dry clothes and hot beverages, or a way to make them. 7. Lower….er, adjust your expectations. Winter trout fishing is about being outside, enjoying the solitude and challenging your fishing skills. It’s not about catching a lot of trout. You’ve got just a few good hours to chase finicky fish – learn to appreciate one- or two-fish days for what they are. Plenty of time to catch loads of fish later in the year. For the latest fishing updates, check the weekly Recreation Report: https://myodfw.com/recreation-report

Gas * Diesel * Propane * ATM/FAX * Shuttle Service Visitor Info * Hot Deli * Lottery * Videos Hunting/Fishing Supplies * Espresso * Fine Wines 91808 Mill Creek Rd. in Rainbow 541-822-3575

Mohawk General Store Terry & Sandra Alberts, Owners

541-746-1969

91130 Donna Rd, Springfield

List your business in the Summer Edition of the McKenzie Magazine rivref@wildblue.net

Sno To Go!

Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club If mashed potatoes or white gold don’t seem connected to your outdoor winter plans, you’re probably not familiar with snowmobiling and should think first before firing up your new sled. Plus, you’d better have earned a snowmobile safety certification card or hold a driver’s license before heading out to make some tracks in Oregon. Caught without either and the possibility of $250 ticket could makes put a tough penalty atop your day. “If you don’t know anything about snowmobiles, a dealer is a good place to have yours checked out,” suggests Kelly Fough. “They’re also the ones to educate you.” Kelly should know. As a DMV approved instructor he’s a proponent of outdoor safety, particularly since he’s had to respond as part of Search & Rescue missions when somethings gone wrong. Over the course of the last ? years Kelly says he’s seen a wide range of folks people enthused by the sport. The oldest was a 92-year-old man he recently rode with. At the other end of the spectrum was an eight-year-old who took the class. There isn’t a strict

age limit for a license and Kelly “There are a lot of people who said the boy told him he and his can’t get out and travel on their friend got interested in riding af- own but they can get out on a ter being exposed to snowmobil- snowmobile,” Kelly says. “I ing, “By watching Animal Planet should know, I’ve had three knee on TV.” surgeries.” So once you’re qualified, 20921 is turning out to be a where do you go? Tony Kuenzi, big blast of a year, with plenty like Kelly, is among the 80 or of snow piling up from Februso members of the Mt. Jefferson ary storms. “It’s always up and Snowmobile Club. The group, has been based out of Santiam Pass since 1973. They maintain warming shelter (and its firewood supply) in conjunction with the Nordic Club and groom a system of trails adjacent to the Hoodoo The Oregon Dept. of Transportation maintains cameras and Ski area. There are five parking lots at posts road condition updates the Ray Benson Sno Park where on a regular basis. To check the people can off-load from trail- Santiam Pass, go to: http://alturl. ers and head out on 120 miles com/dnap3 of trails. If you’re new, covering about ten miles is probably a good goal to have in mind. More experienced sledders have a number of options like going around Cash Mountain or taking a run over to Hwy. 242 and the Dee Wright Observatory (see cover photo). Some Others might chart a course for Elk Lake, Mt. Bachelor, maybe stopping in Sisters for lunch. 12

Check the roads before heading out

down” Tony says. “Ten years ago you could ride a snowmobile right over the top of the warming shelter. This has been an incredible year.” People wanting to get outdoors after being cooped up by COVID19 precautions has con If mashed potatoes or white gold don’t seem connected to your outdoor

winter plans, you’re probably not familiar with snowmobiling and should think first before firing up your new sled. Plus, you’d better have earned a snowmobile safety certification card or hold a driver’s license before heading out to make some tracks in Oregon. Caught without either and the possibility of $250 ticket could makes put a tough penalty atop your day. “If you don’t know anything about snowmobiles, a dealer is a good place to have yours checked out,” suggests Kelly Fough. “They’re also the ones to educate you.” Kelly should know. As a DMV approved instructor he’s a proponent of outdoor safety, particularly since he’s had to respond as part of Search & Rescue missions when somethings gone wrong. Over the course of the last ? years Kelly says he’s seen a wide range of folks people enthused by the sport. The oldest was a 92-year-old man he recently rode with. At the other end of the spectrum was an eight-year-old who took the class. There isn’t a strict age limit for a license and Kelly said the boy told him he and his friend got interested in riding after being exposed to snowmobiling, “By watching Animal Planet on TV.” So once you’re qualified, where do you go? Tony Kuenzi, like Kelly, is among the 80 or so members of the Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club. The group, has been based out of Santiam Pass since 1973. They maintain warming shelter (and its firewood

supply) in conjunction with the Nordic Club and groom a system of trails adjacent to the Hoodoo Ski area. There are five parking lots at the Ray Benson Sno Park where people can off load from trailers and head out on 120 miles of trails. If you’re new, covering about ten miles is probably a good goal to have in mind. More experienced sledders have a number of options like going around Cash Mountain or taking a run over to Hwy. 242 and the Dee Wright Observatory (see cover photo). Some Others might chart a course for Elk Lake, Mt. Bachelor, maybe stopping in Sisters for lunch. “There are a lot of people who can’t get out and travel on their own but they can get out on a snowmobile,” Kelly says. “I should know, I’ve had three knee surgeries.” 20921 is turning out to be a big blast of a year, with plenty of snow piling up from February storms. “It’s always up and down” Tony says. “Ten years ago you could ride a snowmobile right over the top of the warming shelter. This has been an incredible year.” People wanting to get outdoors after being cooped up by COVID19 precautions has contributed to overcrowding at the parking lots. So has another big ire over at the Detroit, Oregon, area that’s where recreation site closure have sent riders to the Santiam Pass. “The lot is full every weekend,” Tony said. “If you’re not there by 10 you can’t find a spot.”

Luckily, the pressure is less on weekdays. Currently, users groups and the U.S. Forest Service are in discussions looking for solutions for the overcrowding. Whether or not that might involve a user fee hasn’t yet been determined. “We’re all out there for the same reason,” according to Tony. It doesn’t matter what our political parties are or what your

Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club

McKenzie Roofing, Inc. Re-Roof Specialists

Metal • Composition • Single-Ply • Tile • Shakes Repairs • New Construction • Remodels Manufactured Homes • Churches • Schools • Gutters

541-744-2448

financial background is. People are there with old sleds and brand new sleds. It’s all the same because of the camaraderie.” And the “mashed potatoes?” It’s the kind of soggy wet snow that can bog you down on warm days. Much better is fresh, untracked that’s gained the name of “white gold.”

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Call McKenzie Roofing First! Steve Schluckebrier / Joe Dellinger, Owners CCB# 106380 Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Map Courtesy hikeoregon.net

The Ray Benson Sno-Park provides access to multiple ski and snowmobile trails on the Willamette National Forest as well as ski and snowmobile trails on the Deschutes National Forest. Thanks to the Mt. Jefferson

Snowmobile Club, Oregon Nordic Club and the High Cascade Forest Volunteers those trails are all well maintained. Along the routes are numerous signs and maps along with three warming shelters on the Deschutes Na-

tional Forest; Brandenburg Butte, Island Junction and North Blowout. There is also a staging area with snub posts for sled dogs. Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are marked with blue blazes. Snowmobile trails are