Blue River Reservoir, Aufderheide Scenic Byway, and Cougar Reservoir in Oregon

Charred Tree on the Aufderheide Scenic Byway 

Memorial Day Weekend

This past Memorial weekend, we traveled south to the McKenzie River Corridor area near Blue River, Oregon. Blue River is east of Eugene and Springfield. In 2020 the town of Blue River was decimated by the Holiday Farm Fire/Rainbow Fire as it tore through the McKenzie River Corridor. It was one of the largest wildfires in Oregon history. My husband was one of the volunteer fire fighters who helped fight that fire. It burned and destroyed more than 173,000 acres and over 500 homes and businesses along the McKenzie River Corridor. You can check out this link to see what devastation the fire did to the town of Blue River and the nearby businesses. Destination Oregon: Blue River, one year after the devastating fires 

However, life is slowly returning amidst the charred ruins, and people have rebuilt homes or are in the process of rebuilding their homes. Though the forest throughout this whole region may be littered with charred tree remains, life is blooming amidst the devastation.

Aufderheide Scenic Byway 

The Aufderheide Scenic Byway is part of the 220-mile West Cascades Scenic Byway. Along the Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19) is Cougar Reservoir. The byway was closed further up past the French Pete campground due to winter weather.

 

Blue River Reservoir

Amidst the charred remains of the Holiday Farm fire is the Blue River Reservoir. The reservoir is located 45 miles east of Eugene and 1 mile north of Oregon Route 126 in the Willamette National Forest. Turning up the exit to Blue River Reservoir, one can see the fire damage where trees and homes once stood, but God's beautiful creation was abounding throughout the area.

spotted sandpiper

H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest is located north of Blue River Reservoir and was established in 1948 by the U.S. Forest Service. The research includes watershed processes, forest ecology, old-growth Douglas-fir forests, and plantation. There were many wildflowers in bloom on our travels there, and snow drifts still covered some of the upper roads melting off into the streams and small waterfalls.

Until Next Time

Happy Creating and Hiking!

God Bless,