Winter camping can be very rewarding... especially if you're prepared for the colder weather. Some of your favorite campgrounds can be less crowded, and during the winter season, familiar summertime haunts can be just as beautiful with new things to see and explore. Karen and I took advantage of some nice weather (no rain), and headed out to the Belknap Hot Springs Resort near McKenzie Bridge, OR off of Hwy 126.
On our way to the resort, we had a "Good Oman" appear right before us along Interstate 5. A Bald Eagle flew across the front of our truck when we headed south towards Eugene, OR, and the Hwy 126 exit. After this experience... Karen and I knew everything was going to be better than normal on this camping trip. :-)
On our way to the resort, we had a "Good Oman" appear right before us along Interstate 5. A Bald Eagle flew across the front of our truck when we headed south towards Eugene, OR, and the Hwy 126 exit. After this experience... Karen and I knew everything was going to be better than normal on this camping trip. :-)
*** Click on pictures to make them larger for viewing ***
The Upper Camping Area - Site 16
The McKenzie River was right behind us
The Upper Pool, Heated with the "Hot Springs" water (about 104º)
Miles of walking paths and beautiful gardens to explore
The Japanese Garden
Entrance to the "Secret Garden"
With all this water... Abby took the time to quench her thirst
A fungus stair-stepped tree
We also took the time to drive around the surrounding area, and explored some of Oregon's beautiful side attractions. See some of our finds below.
Clear & Cold... the McKenzie River has a beauty of it's own
Fish Lake reflections
Double Rainbow at Koosah Falls
Mt. Washington with a forest fires destruction
Sahalie Falls
Water drips can become "Stalagmites" by morning
Our "Pirit Heated Hose", worked great in the freezing temps, and kept us supplied with fresh water for the trailer
During the daytime, the outside temperatures got up into the high 40's or low 50's, and at night dipped down into the lower 20's. Inside the trailer however, we stayed nice and warm, and listened at night to the McKenzie River as it rushed by... putting us to easily to sleep in our toasty bed (with the help of a mattress warmer). Of course we made a lot of visits to the upper hot springs pool (about 50 yards from our trailer), and enjoyed just soaking and relaxing until our fingers were pruned. Yep... the winter blues can be easily chased away if you just know where to hide. :-)
Happy Trails...
Gary & Karen (and Abby too!)
Happy Trails...
Gary & Karen (and Abby too!)
