Early last month I headed up the river and through the woods on a short assignment for 1859 Oregon’s Magazine. The McKenzie River Highway is a beautiful drive which I’ve done many times as a non-stop, direct route to get from Eugene to Bend, but I’d never taken my time and stopped to smell the forest, so to speak.

This time I discovered an organic farm stand outside of Leaburg, felt the spray of Sahalie and Koosah waterfalls, dipped a toe in the warm waters at Belknap Hot Springs, and wandered along parts of the 26-mile recreation trail that parallels the highway.

A few outtakes follow to inspire your own road trip, but if you are in Oregon you can head to newsstands to grab a copy of the November/December 2015 issue.

Lava fields lie in stark contrast to the verdant forests that line most of the McKenzie River Highway.

The beginning of the 26-mile McKenzie River National Recreational Trail looks welcoming in fall colors (left). Stop in Rainbow to stock up on supplies (right).

Stop to enjoy the sunshine, or often, the rain, at Belknap Hot Springs, a resort, campground, and hot springs located near the town of McKenzie Bridge.

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