Harris Beach to Belknap Hot Springs

We leave Harris Beach early to make more miles to Belknap which is east of Eugene in the Oregon Cascades. Peter's brother Philip (who lives in Eugene) and his wife Sue are meeting us there.

We are happy to get a clear sunny morning for the drive up the southern Oregon coast.

Hwy 101 along southern Oregon

Beautiful drive

We cross an Art Deco bridge over the Rogue River and enter the Oregon Dunes.

WPA project?

Rogue River

Beginning of Oregon Dunes

We stop for lunch at the Harbor Light in Reedsport (recommended by PM) and head up the Umpqua River towards Eugene.

Harbor Light

Umpqua River

We pass classic Oregon farms. Oregon is one of the greenest states and they carefully manage their forests, by cutting trees and reforesting in stages for minimum soil erosion. Oregon state parks and forestry sustainability way surpasses either California or Washington. It's somewhat surprising that a poorer state does a better job in public services as their state parks have larger campsites, are cleaner and better maintained. Oregon also does a superior job in managing its natural resources. Still it's sad to see much smaller logs than when I was a kid living in Oregon.

Classic red barn

Forest harvesting - 3 stages

Log truck

After picking up provisions in Springfield, we head up Hwy 126 that follows the beautiful MacKinzie River. The forest is mostly blue spruce, Douglas fir, and native maples.

MacKinzie River

Tall spruces and firs

Old covered bridge

Shortly we reach the main lodge at Belknap Hot Springs.

Covered entry to Belknap Lodge