Hidden Snow Shelters & Surprising Wonders of Clear Lake and its Great Springs. Solo Exploration.

One of Oregon's most famous recreation areas, The McKenzie River Recreation area is located between Bend and Eugene, Oregon. The river originates at Clear Lake, which has some of the clearest water in the world. There is a campground and a resort at the lake. I was lucky enough to reserve a campsite at Coldwater Cove campground alongside Clear Lake and the McKenzie River Trail (MRT.) The autumn colors were beginning to show as my trip took place in early October. I spent the first day walking the 5-mile loop around Clear Lake. Along the way, I toured Clear Lake Resort and checked out the boating dock. You can reserve glass-bottom boats to view down into the depths of the lake. There is a ghost forest from thousands of years ago at the bottom of the frigid waters. I made my way to the pool where the McKenzie River rises out of the ground: The Great Springs. It felt like I was visiting a sacred place. I stuck my camera in the water and flew the drone up in the air to get some perspective of this amazing location. I cooked some soup over my first campfire since early July and took a timelapse video of the moon moving behind the clouds. The next day I made my way to the nearby Maxwell Sno-Park to hike a loop taking me along route to visit two snow shelters. I came across a deer hunters on separate occasions; one of them warned me of his presence and to not be afraid. The first snow shelter was small. I flew my drone to get views of Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters. The second snow shelter was a sight to behold. It had a separate outhouse and large living quarters with a storage room for firewood and a big wood-burning stove. I took the time to read excerpts from the shelter log. There were very interesting stories from past visitors. I continued to explore every nook and cranny of the shelter and found many interesting objects and pictures. The weekend's adventures left an indelible impression upon me as I bundled up and prepared for the long hike back to the car. The Willamette National Forest holds countless wonders and surprises for all to discover. I love it and am thankful for the time I am lucky enough to spend there. Here's my favorite passage from the shelter log: Why do we travel? Why leave the comfort of our space to explore UNCERTAIN PLACES? To travel is to live, to experience the lives and experiences of the world around us and it is this sentiment That fuels my desire to stake out new experiences in my BEAUTIFUL OREGON From its fog-laden coasts to vast deserts emerald forests to breathtaking GORGE from its high deserts to its show-capped mountains [where] we find ourselves or I am forever grateful to call Oregon home We shall fight for Oregon's independence from the tyrannical government and annex Washington, Idaho and Northern California Consider this Cascadia's dedication of independence - Alejandro "KING BEAVER" Saucedo