Wizard Falls ~ Metolius River

The First Hike of the New Year ~ The Metolius

What a wonderful way to start off the "New Year" with the first hike of the year on the 

Metolius River.

The Metolius River located north of Sisters, Oregon is one of the most magical rivers in all of Oregon.

Noted for its pristine beauty and crystal clear water it is truly one of my favorite outings.

Fly fishing on this river is truly an experience.  It is one of the rare places that you can have a fish on your line and another large fish is after your fish!!  Yesterday I witnessed this several times.  It was amazing. As an artist it takes me much longer to hike than others.  I am constantly stopping to take notes , take photos and daydream about new whimsical paintings to come.

Enjoying Afternoon Sunshine

I love just relaxing and listening to the river and the birds chirping.  An avid birder, yesterday proved to be delightful.  I watched Dippers jumping in and out of the water.  Kingfishers watching intensely from trees along the bank.  White Crowned Sparrows chirped endlessly at each other...made me think spring will be early this year.  Lesser Scaups played in the water and flew right down the center of the river.  I saw several more species of birds and couldn't believe it was just January.

Me...Ponderosa Old Growth

The trees that line the river and flow into the mountains are just beautiful!
Some of them are old growth....from ancient Cedar, Douglas and Ponderosa trees.
The river is truly similar to exploring fairy land first hand.
Old cabins can be investigated and have been preserved for shelters or just to stop and have a picnic while skiing or hiking.

Me at one of the Shelters

The hike was topped off with a wonderful picnic along the river and a warm fire.
  Sitting among the giant trees, listening to the rushing river and the fires glow....
only added to the spectacular star gazing show above me!
I knew right then.......I had started the year out with perfection and it is going to be a
"Wonderful One"!
Happy New Year Friends,
My wish for each of you this year is to "Celebrate" those "Special Moments"
as much as
You Can!
Your Artist Friend,
Jennifer Lake

Stream gushing at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery

Fly Fishing

Ancient Cedar Bark