Oregon's Logging Past

Today we went to Collier State Park. We had planned all along to go to the Logging Museum that they have here but were extra fortunate to find out that they were having their “Living History Day.” They only do this once a year so we were extremely fortunate to get the opportunity to experience it. Let’s just say that the past came alive for a few hours. This outdoor museum has the largest

collection of antique logging equipment in the world with much of it operational. Well today they fired it all up with volunteers in period costume and doing demonstrations. There were steam powered tractors and sawmills, early combustion engines in heavy logging equipment and Caterpillars of every variety starting as early as 1885. There were also lots of saws including powered hand saws that predated the first chain saws. It was fascinating to see all of the equipment operational. We even were given a shingle made with the steam powered sawmill.

After our trip back in time were thought we would go look for a water source. The beautiful Spring creek which runs right through Collier State Park is a beautiful turquoise river. We were told that the headwater was a natural spring in the wilderness area north of the park. We weren’t sure of the condition of the road but thought we would take our chances and go check it out. Well let me just say that the National Park Service does a far better job maintain Forest Service Roads in Oregon than they do in California. The dirt road was in better shape than Jerseydale Road at home. We drove to the end of the road to find only a small parking area and a pit toilet.

No signs, information or trails visible. We came to the conclusion that they wouldn’t have anything there if there wasn’t something to see. We headed off in the direction that the river should be and remarkably, there was a narrow trail that led a short distance to the spring, or should I say springs. I’m not sure what I expected exactly but instead of the anticipated 1 area bubbling up, there were about 30. There were multiple “boiling points” in an area the size of a small house. When I say boiling, I mean the bubbling action of the water coming up out of the ground. The water was extremely cold. It was very cool to see and the surrounding area was cool as well temperature wise so we decided to picnic there. On the way in we had seen a sign for the Oux Kanee view point. We weren’t sure what was there but knew that it was on the side of the ridge that faced the snow capped Cascade

Mountains and Mount Shasta. Well, the view was incredible with the added bonus of being high about the Spring Creek Headwaters so that we could see the unbelievable turquoise color.
All in all it was a great day and an enjoyable Father’s Day. We also received the news that Shawn in going to be a Daddy again. Congratulations Shawn and Melissa!!!
No big plans for tomorrow. We have an extra day here so we will probably look for a place with WiFi so we can post this, do a little fishing and Scott may play some Golf. We’ll see what the day brings. Hugs….