In the Willamette valley

We drove through the Willamette National Forest and descended through the quiet fir laden forest down the slopes of the Cascade Mountains. We made a little detour to the longest covered bridge in Oregon in Westfir. Hikers and bikers were beginning their treks at the bridge but we just opted for pictures.


The bridge crosses the north fork of the Willamette River, with accent on the second syllable, so I have learned. The beginning of the west Cascades scenic road that goes north begins here and if we were staying all summer we would sure go that route.


Eugene is the second largest city in the state with 156,000 people, many of them proud to be wearing big O's for the beloved Oregon Ducks at the university located here. It was like a sea of green as the seniors headed to the duck walk for their graduation. After a stop at the visitor's center we were dining at the 5th Street Market, a revitalized area downtown. Swifty, the rooster, represents the many ancestors who visited the Swift Company Poultry Plant from 1929 through the 1970s.


Willamette River runs through town and has wonderful almost level trails on both sides. We enjoyed a four mile bike ride and stopped by the Owens Memorial Rose Gardens before heading over to the YMCA for showers and the Elk's for free overnight parking.







I know these aren't roses but they were beautiful and such a vibrant red. Looked like some sort of zinnia.



The next two nights our stay is provided by the kind folks at the Valley River Center, all for free. It is a huge shopping center on the edge of the river with a 16 movie theater. Just sign in with the nice security folks that drive around constantly and they give you two nights if you are from out of state.