Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 29, 2004)
Pregnant? Talk with a friend. 1.800.848.LOVE possiblypregnant.org LUNA open Tuesday through Saturday at 4 pm 30th East Broadway [543) 434-LUNA Event info and more at www.lunajazz.com JOHN SHIPE and the SCAPEGOATS ADAM COMER BAND JC RICO and ZULU DRAGON milifilHKw Next to Adam’s Place Restaurant 434-LUNA Dinning Room open 5 pm to 9 pm weeknights 10 pm weekends MCDONALD THEATRE Tickets at all TicketsW&st Outlets or call ^ All concerts will feature an opening band unless (800) 992-TIXX Service charges may apply ^ otherwise noted Times subject to change Interactive show information available atwww :mcdo n a I dtheatre. c o m mmmmm Jon Fishman ^ Jans Ingber Tony Furtado \ Tye North Kai Eckhardt VMaya Dorn THUR THIS FRIDAY Travel & Recreation Spa au naturel Cougar Reservoir harbors natural hot springs where swimsuits are optional By Ashley Griffin Freelance Reporter Located about two hours outside Eugene, just east off Highway 126, Cougar Reservoir offers the comforts of a hot tub with one caveat: Swimwear is entirely optional. For the modest, the hot springs in Blue River can be a slightly shocking experience. I lowever, this feeling is part of what makes the trip unique to Oregon, Outdoor Program Resource Room Coordinator Ahsa Jensen said. Jensen first visited the hot springs on a pro gram trip but said the nudity didn't make her uncomfortable. Sophomore Matt Moore, who has been to the hot springs six times, was also prepared for the nudity. He said it made for an interesting experience. "I guess you just have to expect it," he said. "And it makes for funny sto ries." One of Moore's favorite stories about the hot springs was when two unknown men popped out of the shadows and surprised their group. "You should have seen their faces," he said. "He was harmless, but it was just hilarious nonetheless." The hot springs also give visitors the chance to meet many different personalities. "The people are really friendly," Jensen said. "They are all into relax ing and enjoying the natural envi ronment." Jensen said she enjoys going to the hot springs because of the great at mosphere. "It's an awesome place to just sit andrelax," she said. Moore shared similar sentiments. "It's always nice to go during the cold winter and let your muscles re lax," he said. Unlike other hot springs, Cougar's paths and changing facilities are made to look like they are natural. A small stream cascades into the four steaming pools, cooling them. Flat rocks surround each pool and are great for leaning against or sitting on. Jensen said recent renovations to the hot springs were inclusive of nature and don't detract from the natural environment. The springs are close enough to Eu gene that one can make the trip in a day, but far enough away to feel like a vacation. In addition, they are rela tively inexpensive. "At a lot of other hot springs you pay, like, 12 bucks for a half-hour," Jensen said. "These ones are free." It takes about two hours to get to Cougar Reservoir. From Eugene, go east on Highway 126 tor about 50 miles. Just past the sign for the Blue River Campground, watch for the sign to Cougar Reservoir on the right. Follow Forest Service Road 19 for 7.5 miles to the trailhead. The reservoir dam is four miles from the intersection of Highway 126 and Forest Service Road 19. At the dam, turn right. Continue 3.5 miles to a small lake on the right with a waterfall at the far end. Just past the lake, park in the area on the left side of the road and walk back to the north. ™ T-. ImIMH mH 1 mWm IS? i -* The springs are about a 10-minute hike into the woods, allowing for a pri vate experience year-round. Other area hot springs, like McCredie in Oakridge, are located closer to the road. "Simply put, it is the definition of Oregon," Moore said. "The Cougar Hot Springs are laid back, outdoors, enjoyable and a great place to get away for a couple hours." Ashley Griffin is a freelance reporter for the Emerald. RAPID RIDES Outdoor-enthusiasts with a taste for water adventure will love the scenery but must also take precautions By Catherine Ryan Freelance Reporter The McKenzie River's swirling, frigid rapids take some unsuspecting kayakers and rafters by surprise. The bubbling water sometimes holds those who attempt to kayak along its banks upside down, fighting for breath, leaving them with an intense headache and the desire for more. The river flows from the Cascade Mountains, parallels Highway 126 and merges with the Willamette Riv er near Springfield. It provides waves for adrenaline junkies and breath taking scenery for anyone who loves the outdoors. Business administration major Macy Burnham, who also owns and operates the outdoor kayaking school River Quest, said the McKen zie is an incredible river to learn on. "From a beginner's standpoint, it's an excellent river if you don't mind getting cold," Burnham said. "It's beautiful up there — crystal-clear water. The scenery is stunning." On most days, kayakers play in the holes or float on a downriver run. In March, the sunny weather lured many paddlers into the 42-de gree waters. The river also has some of the best play-boating in the region. Paddlers practice flipping their kayaks side ways, end-over-end and in circles. Junior LJ Groth said he frequents the wave hole at Neils Point. "At Neils, you can do just about any new trick that's possible," he said. "You can practice for bigger and better places." The McKenzie also is a great river for those who are less interested in flipping their kayaks and more con cerned with keeping the boat on the top of the water. According to the whitewater guidebook, "Soggy Sneakers," most of the McKenzie is rated a II-III. The accepted rapids rat ing system is based on levels one to five, with five being the most diffi cult. The classic "Milk Run," as some locals call it, is a section of the T55TOT Dorris Ranch 20$ DorrisSt.. Springfield May 8-Wild Teas 10:30—Noon Lane County Historical Museum ($) 740 W. 13th Avenue, Eugene May 8—Photo Exhibit 8 Speaker 9AM-5PM: 2pm speaker REFRESHMENTS 9AM-N00N May 9-Photo Exhibit Noon—5PM Masonic Cemetery 25th Avenue 8 University Street, Eugene May 8-ioth Anniversary Celebration iiam—4PM The Science Factory Children’s Museum and Planetarium ($) Z300 Leo Harris Parkway, Eugene May 8 9-Scavenger Hunt Noon—j^pm Shelton-McMurphey lohnson House 303 Willamette Street, Eugene May 8-Tea ($) (Reservations required) May 9-Open House (FREE) 1—4PM Springfield Museum 590 Main Street, Springfield May 8—Heritage Day N00H-4PM UO Museum of Art 1430 lohnson University Campus May 8-Open House 1—4PM Special Program d> ipm UO Museum of Natural History 1680 East 13th Avenue University Campus May 8—Identification Day 1-4PM West Euyene Wetlands Meadowlark Prairie Overlook On Greenhill Road, Eugene May 8-Bird Walk 7:00-9: OOAM There's something to do at low, medium and high water levels.... There's always something fun to kayak on." U Groth University junior McKenzie that is a class II-III. "There's something to do at low, medium and high water levels," Groth said. "There's always some thing fun to kayak on." The Milk Run includes Clover Point, a class II rapid with a play hole, and Marten Rapids, a class III. "Rafters and kayakers alike find themselves swimming at the end of Marten Rapids," said Outdoor Pro gram trip facility manager Ed Fre dette. "It makes an impression." All paddlers should be aware of Brown's Hole, which is one of the most notorious spots on the river. It may look unassuming, but kayakers and rafters can be held and recirculated in Turn to RAPIDS, page 11
