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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2017)
A DAY WITH THE FISHES Discover Willamette Hatchery in Oakridge BY WILLIAM KENNEDY ou can almost listen to the entirety of Taylor Swift’s album 1989 on the way to Oakridge. If you’re the parent of a 7- or 8-year- old — and particularly a girl — you know what this means. For the rest of you, in case you weren’t aware, Oakridge is about 45 minutes southeast of Eugene, past Pleasant Hill and Dexter Reservoir on the way to the mountains. And located near Oakridge — a Lane County town with so much untapped tourist potential — is a little gem of a getaway spot for families called Willamette Hatchery. “Seen one fish hatchery, seen ’em all,” you might say. But odds are you haven’t been to a hatchery like this — called Oregon’s best by roadtripsforfamilies.com, and for good reason. So why is this such a great and easy way to pass a summer afternoon with the kids? First of all, Willamette Hatchery is a whole lot more than the fishes. Yes, you can toss food to writhing masses of beautiful Chinook salmon or steelhead as well as some whoppin’ white sturgeon. You might even see a great blue heron swoop low over the water looking for a snack. Next, check out the museum and interpretive center. See stuffed representations of animals native to Oregon: cougars, coyotes, foxes and wolverines. Use the guide to help identify species with your little one. Do you know what a ringed-tailed cat is? Neither did I before I went to Willamette Hatchery. And bring a picnic because Willamette Hatchery has lots of great places to sit and eat; one picnic area is demarcated by a carved statue (one of many statues dotting the hatchery grounds) depicting a bear with a picnic basket. Get it? So classic. There’s also an interpretive trail, easy for all ages, with signs identifying different native plant species along the way. And don’t miss the viewing area full of beautiful upland game birds. But the real crown jewel is the 9-hole mini golf course. Play golf while learning about the salmon lifecycle, complete with Oregon landmarks: Journey with the salmon downriver to the ocean, dodging predators and fisherman and then travel back upstream to spawn. I managed to get a hole-in-one. Not that you should keep score, turning a nice family outing into a competition. I totally kept score and was robbed on several holes. After your time at the hatchery, stop by Brewer’s Union Local 180 on your way back through Oakridge for a refreshing adult beverage. Just one; you’re driving. And minors are welcome. Think to yourself about all the fun you had at the hatchery and, other than the gas it took to get there, it was all totally free. GradyBarrels Rainwater Harvesting Consultation, Products, Design & Installation 541-554-6753 gradybarrels.com HEALTH & FITNESS WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Weight loss programs and personalized fitness routines in our new state of of the art gym 0 0 0 0 Y Willamette Fish Hatchery is open all year, but summer is the best time to visit. To get to the hatchery: From Oakridge Take Highway 58 to Salmon Creek Road. Travel one mile on Salmon Creek Road to the hatchery. Salmon Creek Road is 1.7 miles east of the stoplight in Oakridge. BURN FIT BODY Group classes forming now TRY 1 FREE CLASS Make it fun and bring a friend CALL 541-636-3545 BURNFITBODY.COM Rain Barrels Large Tanks Pre & Post Filtration Complete Rain Catchment Systems Free Site Consultation L AVENDER F ESTIVAL July 7th-9th • 10am - 5pm saving water... one gallon at a time Learn from Local Expert Fresh-cut Bouquets Lavender Products Local Arts & Crafts Live Music & Food Open Year-Round • Call for a Visit Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB#207107 40882 McKenzie Hwy Springfield mckenzieriverlavender.com 541-736-8575 Celebrate your special moments with us! • WEDDING PARTIES • BACHELORETTE PARTIES • SPECIAL EVENTS • GIFT REGISTRY Monthly workshops and events in our store every month from kink 101 to tackling menopause. Find out what’s happening at eugeneintimatehealthcenter.com NEW Summer Hours Michael J. McCourt, DPM & Sarah Rincker, DPM 1680 Chambers Street, Suite 201 • Eugene 541.683.3351 www.eugenefootandankle.com SPECIALIZING IN: *Sports Medicine *Ankle and Foot Pain *Trauma and Sprains *Ingrown Toenails *Custom Orthotics Sunday & Monday 11-6pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 11-8pm Friday & Saturday 11-10pm We are a small, women-owned, local business. WE OFFER PRIVATE SHOPPING HOURS We are here for our community. 1655 W. 11th Ave #1 • 541-606-0553 • www.asyoulikeitshop.com eugeneweekly.com • June 1, 2017 21
