Bend, OR

Mckay Crossing is part of the Peter Skene Ogden trail that winds through most of Oregon. Peter Skene is Oregon’s most reknowned fur trapper, trader and wanderer aside from Lewis & Clark and his wanderings have made McKay a historical site. I enjoy being just about anywhere that rich history is involved. McKay rests at the base of Paulina Peak, one of my favorite places in Central Oregon because of the variety of the views, the lakes, hot springs up top and all in a quiet gathering of immense Ponderosa trees and sits on the river with the waterfalls heading one of the camp sites. Mckay does have both camping and day use facilities that travel almost a mile from the top of the falls and up river. When I am restless but can’t go far I love coming to McKay as there are forest service roads everywhere and they seem to go on forever in a winding tour. One day I will actually make it to the top via one of these roads as most don’t, simply because they use the main road. I love the adventure and the thrill of finding new places up here. Wandering these roads you will see many different viewpoints of the mountains, the town of LaPine and eventually the Eastern horizon can be seen. Also you will find the other set of falls which is inaccessible in the winter unless on a snowmobile.

This other fall does have a small island that can be walked out to and even camped upon and it sits at the top of this waterfall. I guess this puts a new meaning to being on top of the falls. This little island is one of my favorite spots to sit & rest. I think it’s cool to be able to say you actually camped on top of a waterfall. How many people can actually say that. Your own little island in an ethereal setting. The first time the kids & I found it they thought it was the next best thing to candy bars. The water at the head of the falls is quite shallow, making getting to the island very easy. There is also a good chance of finding unknown hot springs as this whole hillside is littered with hidden springs and warm water.

I really enjoy this area despite the people who flock to McKay due to its endless possibilities of discovery and hours of exploration. Rumor has it that there are even unmapped caves up on the hillside here. I love caves. They are like the netherword of the natural underground and when I find one I wander for hours in them. The kids like challenging each other as to who can find the most arrowheads and this whole hillside is littered with arrowheads and different varieties of obsidian. The whole area is good for both winter and summer visits and winter snow sports. Don’t be surprised if you scare up a heard of our local elk as they hide often in the manzanitas and the deer, well you’re sure to see them traveling the same path you are. There is so much unexplored land up here and so many things that are supposed to be up here that when I am there, whether by myself or with the kids, it is akin to a smorgasbord of treasures. I have to admit that I haven’t found any hot springs on the way up this hillside yet but I will just keep wandering. If you find one please let me know.

McKay is located approximately 25 miles South of Bend. Take the Newberry/Paulina Peak cutoff, right from Hwy 97 and go 3 miles until you come the sign for McKay and then travel another 3 miles. You won’t be sorry that you came here and once there, enjoy the peacefulness of nature and seek to go find.