Rainbows

The McKenzie River rises high in the Cascades between Eugene and Bend.It runs south, then west to the Willamette.  On the southbound leg, it reaches a lava flow from Belknap Crater.  The lava flow forces the river into a series of precipitous drops including Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls.

In past years I have photographed this area from the east side of the river.  I decided it was time to check out the other side.  I knew it would be a challenge to photograph.  The sun was strong on the white water, while the forest, wet and cooled by the spray and spring rains was in deep shadow.

The upper falls is Sahalie.  The river splits in two, then drops about 70 feet into the gorge.

I was delighted to find that, with the sun at my back, the mist formed a rainbow.

About a mile to the south, the second major falls is Koosah.

There was a rainbow here too - no, make that a double rainbow.

Well worth a two mile hike...