Lava, Pines, and Peaks

[Michael13]

Lava dominates the landscape along parts of the McKenzie Highway, a seasonal route across Oregon's Cascade Mountains. In this photo, you can see the evidence of a recent fire, along with a healthy growth forest higher up on the slopes of Mount Washington. 590nm converted Nikon.

 

[AlanLichty]

The views from that highway already look like a moonscape but this IR version takes that to another level.

I don't recommend driving an RV down the McKenzie Highway towards Eugene from this viewpoint as the roadway is quite narrow in places.

 

[Michael13]

Thanks Alan, there are now optical measuring devices in place that send alerts via road signage if your vehicle is detected to be over 34 feet. They are placed at turn -arounds near the beginning and end of the Highway.

 

[AlanLichty]

Vehicle width is also an issue - there are a few places in the switchback area where the inside lane has basalt ledges that intrude into the lane and you have to intrude into the oncoming lane to clear them.

I rented a Class C motorhome before I actually bought one and ventured down that road to get to Proxy Falls. I had only inches to spare hugging the edge of my lane and an oncoming pickup with wide trailer mirrors clipped the mirror on my rental. It cracked the housing on mine and ripped the truck mirror off entirely. We both briefly stopped but there was no way either of us could pull off and we both ended up just driving away. Luckily the rental place never noticed the damage when I returned the unit.

 

[JimFox]

This is a highway I don't believe I have taken. I really like the unique look of Mt Washington, and the IR look in general gives a really cool feel to this.

 

[BlackRockArt]

Lava dominates the landscape along parts of the McKenzie Highway, a seasonal route across Oregon's Cascade Mountains. In this photo, you can see the evidence of a recent fire, along with a healthy growth forest higher up on the slopes of Mount Washington. 590nm converted Nikon.

View attachment 84045

Michael, this is a beautiful shot ! Love the contrast.

Oliver

 

[Michael13]

This is a highway I don't believe I have taken. I really like the unique look of Mt Washington, and the IR look in general gives a really cool feel to this.

Hwy 242 between Blue River and Sisters, Oregon is one of the best scenic drives in the state! With access to many neat trails and waterfalls, it comes highly recommended. Go soon, it's closed in winter!