What I couldn't get over about the Metolius River is how big, how blue, how beautiful the water is. This "river" is a tributary, meaning that it flows into a larger river rather than the ocean. It's not uncommon out here to find rivers, lakes, and basins, with this gorgeous turquoise or blue color that makes them look so very fresh. It just springs out of the ground this powerful, mouth-watering, blue water. You just want to dive in and float along the rapids, even though they would probably swallow you up immediately. It's just so inviting. You want to drink it (and maybe you could).
From what I could tell on Wikipedia, meltwater is what produces this kind of tint - coming from the grinding of rocks underneath the glaciers. Apparently the cascades have some hefty glistening glaciers at the top, which have been shrinking in size over the past century. The rivers, streams, and springs depend on the snow melt of Spring. Walking through Shevlin Park, many of the little streams are dry river beds until the snow melt happens.
On our little hike up to the fish hatchery, we saw a couple of fly fisherman. This is actually the only kind of fishing allowed on the river. They only added to the rustic and beautiful feel of such a pristine spot. Can't wait to check out this trail in the summer when we can go for a little dip. Some spots are so clear and deep, begging to be jumped into.
I wanna join when it's waaarrrrmmm since I bailed when it's cold. =)
ReplyDeleteCome come come! We will swim swim swim :)
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