Drifting on the Mckenzie River

For my newest wall hanging, I was feeling inspired by the beautiful McKenzie River watershed I now call home, so I decided to focus on some uniquely local elements. Wooden drift boats are a frequent sighting along the McKenzie, dating back to the 1930’s when they originated here, and so common in fact, that their likeness appears on road signs for launch sites. There is an annual festival held at Eagle Rock Lodge each year, called the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival, which I have not been to myself, but sounds like a good time. This year it happens to coincide with a local artisan faire I’m helping to organize, so the river and wooden boats were on my mind.

 

In this wall hanging, the river originates from high up in the Cascades with the Three Sisters watching over as it makes it’s way through the foothills, past Castle Rock and Eagle Rock, meanders under the Goodpasture covered bridge, passes by the filbert orchards and towering forests, and widening out as it approaches the Leaburg Dam. The McKenzie River has quite a journey to make, and this captures just a part.

The fishermen drift along in their wooden boat, enjoying the beautiful day and casting their lines again and again, hoping to hook something fine for their supper.

Here’s a link to my Etsy listing for the wall hanging:

 McKenzie River Wooden Drift Boat

If you are intrigued to know more about these wooden boats, here is a great article from Oregon Live: McKenzie River Drift Boat Trout