Okay, at the count of three, everybody put down your smartphone, your iPad, your iPod, your Kindle — whatever technological devices you have attached to your fingertips, your hip and/or your earlobe. Now step outside and take a good look around. It’s autumn in Central Oregon, and it’s gorgeous out there!
I’ll admit, I do have my favorite spots for experiencing autumn at its finest. For a daylong immersion in color, you can’t beat the the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway in general and McKenzie Bridge in particular (I’ve made several trips to McKenzie and have been thrilled with the results, including this scenic trip to Tokatee Golf Club). Closer to home, the Metolius River Trail in Camp Sherman is glorious and downtown Redmond is first-rate (with street upon street lined with multicolored canopies of color).
No question, the best way to explore your options is on foot, by bike or by horseback. But, heck, you don’t even have to get out of your car to appreciate the show — just drive a few miles and open your eyes. (In fact, I snapped several of the photos shown here from the passenger seat of our F-150.)
But whatever you do, don’t wait too long; this show definitely has a limited engagement.
To get an idea of what you’re missing, check out the photos below:
