Sisters, OR

Well, it wasn't exactly a grand opening -- the weather, after all, was lousy, especially for a holiday weekend (rainy and chilly off-and-on all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday) -- and the list of vendors was pretty small (not quite a dozen), but the Sisters Farmers' Market was a welcome sight last weekend.

What's not to love about another area outlet for home-grown products?

In its inaugural outing, the Sisters Farmers' Market offered visitors fresh fruits and vegetables (although, alas, no Oregon-grown berries); locally grown honey and bee pollen; fresh baked breads and cookies and homemade jellies; roasted coffee; handmade candles; two local soap/scent purveyors; and several jewelry vendors. I did also notice a set-up for live music, but either the rain or the sparse attendance (heck, it was raining while we were there) pre-empted that component.

Located on the lawn of the Sisters School Administration building, the market is easy to spot (folks traveling the Santiam-Bend route will drive right past), so it shouldn't have too much trouble building a client base, assuming the vendor list continues to expand.

The Sisters Farmers' Market, organized by the same folks who handle the Redmond Farmers' Market, is open seasonally (this year, Sundays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., from May 25-Aug. 31). For more information, call (541) 504-7862 or visit www.redmondfarmersmarket.bravehost.com/.

So here it is, Memorial Day weekend, and in a good year (i.e., one in which much of the snow has melted by May), many folks would be thinking about taking a day trip along the popular 82-mile-loop known as the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. The McKenzie Pass, the western leg of the byway (which begins in Sisters), is one of my favorite quick escapes because it has so much to offer with so little thought required -- you've got a little driving combined with a bit of history, some gorgeous scenery (some consider it one the most beautiful drives in Oregon) and several opportunities to venture off the beaten path, all easily doable in an afternoon. Granted, there's plenty of interesting diversions along the way if you'd like a more extended getaway.

But this year, thanks to unusually dense snowpack -- more than 30 feet in some places (that's 200 percent above average, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation) -- much of the east side of McKenzie Pass (also known as Highway 242) will be closed until possibly late July (it's usually open by mid-June and closes again in October or November, again depending on the weather). Meanwhile, the west side will be closed until possibly September so that two bridges can be replaced.

So here's a brief rundown on what everybody's missing:

** Really cool geography -- everything from extensive lava fields (including a 2,600-year-old, 65-square-mile lava flow) and cinder cones to massive snowcapped peaks and the rushing white-capped McKenzie River. This is, after all, the highest concentration of snowcapped volcanoes and associated glaciers in the lower 48 states. Forests here contain rare old-growth fir, red cedar and ponderosa pine, and are home to an impressive variety of fish and wildlife.

** The path of a frontier wagon route. Originally a toll road, what's now known as McKenzie Pass once connected the Willamette Valley to Camp Polk, near what is now Sisters. The charge was $2 for a wagon drawn by two horses, $2.50 for a wagon with four horses, $1 for a man on a horse and 10 cents each for loose cattle and horses.

** Windy Point Overlook. Want a better sense of the region's dramatic contrasts? Gaze east and you're confronted with a dense forest canopy; look west and you're faced with the barren, jagged lava flows.

** The historic Dee Wright Observatory, a lava rock structure constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Don't worry; you can't miss it -- the circular lava rock structure (elevation: 5,187 feet) is instantly identifiable and a real traffic-stopper. Named for the foreman of that CCC crew, the observatory offers visitors panoramic views (on a clear day) of six peaks of the Cascade Mountain Range, via a series of eerie "lava tube" viewing holes. There's also a bronze "peak finder" to help those who aren't Cascade-saavy to differentiate Mount Hood from Mount Jefferson.

While you're there, explore the half-mile Lava River Interpretive Trail. Located at the boundary of two wilderness areas (Mount Washington to the north and Three Sisters to the south), the 30-minute paved trail meanders through lava gutters and crevasses; interpretive signs provide geologic information on the various lava formations there.

** Scott Lake/Obsidian Trail. Keep heading west, and you'll find yourself in the Willamette National Forest. A side road leads to picnic areas at scenic Scott Lake, which offers nice views of the Cascades. Nine miles west of the summit, Deadhorse Grade drops nearly 1,200 feet in less than four miles.

** Belknap Lodge & Hot Springs. Okay, technically this isn't part of the McKenzie Pass, but it's close enough (and interesting enough) to count. Located on the banks of the McKenzie River (near the intersection of Highway 126, where the byway loop veers north) six miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge (also worth a side-trip, see photo left), the picturesque Belknap is famous for its hot hot-springs pools (ranging from 185-195 degrees Fahrenheit). At one time known as "Salt Springs," the Belknap is famous for its mineral salt content and buoyant quality (the mineral water includes iron, calcium, potassium chloride, lithium, and many other trace minerals). The springs was officially discovered in 1854; in the 1870's, RS. Belknap began development of the mineral spa resort (the current lodge was built around the old Belknap Hotel in 1933). Today, the facility includes the lodge, pet-friendly cabins, two hot springs pools, extensive gardens and RV camping.

Other Inaccessible Destinations
Alas, it isn't just the McKenzie Pass that's on hiatus for the time being. Folks hoping to visit Elk Lake, Todd Lake and Sparks Lake are out of luck; too much snow there, too. And the road to Tumalo Falls is closed (too much snow in the parking lot), although hikers and bikers can reach the falls (but expect to venture little further; there's still 8-to-10 feet of snow on the trails).

Summer is approaching, and in Sisters, Ore., folks are gearing up for the town's busiest season. That means that hardly a weekend goes by without some sort of cultural event coming to town -- often, more than one. Sure, because of Sisters' Western ambiance (downtown buildings all sport 1880s facades), you'll find plenty of pioneer-influenced events. But you'll also find a surprisingly diverse cross-section of cultural affairs (not to mention, attendees).

It says a lot that a town of 2,000 is able to successfully host so many major events, and to regularly ntice hordes of followers to return again and again. Maybe one reason Sisters has become home to so many festivals and fairs is because so many artists and entrepreneurs have settled in this area. Or maybe everyone who comes here just feels like celebrating. Come to think of it, folks here welcome any excuse to explore the area, which happens to be one of the most picturesque locales in the Pacific Northwest.

Here's a roundup of upcoming events in Sisters:

Every Thursday in June: Sisters Summer Nights Concert & Farmers' Market. Farmers' Market from 2-7 p.m., followed by live music. 301 E. Main Street. (541) 420-7975.

June 6-8: Woodpecker Wonderland Festival. New festival celebrates the 200-plus species of birds that nest in and around the East Cascades; features a weekend full of field trips, bird-walks, picnics & workshops. Base: Camp Sherman Community Hall. Hosted by Paradise Birding. Visit http://www.woodpeckerwonderland.com or call (541) 408-1753 for more info.

June 13-15: Sisters Rodeo. One of the most popular rodeos on the West Coast circuit. The 68^th annual event features four performances sanctioned by the PRCA with a purse of more than $100,000. Plus, Saturday morning parade through downtown Sisters & Sunday pancake breakfast from 7-11 am, with Cowboy Church at 9 am. Friday is family night (kids 12 & under get in free). For more info, visit http://www.sistersrodeo.com/ or call (541) 549.0121.

June 14-15: Sisters Art in the Park. Arts & crafts, food, entertainment & silent auction benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon. Sisters Creekside Park. (541) 549-8905.

Every Thursday in July: Sisters Summer Nights Concert & Farmers' Market. Farmers' Market from 2-7 p.m., followed by live music. 301 E. Main Street. (541) 420-7975.

July 3-6: Sisters Roundup of Gems. More than 40 displays of rocks, minerals & fossils. Sisters Middle School. (503) 829-2680.

July 5: Around the Block Saturday. 5th annual fiber art stroll, with local businesses hosting textile demonstrations, special quilting exhibits, music & refreshments. For more info, visit http://www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org or call (541) 549-6061.

July 5-6: Sisters Summer Faire. Arts & crafts, flowers, live entertainment, food court & children's play area. Village Green Park. (541) 549-0251

July 5-13: Sisters Quilt Walk. Local businesses display quilts from the Sisters Quilt Show during regular business hours.

July 7-11: Sisters Quilters' Affair. Quilting classes, lectures & evening programs highlighting the diversity of quilting. Various locations. For more info, visit http://www.stitchinpost.com/ or call (541) 549-6061.

July 10: Sisters Home & Garden Tour. Visit beautiful new homes & unique gardens (quilts will be hung in each garden on this self-guided tour). Sponsored by the Sisters Garden Club. For more info, visit http://www.stitchinpost.com/ or call (541) 549-6061.

July 11: Pine Needlers' Quilt Show. View the handiwork of this close-knit group of women, who meet weekly to quilt together on community projects & share ideas. Proceeds benefit the Pine Needlers College Scholarship Fund. Camp Sherman Community Hall. For more info, visit http://www.stitchinpost.com/ or call (541) 549-6061.

July 12: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The 33rd annual show (the largest outdoor quilt show in the country), with more than 1,100 quilts on display throughout town. For more info, visit http://www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/ or call (541) 549-6061.

July 12: Sisters Annual Library Book Sale. Friends of the Sisters Library Annual Used Book Sale. (541) 549-6157.

July 26-27: Sisters Arts & Crafts Festival. Arts & crafts, food, entertainment, wine tasting & silent auction benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon. Sisters Creekside Park. (541) 549-8905.

Every Thursday in August: Sisters Summer Nights Concert & Farmers' Market. Farmers' Market from 2-7 p.m, followed by live music. 301 E. Main. (541) 420-7975.

Aug. 2-3: Sisters Summer Faire. Handcrafted arts & crafts, live entertainment, food court & children's play area. Village Green Park. (541) 549-0251.

Aug. 8-9: Country Fair & Art Show. 13th annual event features a juried art show & sale on Friday evening. On Saturday, art show plus live music, white elephant sale, pony rides, face-painting, petting zoo, gourmet garnishes, country store & Transfig Café. Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. (541) 504.9358.

Aug. 9-10: Sisters Bead Stampede. Artists sell their handmade one-of-a-kind beads, jewelry from those beads & buttons; artist demos onsite. Barclay Park. (541) 549-0251.

Aug. 16-17: Sisters Antique Faire. Antique dealers selling antiques & collectibles. Also, clothing, jewelry, furniture, books, Western memorabilia, live entertainment, food court & classic cars on display. Live auction on Sunday. Village Green Park. (541) 549-0251.

Aug. 29-31: Art at the Ranch. Black Butte Ranch hosts Artist's Reception/Silent Auction Friday and Art Show/Sale Saturday. Proceeds help support art in the Sisters schools and purchase art for Black Butte Ranch. For more info, visit http://www.blackbutteranch.com.

Aug. 30-31: Western & Native American Arts Festival. Handmade traditional & Native American wares, including pottery, jewelry, artwork, clothing, metal art & log furniture, plus Western music, Native American entertainment & mountain men on-site both days. Creekside Park. (541) 549-0251.

Every Thursday in September: Sisters Summer Nights Concert & Farmers' Market. Farmers' Market from 2-7 p.m., followed by live music. 301 E. Main. (541) 420-7975.

Sept. 5-7: Sisters Folk Festival. The 13th annual celebration of American music from blues to bluegrass includes performances by top folk artists and musicians. For more info, visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.com or call (541) 549-4979.

Sept. 19-20: Northwest Pro Rodeo Finals. Top regional competitors vie for a purse of $60,000. Two performances, plus kick-off party at Three Creeks Brewery (Sept. 18), BBQ, breakfast & 4D barrel race (Sept. 21). Sisters Rodeo Grounds. For more info, visit http://www.outlawproductionslive.com or call (541) 588-5007.

Sept. 20-21: Sisters Fall Street Festival. Arts & crafts, food, entertainment & wine-tasting. Oak Street between Cascade & Main. Silent Auction benefits Sisters School District's Creative Dept.
(541) 549-8905.

Sept. 26-28: Sisters in Sisters. This theme of the 11^th annual event is "Hats off to Sisters." Nationally known sister celebrities, speakers & fun activities highlight a weekend full of options. For more info, visit http://www.sistersinsisters.com/ or call (541) 549-0251.