Sunriver Scene September 2026 - Flipbook - Page 6
PHOTO BY SHAE CALLEWAERT
Fly 昀椀sherman enjoying the serenity of Hosmer Lake along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Adventure at your leisure: Paddle at your own pace
By Shae Callewaert
Water is an essential element
to life. We need it to survive;
our bodies rely on it for every
metabolic function from
the smallest cell divisions to
summiting the peak of South
Sister. But it’s not just humans
that have an intertwined
relationship with water, our
entire earthly ecosystem uses
water to nurture a vast diversity
of species. When we find
natural bodies of water, perhaps
our own bodies recognize
its importance. And when
we interact with it there is a
deep connection.
I encourage you to explore
this connection. Find a body
of water near you whether
it be the Deschutes River,
the Fall River or one of the
Cascade Lakes and interact
with it; swim, fish, play, wade
or paddle.
Personally, I find paddling
to be the most rewarding.
Depending on which body
of water you choose to paddle your experience can vary
greatly. Navigating the current
of a swift river can be fun and
exciting. Although, I find there
is something unique about the
sensation of gliding over the
surface of a calm lake.
One lake that I often return
to for paddling is Hosmer Lake,
found high in the Cascade
Mountains yet only 40 minutes
from Sunriver. Upon arrival the
first thing you will notice is
amazing views of Mt.Bachelor
and South Sister rising above
its waters. As you embark on
your vessel of choice you enter
a large pooling of water on
the south end of the lake but
quickly find yourself entering
a narrow avenue of shallow
waters. Guided by a cattails,
rushes, water lilies and other
aquatic plants, your pathway
twists and turns through this
shallow marsh. The water is so
clear that you can frequently see
trout and salmon swimming
below you seemingly unfazed
by your presence.
Upon exiting this meditative
maze, the lake opens back up
and incredible views of South
Sister and Mt. Bachelor return.
I often see osprey hunting these
waters, crashing into the lake
with a shocking amount of
force. Being some of the most
efficient raptors on earth, it is
always a treat to witness them
in action. As you proceed
north through the lake you will
eventually come to yet another
narrowing, this time it is Quinn
Creek that feeds Hosmer Lake.
Here many vessels and their
captains will have trouble navigating the shallow, undulating waters, downed trees and
increasing current. But those
more experienced paddlers will
be treated to Quinn Creek falls
as a great spot for a well-earned
snack or beverage of choice.
The falls make for a good spot
to turn around and from here
you can enjoy every moment of
Hosmer Lakes serene beauty on
your voyage back. During this
time, I find it hard to not reflect
and appreciate the water I’m
floating on. Sure, it feeds the
soul. But it’s bigger than that.
It feeds the fish, the plants, the
trees, the deer, the frogs, the
bugs, the elk, the osprey, the
ducks, the cranes, the songbirds, and the otters.
Again, I encourage you to
explore this connection we
have to water. Find a lake,
creek or river and adventure at
your leisure.
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Page 6
SEPTEMBER 2026 SUNRIVER SCENE
