Well now, let me tell you ’bout Upper Tumalo Reservoir. Ain’t too many folks know much ’bout it, but it’s a mighty fine place if you ever get the chance to go up that way. It sits up high in the hills, about 3,510 feet above sea level, and it’s a real peaceful spot—nothin’ but nature all around, with trees and water and quiet. Now, if you don’t mind a little bit of a climb, you’ll be right at home up there, lookin’ at the clear blue sky and all that greenery.
Upper Tumalo Reservoir ain’t too big, but it’s just the right size for folks lookin’ to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s tucked away west of the little town of Tumalo, which is in Deschutes County, Oregon. It’s one of those places that’s easy to miss if you don’t know where you’re goin’, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you found somethin’ real special.
Now, some folks might be wonderin’ what’s so special about a reservoir, but let me tell you, this one’s got a charm all its own. It’s surrounded by big ol’ ponderosa pines and other trees that offer nice shade, and it’s a good spot for a picnic if you’re lookin’ to spend the day outdoors. There’s a day-use area where families and friends can come and sit under the trees, enjoy their lunch, and just soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Ain’t nothing fancy, but that’s what makes it so nice.
If you’re the kind who enjoys fishin’, well, I reckon you might want to bring your rod and reel. The water’s calm, and though it ain’t one of them big ol’ lakes, it’s got enough to keep a person busy for a few hours. Ain’t too crowded neither, so you won’t have to fight for space like you would at some of them big reservoirs. You just throw in your line and let time slow down for a while.
Now, I don’t want to be steppin’ on anyone’s toes, but Upper Tumalo Reservoir has seen its share of changes over the years. Used to be, folks didn’t really pay much mind to it, but now they’ve started to take care of it more. Deschutes County even went ahead and declared it a wetland. And I reckon that’s a good thing, ’cause it helps protect all the critters that call this place home. Ain’t just fish either, there’s birds and all sorts of wildlife that come and go, especially in the spring when everything starts to bloom. It’s a real sight to see.
The history of the place goes back a bit, too. Folks been usin’ the water here for a long time. You might not find no fancy plaques or signs tellin’ the whole story, but if you listen close, you can almost feel the old days in the air. It’s been a part of the land, and it’s still here, quiet and still, just like it’s always been.
So if you’re lookin’ to get out and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, Upper Tumalo Reservoir is a good place to visit. You can sit by the water, fish if that’s your thing, or just lay back in the shade of a big ol’ pine and watch the world go by. Ain’t no rush, no stress, just nature as it was meant to be. So pack up a lunch, grab your hat, and take a trip up to Tumalo. You won’t regret it, I promise you that.
Tags:[Upper Tumalo Reservoir, Tumalo Reservoir, Deschutes County, Oregon, nature, fishing, wetlands, Tumalo, day-use area, ponderosa pine, outdoor recreation]