Things to Do on the McKenzie River Trail

Hiking

The 26-mile point-to-point trail is rated hard, mostly because of its length. But here's the good news. The trail crosses several side roads off Highway 126, so you can hike as little or as much as you want.

Want crowds and big sights? The upper section holds Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls.

Want peace and quiet? The lower section runs through quiet riverside forest. About 10 miles of the lower trail stay snow-free year-round.

Mountain Biking

Did you know this trail is often called the #1 mountain bike trail in America? Ridden north to south, you'll gain about 1,600 feet and drop roughly 3,200 feet, so most of it rolls downhill.

Bikers rate it moderate, though a few rough spots near the top will test you. The best riding runs from early summer to late fall.

Tamolitch Blue Pool

The Blue Pool is the trail's star attraction. The water glows an unreal shade of blue after traveling 3 miles underground through an old lava tube.

The hike in runs about 4 miles through mossy, classic Oregon forest. "Tamolitch" means "tub" in Chinook, and you'll see why.

Waterfalls Loop Trail Connection

The Waterfalls Loop Trail connects directly to the McKenzie River Trail near its upper section, between mile markers 20.4 and 21.9 on the trail log.

This 2.2-mile loop links two powerful waterfalls. Sahalie Falls thunders down about 100 feet, while Koosah Falls drops roughly 75 feet just downstream. Both run year-round and were formed by a lava flow that poured through the valley around 3,000 years ago.

The hike is easy, with only about 400 feet of elevation gain. You can also drive to parking lots at both falls and still soak in the views.

Planning a multi-day trip? Several campgrounds are located along the McKenzie River Trail corridor.

Paradise Campground is closest to the lower trailhead near McKenzie Bridge and offers riverside campsites beneath towering Douglas fir trees.

Olallie Campground sits a few miles upriver along the McKenzie River, offering shaded forest sites and a quiet riverside setting.

Trail Bridge Campground sits farther upstream along Trail Bridge Reservoir and is popular for fishing, boating, and easy trail access.

Ice Cap Campground is located near Carmen Reservoir at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. It provides drinking water, vault toilets, and a quiet forest setting.

Coldwater Cove Campground is closest to the upper trailhead at Clear Lake, offering lakeside campsites beside the area's famous turquoise waters.

Prefer a roof over your head? Sisters and Bend offer a wide range of hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals within a scenic drive of the trail.

Lodging in Sisters 

Lodging in Bend

Open: Lower section year-round; upper section seasonal
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service (Willamette National Forest)

Amenities: Trailhead parking, vault toilets, nearby campgrounds, picnic areas
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, nature viewing, photography

Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None

Elevation: Ranges from about 1,400 ft (427 m) at the lower trailhead to 3,200 ft (975 m) at Clear Lake

McKenzie River Trail is located:

• 5 miles north of McKenzie Bridge
• 60 miles east of Eugene
• 88 miles southeast of Salem.