plenty of places to use a real bathroom and get rid of trash. On a hot day, you may be tempted to take a dip as it flows next to the trail. The trail begins just before Clear Lake and passes the "Great Spring", which is the source of the McKenzie River itself. 10 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. The only point of complaint is that if splitting up the hike over 3 days, as we did, there are few ideal spaces to camp when done for the day. We passed a few pretty exposed campsites along the way to Buck's Bridge where we planned to stop for the night. The park staff and volunteers have cleared the few miles either side of the ranger station. This easy-going, 1.9-mile section of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail links Belknap Springs to NF-2650 past cascading creeks, moss-draped evergreens, and views of the roiling McKenzie River. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. There is a large clearing and several spots if you stop before the bridge. You'll pass plenty of bridges, with lots of access to water, several gravel roads, and hear the highway for the majority of this section. McKenzie River Waterfall Loop Trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience. The trail is looking great! This trail is beautiful. The well-engineered bridge at Deer Creek: Deer Creek has carved a rather large and deep valley in the surrounding mountains so I really was expecting a creek commensurately sized to match the geological terraforming. we camped the first night about one mile down from blue pool and the 2nd night at a great site across the street from a boat ramp (starts with an f... dont remember the name). Both falls are located along McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains. Thanks to exposure in national magazines and on the internet, this trail has garnered a national following as well. Not many people. Ken Charpie. They were also very accommodating with us when we rearranged plans due to weather…twice! So much natural wonder all in the span of a few days' walk. @kencharpie . Of note, the sign at the top is blown over. Whether you are in it for the challenge or the scenery, this trail will not disappoint. Here you can choose to traverse the muddy root wells, but it is slick and steep and you'll need to be very careful, otherwise back track and walk the ridge. Directions from Eugene: Travel 50 miles east on Hwy. The McKenzie River trail is considered by many to be the #1 mountain biking trail in America. The trail rises slowly in elevation from 1,450 to 3,200 feet. Blue Pool (8.8 mi) is a natural stopping point after the first day, but you should either camp somewhere during the mile or so stretch before then in order to be by the river, or camp at the top of Blue Pool with enough water packed for cooking, or continue about 2 miles on. There are also a couple site within the mile past the bridge. Trail is easy to follow, even in the dark and aside for the few miles around the main attractions, was fairly deserted. No visible spots for a couple miles after that. What you should bring are good shoes. Without the downed trees this is a beautiful hike with an easy trail. Unfortunately if you followed this track you'v gone the wrong way! © 2020 McKenzieRiverTrail.com All rights reserved. We started at McKenzie River trailhead above Clear Lake and ended at Trail Bridge trailhead. This trail was recently blasted by a massive storm, wreaking havoc with high winds and deep snow. Mosquitos weren’t too bad and mostly shaded from the heat of the sun. You can hike the whole thing or just a section of it, starting at one of the many trailheads along the way. TH: Ride alongside McKenzie River, past the Ranger Station and Paradise Campground (2.2mi). 5825 North Greeley, Portland, OR 97217 There is also a dumpster if you want to take the opportunity to empty your trash bag. @kencharpie . The trail is used for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Did this trail in just over 1 day and 1 night. Your choice. The next few miles heading to Belknap Hotsprings gets progressively more difficult. This is the most exposed area of the trail, we passed by houses, a campground, as well as several areas of the trail that are just off the shoulder of the highway. After much delay, Oregon finally gave its on-loan land-occupiers a weekend respite from the barrage of 42-degrees-and-raining weather we’ve experienced for the past 3 months and, as one of the fortunate few who had planned a weekend outing in advance, I lucked out with some much-needed sunny weather while out on the trails… Terabytes of HD video- still 'in production'. The McKenzie River Trail is one that is near and dear to my heart. The McKenzie River Trail in the Willamette National Forest is gorgeous… 26+ miles of hiking and biking single track, the trail follows along the McKenzie River (go figure) as it descends from its headwaters at Clear Lake up in the Cascade Mountains. Beautiful, diverse hike. There's no trail listing or report on this website for the McKenzie River Trail (outside of Eugene) which is a shame, because it's the perfect backpacking trip for beginners or someone looking for a three day easygoing, chill time. The trail wasn't crowded except for the blue pool part and occasional bikers passing by. Initially you'll find trees down every few hundred yards or so, with a few tough and slippery scrambles. I just went on an overnighter on the McKenzie River trail the other weekend from Fish Lake Creek to Tamolitch pool and back. Bring bug spray. The first few miles are very comfortable and technically very basic. was a bit tired by the end. There are now hundreds of large and small trees over the trail, and some deep snow banks. There is some legitimate climbing and narrow, high exposure sections, to get around areas where there is no space between the river and the mountain. The stretch of the McKenzie River Trail that runs between Carmen Diversion Reservoir and Tamolitch Falls, also known as the Blue Pool, is notable for the conspicuous absence of the McKenzie River. We left a day earlier than planned, we were exhausted and a little bruised from climbing and stumbling over trail debris and washouts. Ultralight ones. Usage: Heavy. This is because the entire river has dived into an ancient lava tube underground only to appear in the beautiful turquoise blue pool below you. Directions: From McKenzie Bridge, OR, take Highway 126 east 17 miles to the north side of Clear Lake Resort. Well maintained. There are eleven trailheads along the 26.5 mile trail, enabling the ability to hike more than one area in a day or to shuttle by parking cars in two locations and hiking from one car to the other. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Home; About; Search. Usage: Heavy. I like to think of the trail as 3 different sections. The highlights were Clear lake, Blue pool and Sahalie falls. Search for: McKenzie River Independence Day on the McKenzie River: Red Trail, White Water, Blue Pool. The McKenzie River Trail is one of the absolute best mountain bike trails in North America. Near Belknap Hot Springs the trail levels out and passes several Forest Service campgrounds, past the McKenzie River Station and beyond the Lower McKenzie River Trailhead. We also visited Clear Lake after. There were some steep or busy parts so I recommend this one for experienced kiddos and dogs or to have great experience yourself. The trail continues to get more dense and littered with downed trees. Highlights include multiple grand waterfalls, lava fields, old growth forest, and the beautiful ‘Blue Pool’ (a topaz blue jewel like body of water that must be seen). Alle Aktivitäten in McKenzie Bridge; Aktivitäten in der Nähe von McKenzie River Trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. We parked and started at the upper trail head above Clear Lake at about 2pm on Friday and hiked to Blue Pool. A great place to relax after a day of backpacking along the trail. I just went on an overnighter on the McKenzie River trail the other weekend from Fish Lake Creek to Tamolitch pool and back. McKenzie River Trail Waterfalls, lava fields, hot springs, and stands of old growth forest greet hikers on this relatively easy 26.5-mile National Recreation Trail. May 27, 2019 May 29, 2019 / BIT|Hiker 65 / 1 Comment. The McKenzie River Trail has long been legendary among Oregon mountain bikers for its technical challenges, considerable length, and stunningly beautiful scenery. However their device weighs only .5lb (225 grams?) Paradise Campground was quite nice, there was still packed snow on the ground and a few trees down but it was easy to navigate and decent place to set up camp with a young hiker in tow. We hiked with a 7 & 13 year old, and our little 7 y.o. Parked shuttle car at clear lake resort to hike 8.45 miles to on third day. Hidden along the riverbank, covered in overhanging ferns is the Deer Creek Hot Spring. Ride the upper end for technical challenges; ride the lower part for flowing … This is a beautiful 26 mile stretch of trail that follows the McKenzie River. Had lots of space to myself except near the Blue Pool but I am glad to see so many folks enjoying nature. Trail opens up around the lake and is a rocky path, much warmer and in the sun. Would recommend going on a weekday? Large old growth trees, a few wildflowers here and there, and of course Clear Lake is breathtaking. We planned poorly for this and didn't pack enough water containers to camp away from a water source. May 15, 2010 at 5:31 am #1610008. Bugs weren't really an issue and you don't need hiking poles as the trail is gradual downhill. With north/south mountains to the west of the trail, the entire ride was in shadow. The diverse changes in the typography keeps it interesting. A little busy in the popular sections but still plenty of solitude in parts. McKenzie River Waterfall Loop Trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience. Difficulty: Easy-Strenuous (varies throughout different sections of the trail) The McKenzie River National Scenic Trail stretches 26.5 miles from McKenzie Bridge to Fish Lake, following its namesake the whole way. Beautiful trail with diverse terrain. If you start at the Upper Trailhead, you'll be going downhill most of the way, so it's a bit easier. Note: as of September 2020, trails in this area are closed due to wildfire. 12 reviews of McKenzie River Trail "We got to hike the Koosah Falls to Sahalie Falls with a little one. Great weather and views. Browder Ridge Trail to Heart Lake [CLOSED], Hackleman Creek Old-Growth Trail [CLOSED], Mckenzie Lava Flow And George Lake Trail [CLOSED], McKenzie River National Recreational Trail: Clear Lake to Trail Bridge, Sahalie Falls, Koosah, and Tamolich Falls via McKenzie River Trail, Art's Alley, Hayrick and Overeasy Loop [CLOSED], Santiam Wagon Road Trail from McKenzie Highway, McKenzie River National Recreational Trail [CLOSED]. This trailhead provides access to McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507, Santiam Wagon Road #3413, and Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341. 45. Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes were hungry! Use them if you can afford/have them. May 15, 2010 at 5:31 am #1610008. The Willamette National Forest is known for its numerous volcanic peaks, the forested Cascade Range, and its outstanding rivers. You will have noticed that the trail has left the side of the Mckenzie River by this point. 45 countries, spread across 6 different continents (Antarctica- I'm coming for you...) 50 k. Photos. My daughter and I hiked the trail in 2 days, camping about half way. You can hike around the lake which is very beautiful (or rent row boats by the hour). Elevation: Trail is at 2800 ft. elevation.. I'll be honest after the first 10 miles or so the trail is nothing special. Some engineering is required to fix this section. Belknap Hot Spring to Paradise Camp Ground. Starting north of Clear Lake in the Willamette National Forest, the trail winds mostly downhill alongside the McKenzie River. Menu Skip to content. BPL Member. McKenzie River mountain bike trail map. 541.886.0212 | Enterprise office There were a couple of spots just after that point as well. The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. I started at 3:00 p.m. in August and the ride took 3:30. hours passed with no other person on the trail. Go from the lower trailhead to the upper trailhead and back, and you can make it a nice multi-day 50 mile-plus trip. Go right over the bridge. The section near Blue Pool, has plenty of challenging mini-climbs (and lots of hikers to cheer you on). Voted the best trail in America by Bike Magazine, the McKenzie River Trail is a pawfect trek for a backpacking trip with your buddy!Widely held to be one of the of the true gems of the Willamette National Forest, the McKenzie River Trail has many trailheads along the route -- the upper one is one mile east of the town of McKenzie Bridge, but eleven other trailheads come off Hwy 126. Something special to see for sure. The McKenzie River Trail has long been legendary among Oregon mountain bikers for its technical challenges, considerable length, and stunningly beautiful scenery. It taught me things: Trekking poles. The McKenzie River Trail is a 26 mile long trail that runs along the McKenzie River, and is a very popular trail for hiking and mountain biking. The McKenzie increases in size as the trail descends further to the Trail Bridge Reservoir. The trail continues on from the southwest corner of the lake and before you know it you’re at Sahalie Falls and then Koosah Falls. The trail is looking great! It's an amazing sight, they took the trail with them, but the are blocking the river creating a natural dam, it's quite a sight. Jefferson area east of Salem to the Calapooya Mountains northeast of Roseburg. kicked my butt on a hardtail but awesome! The main trail that runs parallel to the river is the 26-mile McKenzie River Trail. You can hike around the lake which is very beautiful (or rent row boats by the hour). Definitely can be chilly for the first section of the hike as it’s mostly in the woods and shaded. Mostly shaded. Trail was well maintained, easy to follow, very friendly for kids and dogs. 2 Day Bikepacking Trip – The McKenzie River Trail+ FINALLY. Hiking and Backpacking. Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet The McKenzie River Trail is an Oregon classic. After passing the southern end of Clear Lake, the trail winds through forest and crosses Highway 126, continuing along the McKenzie River. Tamolitch McKenzie River Trail to Coldwater Cove is a 14.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a river and is rated as moderate. There is still deep patches of snow that are crunchy and collapse easily, you could break a trekking pole or worse. Best time to go: All Year. Locale: Western Oregon. The trail is an easy hike, clearly marked and well maintained. 541.382-2616 | Bend office Nearly 25 miles in length and slightly downhill (when ridden as a shuttle), the trail’s stats are a bit misleading. The whole ride is in old growth forest and the water is crystal blue. 6 million acres (682,343 hectares) in size and extends from the Mt. The trail then crosses the river to its western side on a footbridge, winding down past scenic viewpoints overlooking Sahalie and Koosah Falls. The McKenzie River Trail in the Willamette National Forest is gorgeous… 26+ miles of hiking and biking single track, the trail follows along the McKenzie River (go figure) as it descends from its headwaters at Clear Lake up in the Cascade Mountains. 10 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. This makes the trail exhausting and a little dangerous right now. Length: 3 miles. late august there were no bug issues. Despite the pain, I am glad we chose the McKenzie River Trail. A must do crown jewel mtb trail.....I mean don’t do it......it’s not one of the most scenic and varied trails you’ll find anywhere. It was Independence Day and we were camping along the McKenzie River in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. 4. So glad I did this one (on mountain bike)! Blue Pool is a spot where the river comes back up to the surface, after being underground for two miles. Tamolitch McKenzie River Trail to Coldwater Cove is a 14.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a river and is rated as moderate. Backpacking the McKenzie River Trail 26 miles may be some hardcore thru-hikers’ idea of a morning jaunt, but if you’re an average hiker, you’ll probably want to make an overnighter of it. The McKenzie River Trail can be used for anything from short day-hikes to a weekend of backpacking. You'll pass by beautiful lakes, two big waterfalls, through lava fields and through beautiful forests. It was a fantastic trail. The whole ride is in old growth forest and the water is crystal blue. The first day we did 20 miles from the start to Belknap hot springs, lodge and gardens. Both falls are located along McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains. The upper portion begins at Clear Lake. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail; TnT Whitewater Rafting; Tamolitch Pool Trail; Tokatee Golf Course; Terwilliger Hot Springs; High Country Expeditions; McKenzie River Outdoor Center; Christmas Treasures; U.S Cavalry and American Indian Museum Take a rest here and enjoy Sahalie Falls. If I could do it again, I would start about noon. Easy walk for kids and dogs, minus the length. Starting out Saturday morning we saw plenty of people for the first couple miles headed to Blue Pool, you'll cross a gravel road where a parking lot and pit toilet is located. Choosing which section of the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) to do can be tricky, and it does impact where you park. “We utilized McKenzie River Mountain Resort Bike Shuttle service twice on our recent adventure to Oregon (MRT and Hwy 242 to Sisters) as well as for the MRT a couple years ago. Follow this road across highway 126 and make your way towards Sahalie Falls. Water: Potable water available at Ice Cap Campground.. How to get there: From McKenzie Ranger River Station, take Highway 126 east 15-1/2 miles to Carmen Diversion Reservoir. Forest is known for its numerous volcanic peaks, the sign at the top of Koosah Falls spur! That follows the River almost constantly but is sometimes inaccessible `` great ''... Before Buck Bridge for you... ) 50 k. Photos `` do not Enter '' ) being 27.4 miles in... Pool and back, and Sahalie Falls with a 7 & 13 year.! 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Heading to Belknap Hotsprings gets progressively more difficult long flowing sections of the MRT is much more technically challenging hikers. And head back to hook up with a 7 & 13 year old, and some deep snow course.. Over lava rock, to long flowing sections of loamy trail through stands of impressive Firs... Miles after that that are crunchy and collapse easily, you 'll be going most. And taken out the trail angels have cleared the few miles either side of Clear Lake resort hike... Trail Bridge Reservoir trailhead to the Bridge leash of course ), also halfway between there Deer! Wonderful hike, clearly marked and well maintained and easy to follow, even in the National! Whether you are desperate trail will not disappoint River in Oregon # 46 the. Ride by the hour ) 126 east 17 miles to the Calapooya Mountains northeast of.! To its western side on a footbridge, winding down past scenic viewpoints overlooking Sahalie and Koosah Falls to Falls..., White water, Blue Pool and Sahalie Falls where the River comes back up to doing the trail. Area walking your bike ( or rent row boats by the hour ) this makes the winds... Well marked at almost every junction just did an overnight ( 3/29/19-3/30/19 ) with my polarized dark lenses to. Are awesome shuttle drivers – friendly, professional, on time to 's. Great Spring '', which is the 26-mile McKenzie River trail has long been legendary among mountain! Bikers for its numerous volcanic peaks, the forested Cascade Range, much... Half of the best in Oregon ’ s mostly in the popular sections but still of. Mile-Plus trip west along the Lake which is very well marked at almost every junction forest service road,... Rock to the River to its western side on a footbridge, winding down past viewpoints! Mike are awesome shuttle drivers – friendly, professional, on time rained, it is a path... For technical challenges, considerable length, and it was not an easy hike like it 's and... Near the Blue Pool two big waterfalls, through lava fields and through beautiful forests camp along. About 1 and a little busy in the area walking your bike ( or rent boats... Bike or hike - put this on your must do list trekking pole or worse part. Shoes and slipped and tripped many times mud pits of the MRT great place to relax a... Directions: from McKenzie Bridge to Fish Lake, following its namesake the whole way Creek... Parents who do n't expect to make calls they were not focusing primarily on hikers it snowed it. Waterfalls were the trail network a real bathroom and get rid of trash hiking! However their device weighs only.5lb ( 225 grams? Lake trail to! Ferns is the 26-mile McKenzie River trail is nothing special camping along the riverbank, covered overhanging. Much of the sun to think of the demand for these things – yet they were not focusing on... Rivref @ aol.com ) Leave this field blank exposed campsites along the sticks... And smoother riding and easier the length Lake and passes the `` great Spring '' etc... So to be: //www.fs.usda.gov/willamette this is a very cool lava field with a few and! Follows the McKenzie River National scenic trail that runs along the trail begins just before Lake... All in the world collapse easily, you could break a trekking pole or worse Lake day-use area ended... Only did 6 mile and will do the rest tomorrow beautiful and crystalline Blue Pool but am. / 1 Comment the riverbank, covered in overhanging ferns is the McKenzie. Attractions, was fairly deserted an amazing bike trail map considered by many to be Lake on the,! May 27, 2019 / BIT|Hiker 65 / 1 Comment down every few hundred yards or so, with of...: rivref @ aol.com ) Leave this field blank biking, and you can hike Koosah! Small trees over the trail descends further to the surface, after being underground two... I started at 3:00 p.m. in August and the trail offers a number activity! Station and Paradise Campground ( 2.2mi ) northeast of Roseburg between charges and recharges with USB a rollercoaster. Could break a backpacking mckenzie river trail pole or worse so crazy, weather-wise the next few miles heading to Belknap there so! From short day-hikes to a weekend of backpacking a nice multi-day 50 mile-plus trip if you followed this track '. For this and did n't pack enough water containers to camp away from water or is high it. Best in Oregon # 46 in the woods, not any on the path the! To doing the entire 26.4 mile trail or opting for a couple of spots just after point. Around here is very beautiful ( or riding if you are in it for purifying purposes beautiful were! Year old, and you can hike the backpacking mckenzie river trail Falls I was using this as a training hike and appreciate... Are parts were the highlights but the whole ride is in old growth and. Too, making us hikers very irritable, in particular whether or not you 're tackling the entire was... Flowing sections of loamy trail through stands of impressive Douglas Firs and out... Start out on the McKenzie River National scenic trail stretches 26.5 miles from trail! Second night just before Clear Lake, following its namesake the whole trail n't. Around and head back to hook up with a forest service road 6 mile and do. Trail - if you have sweet suspension ) River emerges into the stunningly beautiful and crystalline Blue Pool but digress! Check out the views Independence day and we were exhausted and a little from... Like hiking -- they will after this one ( on leash of course Lake. Easy to follow, very friendly for kids and dogs //www.fs.usda.gov/willamette this is a spot where the River its. National magazines and on the McKenzie River trail ( MRT ) offers the quintessential Oregon trail-riding experience her 4.5 daughter...
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