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McKenzie River Ranger District

The McKenzie River Ranger District is in the middle part of the Willamette National Forest, bordering the Deschutes National Forest. Accessible from the west via Highway 126 from Eugene, Oregon, or from the east on Highway 20 from Sisters.

The McKenzie River Ranger District is a collection of stunning lakes and waterfalls, epic mountain biking and rafting, and opportunities to explore history.

Hiking: Get your water fix at the Upper McKenzie Trail Area hiking the Water Falls Loop Trail #3503 where you can see the popular Sahalie and Koosah Falls. View the headwaters of the McKenzie River at the stunning Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341.

Other Recreation: The O’Leary trail complex and Upper McKenzie Trail Area offer some of the best mountain biking on the forest. Road cyclists will love the challenge of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway and the views are spectacular from your vehicle as well!

Don’t miss the Dee Wright Observatory, along the scenic McKenzie Highway (Hwy 242), for panoramic views of Cascade peaks such as Mount Washington and the Three Sisters. For Highway 242 opening and closing dates, check the Oregon Department of Transportation website.

History buffs will enjoy a stop at Fish Lake Interpretive Day Use sites, or try spending a night at an historic guard station (reservations required) such as Box Canyon Guard Station or Indian Ridge Lookout.

Take a guided trip down the river with one of our McKenzie River Permitted Outfitters and Guides.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 181 results

Alder Springs Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking
This small, rustic site is right on the side of the historic McKenzie Pass Highway. Surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees, this is a perfect spot to be on a warm day.Access to Linton Lake…

Bear Flat Trail #3301

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This 6.9 mile trail goes through the upper portion of the French Pete drainage and around Olallie Mountain. Make a day loop trip or a two-day hike. Just after leaving the Olallie Trail hikers will…

Benson / Tenas Trailhead

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
This trailhead provides access to:Benson Lake Trail #3502Hand Lake Trail #3513Scott Mountain Trail #4339See trail page for more information.

Benson Lake Trail #3502

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Beginning at Benson / Tenas Trailhead, the 7.5 mile Benson Lake Trail #3502 heads west uphill through an alpine mixed conifer forest. Just before reaching Benson Lake, the trail enters the Mt.…

Big Lake Area

Picnicking Hiking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Big Lake is 225 acres in size and is situated on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. It was the first resting place for early travelers heading west. A youth camp operates under special use permit on…

Big Lake Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Water Activities
On the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass, surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine, campers enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop.…

Big Lake Day Use Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Water Activities
The day use site is located in the Big Lake Campground the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass.Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating and is a hub of…

Big Lake West Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Water Activities
This small 11 site tent-only campground lies on the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass and is a hub of activity during the summer months. It's a smaller campground located just west…

Blue River Reservoir Area

Picnicking Hiking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
In the summer months, Blue River Reservoir is a popular place for fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing and stand-up paddle boarding. There are two main campgrounds, Lookout Campground and Mona…

Last updated August 15th, 2025