South Fork McKenzie Trailhead

This trailhead provides access to:

South Fork McKenzie Trail #3327
Elk Creek Trail #3510
Olallie Trail #3529
Frissell Crossing Trail #3320

Current Conditions

For current conditions, please contact the local ranger station. Access is weather dependent. Forest Service roads are not maintained for snow and ice.

General Information

There are two types of entry permits required between June 15 and October 15 for entering the Three Sisters Wilderness from this trailhead.

Overnight Use
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permit between June 15 and October 15.
Day Use
- Free, self-issue Wilderness Permit (available at the trailhead) between June 15 and October 15.

Check out Recreation.gov for more information or call 1-877-444-6777.

Address: 57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Phone: (541) 822-3381
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov

Getting There

Directions

From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 and turn right onto Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide). Continue right at the Y junction for 3 miles to the top of Cougar Reservoir.

At the reservoir, continue south on Forest Road 19 for 20 miles and turn left (north) onto Forest Road 1964.

Continue down this road and turn left (east) at Forest Road 456.

Continue down this road to a large pullout on the left at South Fork Trailhead on the north side of the road.
Elk Creek Trailhead is on the south side of the road here as well.