McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)


Area Status: Open

Explore the McKenzie River Ranger District (Highway 126)

Cars drive over the McKenzie Pass through lava fieldsMcKenzie 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, OR, 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.Sahalie Falls tumbles over rocks surrounded by a lush green forest

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Offices are closed to in-person business, but front desk personnel are returning calls remotely. Please leave a voicemail with your question and your call will be returned in the order that it was received. Weather: McKenzie River near the Ranger Station
Road Conditions
Operational Hours: McKenzie River District office is closed due to Covid-19. Please call 541-822-3381 if you have any questions. During severe weather, our offices and ranger stations may operate on a delayed schedule or close. If you plan on visiting, please call 541-822-3381 or check Facebook and Twitter for information.
Closest Towns: McKenzie Bridge, OR
Restroom: At McKenzie River Ranger Station
Information Center: McKenzie River Ranger Station
57600 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
541-822-3381
Fax: 541-822-7254
Email: McKenzie River Ranger District
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Closed on federal holidays

General Information

Accessibility:


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Waterskiing

Areas for Waterskiing at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Alerts & Warnings

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A map showing winter recreation areas at Santiam Pass and Willamette Pass

Winter Recreation Map Link opens in a Pdf Document

Quick Links

Related Information

McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Highlights

Location

 
  Latitude : 
44.179280

  Longitude : 
-122.116127