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McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
Area Status: Open
Explore the McKenzie River Ranger District (Highway 126)
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, 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.
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: | Weather: McKenzie River near the Ranger Station Road Conditions |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Closed on federal holidays. |
| 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:Activities
Mountain Biking
Areas for Mountain Biking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
- Box Canyon Trail Area
- Chucksney Mountain Trail #3306
- Grasshopper Mountain Trail #3569
- Roaring Ridge Trail #3312
- French Pete Trail Area
- Indian Ridge Trail #3315
- Olallie Trail Area
- Castle Rock Trail #3506
- Echo Trail #3309
- Horsepasture Mountain Trail #4347
- King-Castle Trail #4326
- O'Leary Mountain Trail #3321
- O'Leary Trail Complex
- Olallie Trail #3529
- Blue River North Trail Area
- Buck Mountain Trail #3304
- Frissell Trail #3512
- Tidbits Mountain Trail #3328 / #3398
- Clear Lake Area
- Ice Cap Campground
- McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507
- McKenzie River Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool
- Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) #3507
- Upper McKenzie Trail Area
- Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341
- Waterfalls Loop Trail #3503
- McKenzie River Scenic Byway
- Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area
Campground Camping
Areas for Campground Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19)
- Cougar Reservoir Area
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Slide Creek Campground
- Sunnyside Campground
- French Pete Campground
- Frissell Crossing Campground
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake West Campground
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Lookout Campground
- Mona Campground
- Box Canyon Horse Camp
- Clear Lake Area
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Delta Campground
- Ice Cap Campground
- Limberlost Campground
- Lost Lake Campground
- McKenzie Bridge Campground
- Alder Springs Campground
- Scott Lake Campground
- McKenzie River Area
- McKenzie River Scenic Byway
- Olallie Campground
- Paradise Campground
- Smith Reservoir Area
- Lakes End Campground
- Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
RV Camping
Areas for RV Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Slide Creek Campground
- French Pete Campground
- Frissell Crossing Campground
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake West Campground
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Delta Campground
- Ice Cap Campground
- Limberlost Campground
- Paradise Campground
- Trail Bridge Campground
Group Camping
Areas for Group Camping at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Hard Rock Group Campground
- Red Diamond Group Campground
- Roaring River Group Campground
- Horse Creek Group Campground
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)
- Cougar Reservoir Area
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
- Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
- Slide Creek Campground
- Slide Creek Day Use Area
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake West Campground
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Lookout Boat Launch
- Lookout Campground
- Mona Campground
- Saddle Dam Boat Launch
- Clear Lake Area
- Clear Lake Day Use Area
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Ice Cap Campground
- Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
- Alder Springs Campground
- Linton Lake Trailhead
- Scott Lake Campground
- Smith Reservoir Area
- Lakes End Campground
- Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
- French Pete Campground
- Frissell Crossing Campground
- Hard Rock Group Campground
- Red Diamond Group Campground
- Roaring River Group Campground
- Delta Campground
- Delta Day Use Area
- Horse Creek Group Campground
- Limberlost Campground
- Lost Lake Campground
- McKenzie Bridge Campground
- McKenzie Bridge Day Use Area
- McKenzie River Area
- Olallie Campground
- Olallie Day Use
- Paradise Campground
- Paradise Day Use Area
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19)
- Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
- Box Canyon Trail Area
- Box Canyon Trailhead
- Chucksney Mountain Trail #3306
- Crossing Way Trail #3307
- Crossing Way Trailhead
- Elk Creek Trail #3510
- Elk Creek Trailhead
- Grasshopper Mountain Trail #3569
- Grasshopper Trailhead
- McBee Trail #3523
- Roaring Ridge North Trailhead
- Roaring Ridge South Trailhead
- Roaring Ridge Trail #3312
- South Fork McKenzie Trail #3327
- South Fork McKenzie Trailhead
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
- Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
- Slide Creek Campground
- Slide Creek Day Use Area
- Sunnyside Campground
- Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
- Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs Trailhead
- French Pete Campground
- French Pete Trail Area
- Bear Flat Trail #3301
- French Pete Creek Trail #3311
- French Pete Trailhead
- Frissell Crossing Trail #3320
- Hidden Lake SIA Trailhead
- Indian Ridge North Trailhead
- Indian Ridge South Trailhead
- Indian Ridge Trail #3315
- Olallie Mountain Trail #4100
- Pat Saddle Trailhead
- Rebel Creek Trail #3323
- Rebel Rock Trail #3324
- Rebel Trailhead
- Wildcat Swamp Trail #3331
- Yankee Mountain Trail #3318
- Frissell Crossing Campground
- Indian Ridge Lookout
- Olallie Trail Area
- Castle Rock Trail #3506
- Castle Rock Trailhead
- Delta Old Growth Nature Trail #3317
- Delta Old Growth Nature Trail Trailhead
- East Fork Trail #3308
- East Fork, Lower Trailhead
- East Fork, Upper Trailhead
- Echo Trail #3309
- Echo Trailhead
- Horsepasture Mountain Trail #4347
- Horsepasture Trailhead
- King's Castle Trailhead
- King-Castle Trail #4326
- Lowder Mountain, Lower Trailhead
- Lowder Mountain, Upper Trailhead
- Lowder Trail #3329
- O'Leary / Castle Rock Trailhead
- O'Leary Mountain Trail #3321
- O'Leary Trail Complex
- Olallie North Trailhead
- Olallie South Trailhead
- Olallie Trail #3529
- Quaking Aspen Swamp Trail #3332
- Rider Creek Trail #3319
- Walker Creek Trail #3330
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake West Campground
- Big Lake Trail Area
- Patjens Lake Loop Trailhead
- Patjens Lakes Trail #3395
- Pocket Way Trail #3522
- Blue River North Trail Area
- Buck Mountain East Trailhead
- Buck Mountain Trail #3304
- Buck Mountain West Trailhead
- Carpenter Mountain Trail #3302
- Carpenter Mountain Trailhead
- Frissell North Trailhead
- Frissell South Trailhead
- Frissell Trail #3512
- Gold Hill Trail #3370
- Gold Hill Trailhead
- Lookout Creek East Trailhead
- Lookout Creek Old Growth Trail #4105
- Lookout Creek West Trailhead
- Tidbits Mountain Trail #3328 / #3398
- Tidbits South Trailhead
- Tidbits West Trailhead
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Box Canyon Horse Camp
- Carpenter Mountain Lookout
- Clear Lake Area
- Clear Lake Day Use Area
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Delta Campground
- Delta Day Use Area
- Fish Lake Interpretive Day Use
- Foley Ridge Trail Area
- Eileen Lake Trail #4348
- Foley Ridge Trail #3511
- Foley Ridge Trailhead
- Horse Creek Trail #3514
- Horse Creek Trailhead
- James Creek Trail #3546
- Linton Meadows Trail #3547
- Louise Creek Trail #3520
- Nash Lake Trail #3527
- Rainbow Falls Trail #3543
- Rainbow Falls Trailhead
- Separation Creek Meadow Trail #4331
- Separation Creek Trail #3524
- Separation Lake Trail #3536
- Separation Lake Trailhead
- Water Holes Trail #3538
- Ice Cap Campground
- Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
- McKenzie Pass—Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Alder Springs Campground
- Dee Wright Observatory
- McKenzie Pass Trail Area
- Benson / Tenas Trailhead
- Benson Lake Trail #3502
- Deer Butte Trail #3508
- Fingerboard Prairie Trailhead
- Hand Lake Trail #3513
- Hand Lake Trailhead
- Lava River National Recreation Trail #3540
- Linton Lake Trail #3519
- Linton Lake Trailhead
- Obsidian Hiker Trailhead
- Obsidian Stock Trailhead
- Proxy Falls Trail #3532
- Proxy Falls Trailhead
- Robinson Lake Trail #4342
- Robinson Lake Trailhead
- Scott Mountain Trail #4339
- Scott Trail #3531
- Scott Trailhead
- Scotty Way Trail #4345
- Tenas Lakes Trail #4340
- Tenas Lakes Trailhead
- Scott Lake Campground
- McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507
- McKenzie River Trailhead - Lower
- McKenzie River Trailhead - Upper
- McKenzie River Trailhead at Paradise Campground
- McKenzie River Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool
- Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) #3507
- Upper McKenzie Trail Area
- Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341
- Sahalie and Koosah Falls
- Waterfalls Loop Trail #3503
- McKenzie River Scenic Byway
- Sand Mountain Lookout
- Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Box Canyon Trail Area
- Box Canyon Trailhead
- Chucksney Mountain Trail #3306
- Crossing Way Trail #3307
- Crossing Way Trailhead
- Elk Creek Trail #3510
- Elk Creek Trailhead
- Grasshopper Mountain Trail #3569
- Grasshopper Trailhead
- McBee Trail #3523
- Roaring Ridge North Trailhead
- Roaring Ridge South Trailhead
- Roaring Ridge Trail #3312
- South Fork McKenzie Trail #3327
- South Fork McKenzie Trailhead
- French Pete Trail Area
- Bear Flat Trail #3301
- French Pete Creek Trail #3311
- French Pete Trailhead
- Frissell Crossing Trail #3320
- Hidden Lake SIA Trailhead
- Indian Ridge North Trailhead
- Indian Ridge South Trailhead
- Olallie Mountain Trail #4100
- Pat Saddle Trailhead
- Rebel Creek Trail #3323
- Rebel Rock Trail #3324
- Rebel Trailhead
- Wildcat Swamp Trail #3331
- Olallie Trail Area
- Castle Rock Trail #3506
- Castle Rock Trailhead
- East Fork Trail #3308
- East Fork, Lower Trailhead
- East Fork, Upper Trailhead
- Echo Trail #3309
- Echo Trailhead
- Horsepasture Mountain Trail #4347
- Horsepasture Trailhead
- King-Castle Trail #4326
- Lowder Mountain, Lower Trailhead
- Lowder Mountain, Upper Trailhead
- Lowder Trail #3329
- O'Leary / Castle Rock Trailhead
- O'Leary Mountain Trail #3321
- O'Leary Trail Complex
- Olallie North Trailhead
- Olallie South Trailhead
- Olallie Trail #3529
- Quaking Aspen Swamp Trail #3332
- Walker Creek Trail #3330
- Big Lake Trail Area
- Patjens Lake Loop Trailhead
- Patjens Lakes Trail #3395
- Blue River North Trail Area
- Frissell Trail #3512
- Foley Ridge Trail Area
- Foley Ridge Trail #3511
- Foley Ridge Trailhead
- Horse Creek Trail #3514
- Horse Creek Trailhead
- Louise Creek Trail #3520
- Nash Lake Trail #3527
- Rainbow Falls Trailhead
- Separation Lake Trail #3536
- Separation Lake Trailhead
- McKenzie Pass Trail Area
- Benson / Tenas Trailhead
- Benson Lake Trail #3502
- Deer Butte Trail #3508
- Fingerboard Prairie Trailhead
- Hand Lake Trail #3513
- Hand Lake Trailhead
- Linton Lake Trail #3519
- Linton Lake Trailhead
- Obsidian Hiker Trailhead
- Obsidian Stock Trailhead
- Robinson Lake Trail #4342
- Robinson Lake Trailhead
- Scott Trail #3531
- Scott Trailhead
- Tenas Lakes Trailhead
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)
- Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
- Box Canyon Trail Area
- Box Canyon Trailhead
- Chucksney Mountain Trail #3306
- Crossing Way Trail #3307
- Elk Creek Trail #3510
- Grasshopper Mountain Trail #3569
- McBee Trail #3523
- South Fork McKenzie Trail #3327
- South Fork McKenzie Trailhead
- French Pete Trail Area
- Bear Flat Trail #3301
- Olallie Mountain Trail #4100
- Rebel Creek Trail #3323
- Rebel Rock Trail #3324
- Wildcat Swamp Trail #3331
- Olallie Trail Area
- Castle Rock Trail #3506
- Lowder Trail #3329
- Big Lake Trail Area
- Patjens Lakes Trail #3395
- Blue River North Trail Area
- Frissell Trail #3512
- Box Canyon Horse Camp
- Foley Ridge Trail Area
- Foley Ridge Trail #3511
- Horse Creek Trail #3514
- Louise Creek Trail #3520
- Nash Lake Trail #3527
- Separation Lake Trail #3536
- McKenzie Pass Trail Area
- Benson / Tenas Trailhead
- Benson Lake Trail #3502
- Deer Butte Trail #3508
- Hand Lake Trail #3513
- Obsidian Hiker Trailhead
- Obsidian Stock Trailhead
- Robinson Lake Trail #4342
- Scott Trail #3531
- Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area
Viewing Plants
Areas for Viewing Plants at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Olallie Trail Area
- Delta Old Growth Nature Trail #3317
- Quaking Aspen Swamp Trail #3332
- Delta Campground
- McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507
- Upper McKenzie Trail Area
Viewing Scenery
Areas for Viewing Scenery at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19)
- Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
- French Pete Campground
- Frissell Crossing Campground
- Indian Ridge Lookout
- Roaring River Group Campground
- Blue River North Trail Area
- Frissell Trail #3512
- Carpenter Mountain Lookout
- Clear Lake Area
- Fish Lake Interpretive Day Use
- Fish Lake Remount Depot - Commissary Cabin
- Ice Cap Campground
- Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
- McKenzie Pass—Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Dee Wright Observatory
- McKenzie Pass Trail Area
- Lava River National Recreation Trail #3540
- Scott Lake Campground
- McKenzie River Area
- Upper McKenzie Trail Area
- Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341
- Sahalie and Koosah Falls
- Waterfalls Loop Trail #3503
- McKenzie River Scenic Byway
- Sand Mountain Lookout
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)
- Cougar Reservoir Area
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
- Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
- Slide Creek Campground
- Slide Creek Day Use Area
- Sunnyside Campground
- French Pete Campground
- Frissell Crossing Campground
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake West Campground
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Lookout Campground
- Mona Campground
- Clear Lake Area
- Clear Lake Day Use Area
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Delta Campground
- Delta Day Use Area
- Fish Lake Interpretive Day Use
- Ice Cap Campground
- Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
- Limberlost Campground
- Lost Lake Campground
- McKenzie Bridge Campground
- McKenzie Bridge Day Use Area
- Alder Springs Campground
- Scott Lake Campground
- Olallie Campground
- Olallie Day Use
- Paradise Campground
- Paradise Day Use Area
- Smith Reservoir Area
- Lakes End Campground
- Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
Boating - Motorized
Areas for Boating - Motorized at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Cougar Reservoir Area
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
- Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
- Slide Creek Campground
- Slide Creek Day Use Area
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake West Campground
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Lookout Boat Launch
- Lookout Campground
- Mona Campground
- Saddle Dam Boat Launch
- Paradise Campground
- Smith Reservoir Area
- Lakes End Campground
- Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
- Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
- Slide Creek Campground
- Slide Creek Day Use Area
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake West Campground
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Lookout Boat Launch
- Lookout Campground
- Mona Campground
- Saddle Dam Boat Launch
- Clear Lake Area
- Clear Lake Day Use Area
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Delta Campground
- Delta Day Use Area
- Ice Cap Campground
- Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
- McKenzie Bridge Campground
- McKenzie Bridge Day Use Area
- McKenzie Pass—Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Scott Lake Campground
- McKenzie River Area
- Olallie Campground
- Olallie Day Use
- Paradise Campground
- Paradise Day Use Area
- Smith Reservoir Area
- Lakes End Campground
- Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
Swimming
Areas for Swimming at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
- Cougar Reservoir Area
- Cougar Crossing Campground
- Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
- Slide Creek Campground
- Slide Creek Day Use Area
- Sunnyside Campground
- Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
- Big Lake Area
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake West Campground
- Blue River Reservoir Area
- Lookout Boat Launch
- Lookout Campground
- Mona Campground
- Saddle Dam Boat Launch
- Clear Lake Day Use Area
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Ice Cap Campground
- Scott Lake Campground
- McKenzie River Area
- Smith Reservoir Area
- Lakes End Campground
- Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
- Trail Bridge Campground
Waterskiing
Areas for Waterskiing at McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
Alerts & Warnings
Highlights
- Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App!
Planning your next national forest adventure? There's an app for that! The Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App Now Available on Android and iOS Devices - Accessible Adventures Videos
See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley
- Recreation Passes
Featured Events
- Girls in the Woods 2023
Date(s): Jun 26, 2023 - Jun 30, 2023
Location
Latitude :
44.179280
Longitude :
-122.116127