McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507
Beginning at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 starts in an old lava flow, originating from Mt. Washington, and crosses a bridge over the McKenzie River.
The trail maintains a gradual downhill track through old growth conifer trees as it winds along the edge of the McKenzie River and crosses the river on a footbridge just before Clear Lake. The trail continues winding through the forest and old lava flows in view of Clear Lake and passes the Great Spring, which is a primary source of the McKenzie River.
After passing the southern end of Clear Lake, the trail winds through forest and crosses Highway 126, continuing along the McKenzie River. The trail then crosses the river to its western side on a footbridge, winding down past scenic viewpoints overlooking Sahalie and Koosah Falls. The trail winds around Carmen Reservoir where the river disappears underground for most of the year.
The trail then follows a dry creekbed in old growth forest with several bridges to cross as the trail and creekbed meander in the valley bottom. After about 2 miles, the trail reaches a viewpoint of Tamolich Blue Pool, where the river bubbles up from the ground in a crystal clear, blue colored pool.
From here, the trail heads down stream as the river begins to grow from the spring at blue pool eventually ending again at Trailbridge Reservoir. From Trailbridge Reservoir, the trail continues south through an old growth conifer forest and breaks out onto Forest Road 610, joining the road and heading south past a gate before breaking off the road east and south back along the now continuing river.
The trail crosses several more streams and follows forest roads connecting trail segments, breaking west and leveling out near Belknap Hot Springs Resort. The trail continues over undulating terrain west past Paradise Campground, then past the McKenzie River Ranger Station before reaching its end the at Lower McKenzie River Trailhead.
See it before you hike it! Use Travel Lane County’s Google-Trekked Trails to see Google's "trail view" of this trail. Click on the "trail details" for more information on the trail itself. McKenzie River Trail / trail details
At a Glance
Usage: | Heavy |
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Restrictions: |
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Water: | Potable water is located in campgrounds along the way. All other water must be treated. |
Information Center: | McKenzie River Ranger Station |
General Information
Directions:Access from:
- McKenzie River Trailhead - Upper
- Clear Lake Resort
- Clear Lake Day Use
- Sahalie Falls
- Koosah Falls
- McKenzie River Trailhead at Tamolich
- Forest Road 2654
- Forest Road 2650
- McKenzie River Trailhead at Paradise Campground
- McKenzie River Ranger Station
- McKenzie River Trailhead - Lower
General Notes:
Bicyclists: Dismount and walk bicycles along the Waterfalls Trail or stay on the McKenzie River Trail as an alternate route. Expect heavy congestion near Paradise Campground, Clear Lake Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:- McKenzie River Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool
- Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) #3507
- Upper McKenzie Trail Area
- Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341
- Waterfalls Loop Trail #3503
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- 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
Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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