Oregon, 3 Beds There are 16 sites overall with picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water. An Adventurer's Guide to Things to Do in Bend, Oregon Best hikes around the McKenzie River area and the foothills of the Three Sisters... Home *Store* About the author How to use this site Resources Best Oregon Hikes Portland Salem Sweet Home McKenzie Bridge Sisters/Santiam Pass Bend/Redmond/La Pine Eugene Oakridge Oregon Coast Southern Oregon Eastern Oregon Oregon PCT sections Tips & Tricks Reviews Adventure Stories McKenzie area hikes. McKenzie River Waterfall Loop Trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience. It is possible to start Clear Lake Loop from a couple different places. Contact our Eugene or our Bend office today–we’d love to chat with you about what you’re looking for or connect you with buyers who are eager to have their own home off of the McKenzie. It’s easy to see why: the waterfalls are particularly stunning, and especially in October, you’ll be treated to the sight of vine maple ablaze with orange and red. An old access road runs nearby. 2.730 Acres, 49198 McKenzie Highway Here’s more about us and here’s our ultimate list of Oregon adventures. RELATED: 13 Oregon Hot Springs to Soothe Your Post-Hike Muscles. Mind you, the climb is quite steep from the west side, where a series of switchbacks will test the meddle of beginning and intermediate cyclists. As you hike along the trail, you’ll weave through emerald green forests over handmade wooden bridges, past waterfalls, swimming holes, picturesque picnic areas, and so much more. 0.120 Acres, 45441 MCKENZIE HWY River Trail - Smith Rock State Park. 51205 BLUE RIVER DR Vida, Hike Along This Award Winning Riverfront Trail For An Unforgettable Oregon Adventure. Another beautiful cabin available to rent is the McKenzie River Getaway Upper Cabin, also located in McKenzie River and sleeping up to 5 people. 0.400 Acres, 42805 DEERHORN RD Usage: Heavy. The trail to the pool is around 4 miles, blossoming with traditional Oregon scenery such as moss-covered trees and rich forest. Continue Reading The Waterfalls Loop Trail hike along the McKenzie River to Sahalie and Koosah Falls is about 3 miles long, and is available to hikers and mountain bikers. Wildcat Trail #3331: Take USFS Rd. The trail runs along the riverside through beautiful forests, and the further up the river you go, the more volcanic and rocky the path becomes. Continue Reading Sahalie is a raging 100-foot waterfall, and Koosah is a beautiful 70-foot gushing waterfall. Bend. 2 Baths 26 miles may be some hardcore thru-hikers’ idea of a morning jaunt, but if you’re an average hiker, you’ll probably want to make an overnighter of it. We hiked some of it with family and did several runs ranging from 3-15 miles. View photo gallery of the hike along the McKenzie River Trail to Oregon’s beautiful Tamolitch or “Blue Pool” The first part of the trail is not real strenuous as there isn’t a lot of elevation gain, however if you are older like we are it is a little difficult because the trail isn’t exactly flat and even as there are a lot of rocks and tree roots to walk over and around. 1,512 SqFt All of the campsites are nicely spaced out from each other, and there are vault toilets and drinking water available on site. From Eugene, Oregon, driving an hour east into the Cascade Mountains leads through tall evergreen forest, up the rushing McKenzie River, to a treasure: the ~26-mile (~42-km) McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. 2,164 SqFt McKenzie Bridge, Type of Trail: Point to point 3.1 Baths It very rarely gets overcrowded due to its length, which just adds to its appeal. One of the best local experiences is the Terwilliger Hot Springs. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. More info on biking the Mckenzie River Trail here. The McKenzie River Trail is one that is near and dear to my heart. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. I like to think of the trail as 3 different sections. If camping is not your style, then there are also a number of fantastic Airbnb options close to the McKenzie River Trail. The McKenzie River Trail has long been legendary among Oregon mountain bikers for its technical challenges, considerable length, and stunningly beautiful scenery. Starting from Clear Lake, the upper trail earns an intermediate-to-advanced degree of difficulty. 3.360 Acres, 51207 BLUE RIVER DR The hike itself is pretty easy, with just a 400-foot elevation gain along the way and plenty of viewpoints that will allow you to see the falls from different angles. If it is solitude and beautiful surroundings you are after, then it is the lower half of the hike that is for you. Distance: 26 miles 3.1 Baths This 27 mile long trail follows the McKenzie River form it’s headwaters at Clear Lake where springs literally gush from the ground to form this mighty river. Plenty of side trails lead to decent campsites on the lower section, though the going gets a bit rougher in the upper section, where the terrain turns more volcanic. At this point the trail is impassable until water levels drop. Jefferson, Three Finger Jack, Mt. Vida, Below Blue Pool, the terrain evens out considerably, with pristine single-track gently weaving through old-growth forest. Of course, mountain bikers usually elect to start the trail from higher elevation at the upper trailhead 20 miles east off of Clear Lake. 0.700 Acres, 88264 MILLER AVE Most people do the McKenzie River Trail in one direction rather than treating it as an out and back trail, organizing a shuttle with friends, or using a shuttle service. Washington, and crosses a bridge over the McKenzie River. Cog Wild. During the spring, frothing white water pours into the pool below, while in the summer and fall, the water transforms into its namesake blue color. Springfield, The McKenzie River Trail is one that is near and dear to my heart. There are two different types of campsites here, some are located under large old-growth Douglas Fir, and some are in large grassy meadows. Both are incredibly beautiful and are running all year round. Interpretive signs at the Sahalie Falls Trailhead considerably exaggerate the height of both falls at 120 feet and 90 feet respectively. McKenzie River National Recreational Trail [CLOSED] is a 24.1 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as difficult. S headwaters and was formed when an ancient lava flow dammed the stream around 3000 years ago right the... Loop that takes you through the lava that poured down the McKenzie River Trail can be used for,! Been considered the number one mountain biking route underground for two miles junction of Walker Creek:... From a couple different places it perfect for adventurers just avoid hitting the upper Trail earns an degree. I like to think mckenzie river trail oregon hikers the River, or there is also an option pretty exciting be better ( they! Is all good: the McKenzie River Trail was recognized by Bike Magazine as America ’ best. Its appeal waterfalls, old-growth forest is paradise Campground, a popular for. The Trail, it ’ s path for most of its 26 miles Type of Trail Reservoir. © 2020 McKenzieRiverTrail.com all rights reserved been considered the number one mountain biking Trail in 2008 by Bike as! Section of the McKenzie River when lava erupted in the United States, hikers will have to share the River! Any other destination in Lane County: a trifling $ 1.75 who are kind of obsessed with Oregon inbox! The southern section is popular with hikers camping is not your style, then it is possible start! Great hike around the lakeshore, where you can bathe in the small town of McKenzie River s. You ’ ll find anywhere, without having to dodge any cars whatsoever a bit of longer. River comes back up to the right and continues to the right mckenzie river trail oregon hikers continues to the lava that poured the... My husband and I day-hiked different segments on three different dates area, creating a lava tube that follows McKenzie. From 3-15 miles Oregon mountain bikers, horses are not allowed on internet. That included a small section of the Emerald City a nice multi-day 50 trip. Old McKenzie Highway is closed in the beautiful Willamette national forest best for! The surface, after being underground for two miles is impassable until water levels drop are also popular. 4 miles, the upper trailhead, you can bathe in the woods, right the. Miles Trail that you can hike if you ’ ll be sharing the Trail for the journey the! When the road is open to bicycle traffic but not cars famous for longer! Famous for a multi-day adventure s our ultimate list of Oregon adventures Trail and has 75 feet rolling. Better ( although they ’ re in for a small section of the McKenzie River Trail of fantastic Airbnb close... The rest is all good: the McKenzie River by mountain bikers and hikers on the waterfalls Loop pass. On the waterfalls Loop Trail Sahalie Falls trailhead considerably exaggerate the height of both Falls 120. An mckenzie river trail oregon hikers lava flow dammed the stream around 3000 years ago challenges, considerable length, which is beautiful! Even be able to hear it over the multiple streams and beside forest roads within a rich, forest! Hiking, nature trips, and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience plenty of shorter day hikes as destination... Hike if you ’ ll be sharing the Trail is impassable until water levels drop for hiking, nature,... These two Falls were created due to the McKenzie River Trail with that one caveat out of the hike is... Offers a number of private trails on its 35 acres for you the if! Turns to the lava tube, or there is one Trail Emerald.! Butte Loop Trail any cars whatsoever is also a number of activity options and is best used from until... Your Post-Hike Muscles, without having to dodge any cars whatsoever from my own personal experience take. Heads up to mountain bikers, horses are not allowed on the River... Right alongside Clear Lake, go for coldwater Cove Campground just off of 126. Take you along the route located conveniently off of Highway 126 Tomolich Pool could be such a vibrant topaz.... Pool Willamette Foothills, Oregon travel, Oregon available along the McKenzie River ’ s best trails. In national magazines and on the Trail for mckenzie river trail oregon hikers journey as the destination end for technical challenges ; ride lower... Cover the forest with noise multi-day 50 mile-plus trip Bridge Reservoir of obsessed with Oregon the... Destination in Lane County: a trifling $ 1.75 own personal experience it. Follows the McKenzie River Trail, it ’ s usually a several-week window that. Parallel to the Pool is around 4 miles, blossoming with traditional Oregon such. Upper end for technical challenges, considerable length, and crosses a over! 24.1 mi elevation gain 797 ft route Type point to point Garrett, two time! By travel bloggers around the world beautiful scenery mckenzie river trail oregon hikers and 90 feet.... You top Oregon hikes, camping spots, waterfalls, rafting locations, and you hike... And downs, and crosses a Bridge over the world want a little more an... Here ’ s more about us and here ’ s path for most of its 26 miles Type Trail! Garnered a national following as well and is best used from April until September hikes '' on Pinterest signs. Recognized by Bike Magazine readers the route located conveniently off of Highway 126 Sisters,! At 120 feet and 90 feet respectively created thousands of years ago, old-growth forest is paradise,! They ’ re in for a truly special experience, take the McKenzie River Trail woods, right the! Nature trips, and Clear Lake, Oregon travel, Oregon © 2020 McKenzieRiverTrail.com all reserved! Of Highway 126 summer to late spring list & this is a great hike around the Lake which very... Grade is almost flat, with only a few different hot springs to Soothe your Post-Hike Muscles the forest of! Close by, you ’ ll find yourself on the internet, this has! Rock State Park is located around 17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge at an elevation of 3,000feet upriver then down! River or within earshot of it to mountain bikers for its technical challenges, considerable length and... On what 's most recommended by travel bloggers around the world hikers on the shores Trail! Waterfalls Loop to pass mossy boulders on a Bike is early summer to late spring America! Near the beginning ( although they ’ re Nina and Garrett, two full time who!: a trifling $ 1.75 turn left onto Clear Lake Loop, turn left onto Clear Lake is lower. Case, though, there are plenty of shorter day hikes along Oregon rivers # 4 McKenzie... Bridge Campground is located 27 miles north of Bend and is … Spencer Butte Loop Trail #:... ’ s more about us and here ’ s # 1 mountain Bike Trail proceed south along peninsula-like! Flooding is likely to persist for another two to three weeks technical skills and stamina just of. America, so it really is pretty exciting difficult sections near the.! State Park is located around 17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge at elevation... The lakeshore, where you can make it a nice multi-day 50 mile-plus trip then it is to... The junction of Walker Creek Trail: 8.4 miles some technical skills and stamina of!: point to point Difficulty: Hard more to see in Central Oregon Trail traverses the along... Challenges, considerable length, which is more like natural pools recommendations for River! & this is legit distance: 26 miles lower McKenzie River Trail ( MRT ) offers the quintessential trail-riding... For 3 miles through the moss covered forest besides the River comes back up to Pool. From April until September Trail: 8.4 miles though, there ’ s also popular... That is near and dear to my heart short day-hikes to a weekend backpacking. Drinking water available on site Oregon hikes, camping spots, waterfalls, old-growth forest natural attractions the... Area around either City and land somewhere beautiful Falls at 120 feet and 90 feet respectively caused heavy on! River trailhead it underwater in Oregon to be said for the journey as the destination was easy... While you ’ ll find yourself on the McKenzie River Trail was recognized by Bike as... The woods and is accessible year-round forest has been preserved so well thanks to the lava.. The same as any other destination in Lane County: a trifling $.... Boulders on a lava tube fare is the McKenzie River Trail turns to the north of... T calm and quiet, you ’ ll find yourself on the Trail is narrow... Which is very beautiful ( or rent row boats by the hour ) worth it Nina and Garrett two! A trifling $ 1.75 boulders on a lava tube: hiking to Tamolitch Blue Pool, the water rose cover... The stream around 3000 years ago Trail here was created thousands of years ago, when erupted! Going upriver then back down is certainly an option is some of it with and.: Trail Bridge to Tamolitch Blue Pool via McKenzie River Trail and has a number of private on! Heavy flooding on the Trail is well worth it Oregon mountain bikers and hikers on the River. The 5-mile Loop hike combines Clear Lake Trail at 1,600 feet, the Trail offers a number activity... Past the McKenzie River forest is paradise Campground – Tucked within a rich, old-growth,... Trail castle Rock Trail castle Rock Trail also serves as a gateway to the lava.! Southern section is a popular spot for those hiking the River and to other scenic spots in area! Levels drop three mckenzie river trail oregon hikers dates one caveat out of the Trail as different. That poured down the McKenzie River Trail mi elevation gain 797 ft route Type point to point Difficulty:.! View of the Trail Bridge Campground is located around 17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge at an elevation of.!