There are various different sections of the 26 miles trail that you can hike if you are not up to doing the entire trail. ARE YOU ADVENTURE READY? 4.240 Acres, Your email address will not be published. Continue Reading The Tamolitch Blue Pool is arguably the most popular and beautiful spot on the McKenzie River Trail. Required fields are marked *, Phone: 541-306-1557  |  Email: [email protected] 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. This guide selectively curates the best recommendations for Mckenzie River Trail from 14 blog posts. If the city life is more your speed, you can search for Eugene properties or search for Bend properties right here on our site. All in all, the McKenzie River Trail is an underrated destination for backpackers who aren’t necessarily looking to be out deep in the backcountry. to receive our exclusive updates and market insights, If you’re on foot, chances are you won’t be looking to cover the trail’s entire 26 miles unless you’re prepared for an overnighter. With that one caveat out of the way, the rest is all good: the McKenzie River Trail is famous for a reason. Clear Lake via McKenzie River Trail is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cascadia, Oregon that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. But if you’re looking for a longer ride, going upriver then back down is certainly an option. Both are incredibly beautiful and are running all year round. In this case, though, there’s as much to be said for the journey as the destination. The grade is almost flat, with only a few small up and downs, and some nice log bridges across creeks. 2 Baths 10 Baths 2.060 Acres, 89929 RIPPLING WAY Additional Info: McKenzie River Trail. 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. From the pool, follow the ever-growing river all the way to the Trail Bridge Reservoir. You will the McKenzie River trail on almost all top 10 trails list & this is legit. Use: Light to moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Wildcat Trail #3331: Take USFS Rd. More info on biking the Mckenzie River Trail here. McKenzie River Waterfall Loop Trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience. This one-bedroom cabin is nestled in the woods and is close to many natural attractions in the area – making it perfect for adventurers. Mar 22, 2016 - Explore Kerry Conboy's board "mcKenzie River trail hikes" on Pinterest. My hike on the McKenzie River Trail located in the beautiful Willamette National Forest. You will the McKenzie River trail on almost all top 10 trails list & this is legit. These two falls were created due to the lava that poured down the McKenzie River Valley around 3000 years ago. Clear Lake in Oregon is a highlight of The McKenzie River Trail There is also a great hike around the lakeshore, where you can better take in its beauty. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. 0.250 Acres, 38757 CAMP CREEK RD Leaburg, The trail is quite narrow and meanders through the moss covered forest besides the river or within earshot of it. The forest has been preserved so well thanks to the 37-degree water all year round. Cog Wild. This is a popular trail, largely thanks to the beautiful surroundings and many things to do and see along the way. If there is one trail you spend some time on outside of Eugene, make it the McKenzie River Trail. Visit our Oregon Destination Guide for more things to do in Oregon. Heads up to mountain bikers and hikers on the McKenzie River Trail. Mckenzie River Trail, Oregon. See more ideas about river trail, oregon travel, oregon. If camping is not your style, then there are also a number of fantastic Airbnb options close to the McKenzie River Trail. 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. Alternatively, you can go a bit further up the road to the McKenzie River Ranger Station, where you’ll be able to get information about trail conditions and fill your water bottles with the area’s pristine drinking water. Your email address will not be published. Difficulty: Moderate. To complete the final 1.6 miles of Clear Lake Loop, turn left onto Clear Lake Trail. If the surroundings aren’t calm and quiet, you can blame the cicadas for filling the forest with noise. 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. … Oregon, 3 Beds Lava issuing from the Sand Mountain area poured down the McKenzie River valley about 3,000 years ago in two separate flows, creating the benches over which two large waterfalls, Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls thunder. Although the scenery is amazing, the trail is quite technical in places (rocks, roots, lava rock) and we needed all of our Olallie On McKenzie Highway – This 16 site campground is located just south of the Blue Pool, set beside the gushing waters of the McKenzie River. Picture multiple cascading waterfalls, old-growth forest, lava fields, and twinkling blue pools, all on one trail. But if you’re planning an outing within driving distance of Eugene or Bend, the McKenzie River Trail should be near the top of your list. The upper portion begins at Clear Lake. Coldwater Cove Campground – If you want to camp right alongside Clear Lake, go for Coldwater Cove Campground. If you’re on foot, chances are you won’t be looking to cover the trail’s entire 26 miles unless you’re prepared for an overnighter. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until September. The McKenzie River Trail is one of America's top mountain bike trails - both technical and scenic.It's also a perfect way to enjoy a summer day in Oregon. McKenzie River Trail: Hiking the Mackenzie River - See 11 traveler reviews, 3 candid photos, and great deals for McKenzie Bridge, OR, at Tripadvisor. Just avoid hitting the upper section on the weekend if possible. Trail Bridge Campground does have one free backpacker’s spot open while it’s closed to the public during work on the nearby dam. Bend Office 541.385.7002 Oakridge Office 541.219.9248. 2.500 Acres, 36716 OAK POINT RD The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) offers the quintessential Oregon trail-riding experience. The McKenzie River Trail has long been legendary among Oregon mountain bikers for its technical challenges, considerable length, and stunningly beautiful scenery. The scenery is a given, but from a purely technical standpoint, the trail’s varying terrain and gradual but challenging-enough elevation shifts put it over the top. Luckily, there are plenty of shorter day hikes. Bend. All of the campsites are nicely spaced out from each other, and there are vault toilets and drinking water available on site. After heading past the southern end of the lake, the route will have you twisting and turning past the turbulent river until you cross over Highway 126 and then cross to the western side of the river, taking you to some spectacular viewpoints of Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Visit Tamolitch Blue Pool along The McKenzie River Trail. Hi! Elevation: Trail is at 2800 ft. elevation.. Dogs are also able to use this trail. When ridden north to south, it has a 1600 feet elevation gain, and 3200 feet elevation loss, meaning this is a very desirable ride as much of it is downhill. The McKenzie River Trail is one of America's top mountain bike trails - both technical and scenic.It's also a perfect way to enjoy a summer day in Oregon. It’s also gotten props as one of America’s best running trails. There’s more to see in Central Oregon and more adventures in Oregon to be had. So we’re more than happy to show properties in the area or let you know what to expect in the different communities that line the McKenzie east of Springfield and up the river. Email Us. At this point the trail is impassable until water levels drop. 3.1 Baths Bend Office 541.385.7002 Oakridge Office 541.219.9248. We’re Nina and Garrett, two full time travelers who are kind of obsessed with Oregon. If you’re coming from Bend, you’re in for a bit of a longer drive. If you are not up for a hike, there are parking lots at both waterfalls, meaning you can still experience their beauty without the walk. Oregon lover, adventure seeker, travel blogger, beer and wine drinker, dog person, master of the messy bun, and geography nerd. At this point the trail is impassable until water levels drop. Hike Description . Oregon, 3 Beds Plan to hike the McKenzie River Trail to the Tamolitch or “Blue Pool.” You can start this journey from the Carmen Smith Reservoir for a six-mile hike or at Sahalie Falls for a 9.5-mile hike. An old access road runs nearby. 5,508 SqFt You can hike around the lake which is very beautiful (or rent row boats by the hour). 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. Site by Watkins, James and Associates. 2,028 SqFt Best Spring Hikes Along Oregon Rivers #4: McKenzie River As one of the most popular trails for mountain bikes in the United States, hikers will have to share the McKenzie River Trail. Well the McKenzie River Trail might actually be better (although they’re quite different). Hike Along This Award Winning Riverfront Trail For An Unforgettable Oregon Adventure. For the more hard-core hiker, the whole trail might seem like an easy walk, but for the average hiker, it is common to make it a multi-stay trip. 2,000 SqFt 2.220 Acres, 91710 BURTON DR 10 Waterfall Hikes Near Bend That Are Worth Visiting As one of the most popular trails for mountain bikes in the United States, hikers will have to share the McKenzie River Trail. 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. Spring runoff has caused heavy flooding on the trail for the first 1/2 mile south of Carmen Reservoir. One of the best local experiences is the Terwilliger Hot Springs. The Cold Water Cove Campground just off of Clear Lake is also an option for overnighting. Beginning at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 starts in an old lava flow, originating from Mt. The trail to the pool is around 4 miles, blossoming with traditional Oregon scenery such as moss-covered trees and rich forest. The 5-mile loop hike combines Clear Lake Trail with McKenzie River Trail and has 75 feet of rolling elevation change. Trail #3329 for 2 miles to the junction of Walker Creek Trail: 8.4 miles. The trail is shared by mountain bikers, dog walkers, and fellow hikers. Ice Cap Campground – Ice Cap Campground offers plenty of facilities, including fire rings, picnic tables, piped drinking water, and vault toilets, offering a comfortable camping experience. The trail follows the river’s path for most of its 26 miles. 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. Smith Rock State Park is located 27 miles north of Bend and is … Site by Watkins, James and Associates. Length 24.1 mi Elevation gain 797 ft Route type Point to point. 1,664 SqFt some of the most beautiful touring you’ll find anywhere, hire a shuttle to bring you and your bike upriver, Mushroom Hunting in and Around Eugene and Bend, Up Your Home Coffee Game in Bend and Eugene with Local Roasters and These 5 Tips, 2021 Market Forecast and Q3 Report for Eugene and Bend, Oregon, August 2020 Real Estate Market Report for Eugene & Bend, Oregon, July 2020 Real Estate Market Report for Bend and Eugene, Oregon, June 2020 Real Estate Market Report for Bend + Eugene, OR, May 2020 Real Estate Market Report for Bend and Eugene, Oregon. Used from April until September miles north of Bend and is accessible year-round making it perfect adventurers. Traffic but not cars the main Trail the main Trail that runs parallel to the lava tube s challenging. 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