Length: 26.5 miles
Trailhead(s): Multiple – 11 in Total
Elevation Gain: 1,750′
Trail Type: Out & Back
Dogs: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required? Pacific Northwest Pass – $5 at Trailheads
Considerations: Can be Shuttled to Increase Distance
Season: Late Spring/Summer/Fall
Overview
The McKenzie River Trail is an Oregon classic. The trail is used for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. There are eleven trailheads along the 26.5 mile trail, enabling the ability to hike more than one area in a day or to shuttle by parking cars in two locations and hiking from one car to the other. Given the length and the number of available trailheads, it is possible to design your own agenda along this beautiful river in the Oregon Cascades.
One hike that is particularly pretty and accessible along the McKenzie River Trail is to park at Sahalie Falls, then hike down river passing Koosah Falls to Tamolitch (commonly referred to as the “Blue Pool”). Sahalie and Koosah falls are absolutely beautiful and Tamolitch features a pretty waterfall dropping into a gorgeous cobalt blue pool. Taking this nice 8.9 mile round-trip hike, you will be able to see three waterfalls, beautiful stretches of river, and get a feel for this gem.
If you want a shorter hike, you can simply hike the falls area, then drive to the Tamolitch Trailhead and make the short hike to Tamolitch Falls and pool. No matter how you choose to enjoy the McKenzie River Trail in Oregon, make sure you don’t miss the falls and Tamolitch pool. They are jaw dropping beautiful. Enjoy!
Scroll down to learn about the GEAR WE USE and OTHER OUTVENTURES in this area.
Additional Information
- U.S.Forest Service Information:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recreation/recarea/?recid=4479