The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail runs 26 miles from the headwaters of Clear Lake downstream through some of the most impressive old-growth forest in Willamette National Forest, passing volcanic lava tubes, ancient forest stands, and the famously photogenic Blue Pool at Tamolitch Falls. The trail follows the McKenzie River, one of Oregon's finest wild trout streams, for most of its length. The character shifts dramatically along the way: the upper sections near Clear Lake pass through quiet forest above a lake fed by cold springs, the middle section crosses open lava formations near McKenzie Pass, and the lower sections run through cathedral old-growth forest. Most hikers tackle it in segments; the full 26 miles point-to-point requires a vehicle shuttle or ride arrangement.
The Route
The trail runs generally south to north (from Clear Lake downstream to Trail Bridge), but the most popular access is from intermediate points along Highway 126. Segment options:
Clear Lake loop (3 miles, easy): The upper trail circles Clear Lake, where cold spring water maintains remarkable clarity. The lake's submerged forest, ancient trees killed when volcanic activity dammed the river roughly 3,000 years ago, is visible from the surface. This segment is the most photogenic in autumn and has a developed campground adjacent.
Tamolitch Falls and the Blue Pool (5 miles out-and-back from the Tamolitch trailhead, easy-moderate, 300 ft gain): The signature day hike on the trail. From the lower Tamolitch parking area on Highway 126, the trail runs north along the river for 2.5 miles to the Blue Pool, where the McKenzie River emerges dramatically from beneath a lava field in an intense electric blue spring. For much of its upper length, the McKenzie flows underground through lava tubes, and Tamolitch Falls is where it resurfaces. In late summer and fall, the river may run underground well above the pool, making the pool appear in a dry amphitheater. In spring and early summer, water flows over the upper falls as well. The round trip to the Blue Pool is approximately 5 miles and is the most visited segment of the trail.
Full trail (26 miles, point-to-point): Running the full trail requires either a two-car shuttle (leave one vehicle at the upper trailhead at Clear Lake and one at the lower trailhead at Trail Bridge) or an overnight backpacking trip. The trail is almost entirely runnable and is also designated as a mountain bike route, making it highly versatile. Elevation change on the full route is modest at approximately 800 feet net, mostly descending.
When to Visit
Year-round access: The lower sections of the trail (from Trail Bridge north toward Tamolitch) are accessible in winter and remain popular for hiking and trail running during wet Oregon winter months. The upper sections near Clear Lake are more accessible in the warmer months.
Spring (March through May): The river runs high from snowmelt, and Tamolitch Falls flows above the pool (rather than emerging underground). This is the best season to see the waterfall above the Blue Pool. Trails can be muddy in the lower sections.
Summer (June through September): Peak season for the Blue Pool. The water emerges cold and clear. The old-growth forest provides shade that makes summer hiking comfortable. Mountain bikers and trail runners share the trail year-round; be aware on narrow sections.
Fall (October through November): Excellent season for vine maple color in the lower forest sections. Crowds are thin and the light through the old-growth is beautiful. The river level drops, and by late summer and early fall, the McKenzie often flows entirely underground above the pool, making the upper falls dry.
What to Bring
- Water: The McKenzie River is a source for filtered water throughout the route. Many hikers carry 1 to 2 liters and filter from the river as needed. Individual needs vary.
- Layers: The dense forest keeps conditions cool and damp year-round. A light rain jacket is appropriate for shoulder-season visits.
- Navigation for the full trail: The trail has multiple junctions with side trails and spur roads. Download the route on a GPS app before long segments. Signage is generally good but can be confusing at junctions.
- Shuttle logistics: If doing the full point-to-point, plan your vehicle logistics before leaving. Many hikers arrange a shuttle with another vehicle or use a local shuttle service.
Practical Details
Trailhead: Multiple access points along Highway 126. The most used are: Clear Lake day-use area (upper end), Tamolitch trailhead (mid-trail), and Trail Bridge Campground (lower end near the town of Blue River). Northwest Forest Pass required at all developed parking areas.
Permits: None required as of 2026.
Dogs: Allowed on leash throughout.
Cell service: Limited along Highway 126 near towns; none on the trail itself in most sections.
Mountain bikes: The McKenzie River Trail is one of the premier mountain bike routes in Oregon. Hikers and bikers share the trail; yield appropriately on narrow sections.
Getting There
From Eugene, take Highway 126 east toward McKenzie Bridge (approximately 50 miles). The lower trailhead at Trail Bridge Campground is approximately 54 miles from Eugene. The Tamolitch trailhead (for the Blue Pool hike) is approximately 67 miles east of Eugene. The upper trailhead at Clear Lake is approximately 80 miles from Eugene.
Highway 126 is open year-round. The McKenzie River Ranger District in McKenzie Bridge is a useful stop for maps and current trail conditions.
Beyond the McKenzie River Trail
The full McKenzie River corridor offers more than the single trail. Clear Lake has a developed campground, a resort with cabin rentals, and canoe rentals. The adjacent Sahalie and Koosah Falls (accessible via a short spur from the trail) are two of the most dramatic waterfalls in the region, accessible in a loop from the Clear Lake area.
For those ready to move from river forest to volcanic high country, Proxy Falls and the Obsidian Trail are both accessible from Highway 242, which branches off Highway 126 near McKenzie Bridge. Both trails bring you into the volcanic terrain above the river corridor.
The McKenzie River Trail pairs well with a stop at the Dee Wright Observatory on Highway 242's McKenzie Pass for a complete exploration of the McKenzie corridor from river to high Cascades. Mount Hood National Forest to the north provides additional Oregon forest options accessible from the Portland metropolitan area.