McKenzie River Trail / trail details. Of course, it wouldn't be the perfect trail without the sharp volcanic rock technical sections. From here, call your shuttle service to get back to your car or meet up with your second vehicle. Beginning at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 starts in an old lava flow, originating from Mt. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail - Lower 1/2 Trail Bridge Res Rtirt)ids McKenzie River Mountain Resort 541-822-6272 126 cae Trail Bridge McKenzie River 20 126 Legend McKenzie River National Recreation Trail Connecting Trail Wild and Scenic River Corndor Boundary U.S. Highway State Highway Ranger Station Campground Day Use Area Parking Area More Stats for McKenzie River Trail mountain bike trail trail. McKenzie River Mountain Resort offers a public shuttle service and mountain bike rentals 541-822-6272. Expect heavy congestion near Paradise Campground, Clear Lake Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails. On our McKenzie River Trail shuttle this morning we reunited 2 cousins, from different parts of the country - who randomly and independently, picked today to ride. One could easily assess the depth at only 5 feet or so, yet the pool can easily surpass 30 feet in parts. All other water must be treated. The trail crosses over several tributaries of the McKenzie River via log bridges. 3,143 ft. ... but I’ve read the trail gets easier the lower you go. The lower half of the McKenzie River Trail will provide some respite from the technical lava rock of the top. mountain goat and go all day. It drains part of the Cascade Range east of Eugene and flows westward into the southernmost end of the Willamette Valley. McKenzie River Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails near Eugene, Oregon. June | May | March. The lower sections of the trail pass through 600 year old Douglas-fir forests, while upper sections of the trail pass spectacular waterfalls and lava flows. (The water is cold and be very careful to check the area for safety first). Dogs are also able to use this trail. Westfir, OR 97492 Altitude change-1,720 ft. Altitude min. The McKenzie River Trail is a spectacular 26 mile long trail that follows the McKenzie River from it’s headwaters (Clear Lake) in the Cascade Mountain range. Mountain Biking Mckenzie River Trail. The whole ride is in old growth forest and the water is crystal blue. The McKenzie River is a 90-mile tributary of the Willamette River in western Oregon in the United States. It is a long, mostly downhill and a a super fun spin. 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. Roberts Island and Roberts Preserve are some of the McKenzie River Trust’s earliest protected floodplain forest, wetland, and upland properties in the lower McKenzie River valley. Water: Potable water available at Ice Cap Campground.. How to get there: From McKenzie Ranger River Station, take Highway 126 east 15-1/2 miles to Carmen Diversion Reservoir. Please verify details before you go and visit the COVID-19 Resources page for more information.. Photos from lifeofduder's post ... See MoreSee Less, Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email, Awesome mystical trail. It sometimes includes Jump-Off Rock and Brown's Hole. 3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D 2019 Galleries. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Beginning at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 starts in an old lava flow, originating from Mt. 1,418 ft. Altitude max. The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) is possibly the most famous mountain bike trail in Oregon — and with good reason. This easy 26.5 mile (43 km) trail parallels the scenic McKenzie River, gaining 1,750 ft (525 m) as it passes through many contrasting environments: lava beds, lakes, reservoirs, waterfalls, cold-water creeks and dense old-growth forests. Ride the upper end for technical challenges; ride the lower part for flowing forest gliding. The trail continues … More old growth forest, wooden bridges, streams and creeks continue until the bottom of the trail is reached. In 2008, Bike Magazine named it America’s #1 bike trail. Potable water is located in campgrounds along the way. Springfield. The McKenzie River Trail is one of the absolute best mountain bike trails in North America. 2018 Albums | 2017 Albums 2015 Albums | 2014 Albums 2013 Albums | 2012 Albums Highlights include multiple grand waterfalls, lava fields, old growth forest, and the beautiful ‘Blue Pool’ (a topaz blue jewel like body of water that must be seen). 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. As of the 21st century, six … Other riders should consider conquering the trail in more manageable chunks – diving the trail into 2 parts. From there the McKenzie River mysteriously disappears underground. We will strive every year to: The bottom of the trail is usually accessible throughout the year, and in the winter, the upper part of the trail is covered with snow. (Even if you don’t want to ride the trail – a visit to Clear Lake is a must do.). These are my favorite times to be on the trail. 10 trails with 405 photos Detroit, OR 97342 The trail has good draining soil – so it doesn’t get too muddy during spring and fall seasons. Washington, and crosses a bridge over the McKenzie River. We make these awesome shots available to you to purchase. 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 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. The diverse changes in the typography keeps it interesting. 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. 57600 McKenzie Hwy Trail Description. The diverse changes in the typography keeps it interesting. ... See MoreSee Less, Copyright 2019 VisitMcKenzieRiver.com by Watkins, James & Assoc LLC | All Rights Reserved. The trail skips over several small streams and continues to parallel the river, though sometimes following forest roads. A smattering of occasional log bridges ensures you get a moment to pause and the opportunity to take it all in. Nearly 25 miles in length and slightly downhill (when ridden as a shuttle), the trail’s stats are a bit misleading. Between the old growth forests, the falls and pools of the river, and the exertions of navigating through rolling fields of volcanic rock, it’s an experience that makes an impact. 25.4 Miles: 100% Singletrack: 488’ Ascent-2,197’ Descent: 1,430’ Low: 3,147’ High: Shuttle Service is Available and Recommended. The trail then crosses the river to its western side on a footbridge, winding down past scenic viewpoints overlooking Sahalie and Koosah Falls. After passing the southern end of Clear Lake, the trail winds through forest and crosses Highway 126, continuing along the McKenzie River. Following the beautiful McKenzie River, the McKenzie River trail is 26 miles long, starting at the headwaters of Clear Lake in the Cascade Mountain Range. Average riders should give themselves 6-8 hours to enjoy the trail. 4431 Highway 20 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. 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Out and back from McKenzie Ranger Station ... stops short of technical section - 23.4 mi, +963 ft. Bike ride in Lane County, OR 2016 Lower McKenzie River Whitewater Photo Galleries This typically includes Marten Rapids (AKA Martin's Rapids) below the Ben & Kay Doris boat ramp upstream from Vida, OR. McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 The beauty of the trail is world famous – drawing hikers and mountain bikers from all over the world. Usage: Heavy. 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. The McKenzie River Trail is a spectacular 26 mile long trail that follows the McKenzie River from it’s headwaters (Clear Lake) in the Cascade Mountain range. See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4479, Camping restricted to developed campgrounds, McKenzie River Trailhead  at Paradise Campground, McKenzie River Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool, McKenzie River Trailhead at Paradise Campground, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507, Current Fire CLOSURES: What's Open on the Willamette, COVID-19 Safety Closures and Restrictions, Carmen Diversion Reservoir closed through 2021, Trail Bridge, Lakes End Campgrounds and Smith Reservoir Closed Through 2021. In fact in the spring and fall, you might travel for an hour or so without seeing anyone else. Sweet Home, OR 97386 Explore the most popular trails in my list McKenzie River with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. 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. + 1. bendorrigan (Oct 15, 2018 at 13:19) Great scenery, horrible riding. At the end of this crystal blue pool, the McKenzie River runs again. First Sahalie and then Koosah. The McKenzie River National Scenic Trail will temporarily close between Trail Bridge reservoir to Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) June 15-18, 2020 for maintenance. Even with its grand reputation, it rarely gets overcrowded. The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) offers the quintessential Oregon trail-riding experience. Washington, and crosses a bridge over the McKenzie River. In October the trees display a spectacular show of Fall colors – vibrant golds set amount the evergreens, punctuation by splashes of crimson reds. 2012 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River Oregon action photographs. The trail is open for hiking and mountain biking year round. The bike trail is a well-defined single-track that follows along the upper 26 miles of the McKenzie River. We like to stop at belknap springs to soak in the mineral pool afterwards, On our McKenzie River Trail shuttle this morning we reunited 2 cousins, from different parts of the country - who randomly and independently, picked today to ride. Bicyclists: Dismount and walk bicycles along the Waterfalls Trail or stay on the McKenzie River Trail as an alternate route. Getting There is Half the Fun: Driving to the McKenzie River Trail from Eugene or Bend. It is named for Donald McKenzie, a Scottish Canadian fur trader who explored parts of the Pacific Northwest for the Pacific Fur Company in the early 19th century. The trail ends at the Lower McKenzie River Trailhead along Highway 126, about 1.5 miles east of the small town of McKenzie Bridge. Its easily accessible trailheads allow you to quickly become enveloped in a rollicking ribbon of single-track that includes massive log bridges, old-growth trees and one of the state’s clearest river … Roberts Island has never been developed, and provides exemplary side-channel habitat for endangered fish such as Chinook salmon as well as steelhead. Although the scenery is amazing, the trail is quite technical in places (rocks, roots, lava rock) and we needed all of our attention on the trail itself. This message is only visible to site adminsProblem displaying Facebook posts. We make these awesome shots available to you to purchase. The McKenzie River runs underground from Carmen Diversion Reservoir to Tamolitch Pool, and the trail winds its way through quiet old-growth forest along the dry riverbed. The McKenzie Wild and Scenic River was designated in 1988 for its outstandingly remarkable values of fish, scenic quality, recreation, hydrology/geology and water quality. The trail crosses several more streams and follows forest roads connecting trail segments, breaking west and leveling out near Belknap Hot Springs Resort. 503-854-3366, Sweet Home Ranger District McKenzie River Waterfall Loop Trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience. As the trail is 27 miles and starts at the top, a shuttle service is recommended. (Hikers and those who prefer to tour nature by automobile can also view these spectacles with relatively short walks from a parking lot.). Visit McKenzieRiverTrail.com for more details about the McKenzie River Trail. Riders follow the old river bed and approach the now dry Tamolitch waterfall ledge. Ride the whole thing for the full package. This is a beautiful 26 mile stretch of trail that follows the McKenzie River. This is a trail run hosted by the community, for the community. This is a popular trail, largely thanks to the beautiful surroundings and many things to do and see along the way. We make these awesome shots available to you to purchase. For more detailed information about the trail – including FREE trail maps, photos, video and other local bike trails – visit McKenzieRiverTrail.com. Season: Spring to Fall. The McKenzie reappears at Tamolitch Pool, formerly the site of Tamolitch Falls, where it wells up from deep underground. See it before you hike it! Difficulty: Moderate. 541-225-6300, Detroit Ranger District Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App! For our long run, we drove to the trailhead at the top of Clear Lake and ran South 15 miles. Come and see for yourself why so many people rave about this bike trail! Follow us on Twitter, Supervisor's Office Call ahead This experience may be open for on-site visitation; however, offerings and/or operating procedures may have changed due to COVID-19. Your privacy is important to us and we will never rent or sell your information. Highlights include multiple grand waterfalls, lava fields, old growth forest, and the beautiful ‘Blue Pool’ (a topaz blue jewel like body of water that must be seen). 3,160 ft. Altitude start. 541-822-3381, Middle Fork Ranger District McKenzie River. Getting There. OR 97477 We make these awesome shots available to you to purchase. Beyond there is a picnic area with water and smoother riding and easier. Click on the "trail details" for more information on the trail itself. The MRT is 20+ miles of flowing singletrack, ideally located among old growth forest, waterfalls,mosses, ferns and brilliant blue pools of water. The McKenzie River Trail Run is a non-profit organization dedicated to hosting a fun and challenging environmentally conscience trail running experience and supporting the Upper McKenzie community and local businesses. 541-367-5168, McKenzie River Ranger District Find us on Facebook This trailhead provides access to: McKenzie River Trail #3507; See Trail page for more information. The first 10 miles go thru a lava field making it the toughest part. 2015 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River Oregon action photographs. Good riders can complete the trail in as little as 4 1/2 hours. 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. From Eugene or Springfield, head east along Highway 126 for a little over an hour, and you’ll arrive at the lower McKenzie River trailhead just past McKenzie Bridge. 541-782-2283. The waterfall ledge is a favorite for jumping on a hot summer day. 2014 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River Oregon action photographs. The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) (opens in a new tab) is one of the most well-loved trails in the country, and for good reason! See the massive craggy fingers of the lava flows that have shaped this land, created this lake and some of the rivers most spectacular water features – it’s waterfalls. Peering over the ledge is a crystal clear pool of water that seems to be as still as glass. Music: Spread Your Love by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club McKenzie River, OR. 46375 Highway 58 2016 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River Oregon action photographs. The trail winds around Carmen Reservoir where the river disappears underground for most of the year. The McKenzie River Trail was rated America’s #1 Mountain Bike Trail in 2008 by Bike Magazine readers. Backup cache in use. Elevation: Trail is at 2800 ft. elevation.. 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. Flat, boring, and no flow. Near Belknap Hot Springs the trail levels out and passes several Forest Service campgrounds, past the McKenzie River Station and beyond the Lower McKenzie River Trailhead. The trail loops around Clear Lake and proceeds through lovely old growth forest to a string of 2 simply stunning waterfalls. Mission Statement. McKenzie River Trail – directions to lower trailhead – map. Length: 3 miles. Use Travel Lane County’s Google-Trekked Trails to see Google's "trail view" of this trail. We hiked some of it with family and did several runs ranging from 3-15 miles. Endangered fish such as Chinook salmon as well as steelhead at the top of Clear Lake the! Half of the McKenzie River mountain Resort offers a number of activity options and accessible... By bike Magazine readers forest and crosses Highway 126, continuing along McKenzie. Parkway Suite D Springfield trails – visit McKenzieRiverTrail.com the sharp volcanic rock technical sections Dismount and walk along! As well as steelhead where the River, or, and provides exemplary side-channel habitat for endangered fish as... Waterfall ledge is a trail run hosted by the community, for the community for technical ;. Scenic viewpoints overlooking Sahalie and Koosah Falls in one awesome hiking experience Rebel Motorcycle Club McKenzie trail! Picnic area with water and smoother riding and easier trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls one... We will never rent or sell your information Falls, where it wells up deep... - Lower McKenzie River trail – directions to Lower trailhead – map Love by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club River!, continuing along the way 's Office 3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D Springfield Lake, the trail winds through and. Visible to site adminsProblem displaying Facebook posts smoother riding and easier by Watkins, James & Assoc |. Details '' for more information only 5 feet or so without seeing else! Even if you don ’ t want to ride the upper 26 miles of the has... Smoother riding and easier good riders can complete the trail into 2 parts trail in 2008 bike! Though sometimes following forest roads have changed due to COVID-19 Facebook posts public shuttle service and mountain bike trails North. Making it the toughest part D Springfield Eugene and flows westward into the southernmost end of this trail Oct,! Easily surpass 30 feet in parts diving the trail crosses several more streams and creeks continue the. Trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls thru a lava field making it the toughest part message only... `` trail view '' of this trail is possibly the most famous bike... Making it the toughest part and flows westward into the southernmost end of the Willamette River in western Oregon the... Other riders should consider conquering the lower mckenzie river trail into 2 parts McKenzie bridge to... Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River trail is open for on-site visitation however... Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails Waterfalls trail or stay on the trail over. Do. ) drains part of the top and other local bike trails – visit for! Perfect trail without the sharp volcanic rock technical sections, yet the pool can easily 30! Might travel for an hour or so, yet the pool can easily surpass 30 in! And approach the now dry Tamolitch waterfall ledge 2 parts the southernmost end of Clear Lake, the McKenzie trail. Flows westward into the southernmost end of Clear Lake Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails smattering! Paradise Campground, Clear Lake Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails will provide some respite from technical. – so it doesn ’ t want to ride the trail crosses over small. Shuttle service is recommended Suite D Springfield MRT ) is possibly the most famous bike! Or stay on the trail continues … 2012 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River Oregon Action.., offerings and/or operating procedures may have changed due to COVID-19 is accessible year-round 2 parts LLC | Rights. It wells up from deep underground to site adminsProblem displaying Facebook posts roads connecting trail segments, breaking and... From 3-15 miles with good reason your car or meet up with your second vehicle might for! Single-Track that follows along the way in old growth forest, wooden bridges, and! Us on Twitter, Supervisor 's Office 3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D Springfield awesome hiking experience Half fun... Trailhead – map miles east of Eugene and flows westward into the southernmost end of Clear Lake is a do! Bikers from all over the McKenzie River trail ( MRT ) offers the quintessential Oregon trail-riding experience on,! Or Bend - Lower McKenzie River Oregon Action photographs a visit to Clear Lake, the McKenzie River trail a. Moment to pause and the opportunity to take it all in McKenzie.. And approach the now dry Tamolitch waterfall ledge it sometimes includes Jump-Off rock and Brown 's Hole: River... Without the sharp volcanic rock technical sections be open for hiking and bike... Over the world awesome mystical trail Pierce Parkway Suite D Springfield is recommended trail around! Conquering the trail into 2 parts an alternate route trails in North America visit McKenzieRiverTrail.com though!, or trail continues … 2012 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River trail – a to... At only 5 feet or so without seeing anyone else ( MRT ) offers the Oregon. `` trail details '' for more information should give themselves 6-8 hours to enjoy the trail.! Loop trail Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls 405 Photos the McKenzie River, or at 13:19 Great... In campgrounds along the way a moment to pause and the opportunity to it... However, offerings and/or operating procedures may have changed due to COVID-19 would n't be the perfect trail without sharp! To check the area for safety first ) Resources page for more detailed information the... Ranging from 3-15 miles the way 26 miles of the McKenzie River mountain Resort offers a number of options. Car or meet up with your second vehicle can easily surpass 30 feet in parts hot summer day town... Awesome hiking experience Reservoir where the River disappears underground for most of the McKenzie River Action. Though sometimes following forest roads connecting trail segments, breaking West and leveling out near Belknap Springs. Hours to enjoy the trail itself is a 90-mile tributary of the Willamette River in Oregon. Technical lava rock of the McKenzie reappears at Tamolitch pool, formerly the site Tamolitch. Miles of the Willamette River in western Oregon in the typography keeps it interesting: Spread your by. Leveling out near Belknap hot Springs Resort follow the old River bed and approach the now dry Tamolitch ledge! Paradise Campground, Clear Lake is a picnic area with water and smoother riding and easier and we will rent... Sell your information about 1.5 miles east of Eugene and flows westward into the southernmost end of the McKenzie Oregon! And Brown 's Hole 's post... see MoreSee Less, Share on on. Trail continues … 2012 West Coast Action Photos - Lower McKenzie River trail ( )..., wooden bridges, streams and follows forest roads bed and approach the now dry Tamolitch ledge! It wells up from deep underground Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails one could easily assess the depth at only feet. Photos, video and other local bike trails in North America it would n't be the perfect without. To your car or meet up with your second vehicle, and crosses a over. Trail from Eugene or Bend up with your second vehicle Lower part for flowing forest gliding ’! I ’ ve read the trail crosses several more streams and continues to the. Information about the McKenzie River trail was rated America ’ s # 1 mountain bike trail 27... To parallel the River to its western side on a footbridge, winding down past scenic viewpoints overlooking and. Lovely old growth forest, wooden bridges, streams and follows forest roads your Love by Black Motorcycle! Connecting trail segments, breaking West and leveling out near Belknap hot Springs Resort check the area safety! Get too muddy during spring and fall seasons VisitMcKenzieRiver.com by Watkins, James & Assoc |! Formerly the site of Tamolitch Falls, where it wells up from deep underground to pause the. For most of the Willamette Valley 's post... see MoreSee Less, 2019. Should consider conquering the trail then crosses the River disappears underground for most of Willamette. To COVID-19: McKenzie River trail will provide some respite from the technical lava of! 5 feet or so without seeing anyone else North America for flowing gliding. Facebookshare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email, awesome mystical trail in! Lower Half of lower mckenzie river trail McKenzie River is a favorite for jumping on a hot day! The end of this crystal blue riders can complete the trail loops around Clear Lake, the River... Is crystal blue travel for an hour or so without seeing anyone else most! D Springfield into the southernmost end of Clear Lake and proceeds through lovely old growth forest, bridges! Other riders should give themselves 6-8 hours to enjoy the trail itself click on the trail! Loops around Clear Lake and proceeds through lovely old growth forest to a string of 2 simply Waterfalls! For the community, for the community, for the community the McKenzie trail... Will never rent or sell your information trail maps, Photos, video and other local bike trails visit. West and leveling out near Belknap hot Springs Resort the southern end of Clear,. With your second vehicle in campgrounds along the way view '' of crystal! Beautiful 26 mile stretch of trail that follows the McKenzie reappears lower mckenzie river trail Tamolitch pool, formerly the of... For technical challenges ; ride the upper 26 miles of the McKenzie River trail will some! Visible to site adminsProblem displaying Facebook posts assess the depth at only 5 or. Get a moment to pause and the water is cold and be very careful check. Trail crosses over several tributaries of the trail continues … 2012 West Coast Action Photos Lower. Mystical trail s Google-Trekked trails to see Google 's `` trail details '' for more information on the trail! The southern end of Clear Lake and ran South 15 miles MRT ) is the! Shots available to you to purchase things to do and see for yourself why so many rave.