McKenzie River NRT
CampgroundsPicnic areas
Along the way Cold Water Cove Campground Paradise Campground Paradise Day Use Area
Trailheads McKenzie River Trailhead - Upper Drive there · McKenzie River Trailhead at Paradise Campground Drive there · McKenzie River Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool Drive there
McKenzie River Trailhead at Paradise Campground the Forest Service's write-up
This trailhead provides access to McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 .
McKenzie River Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool the Forest Service's write-up
This trailhead provides access to:
McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool)
See Trail pages for more information.
This trailhead experiences heavy use, particularly during the spring/summer months. Please plan your visit accordingly and arrive early or late in the day when there is less traffic.
Tamolitch Blue Pool can also be accessed from Carmen Smith Reservoir and hiking south along the McKenzie River Trail #3507
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) #3507 the Forest Service's write-up
The beauty of Tamolitch Falls (also known as Blue Pool) has always made it a popular spot. This cliff-rimmed basin was renamed “Tamolitch,” in 1933 by William Parke, a recreational engineer for the Willamette National Forest, inspired by the Chinook jargon word for “bucket.” Although the flow of the falls is typically only seen in spring, the pool continues to be fed by underground springs. Today, this rocky section of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail from Trail Bridge Reservoir north along the McKenzie River and the stunningly clear water of the pool draw hundreds of hikers, photographers and mountain bikers.
A lava flow from Belknap Crater 1,600 years ago buried a 3 mile (4.8 km) stretch of the McKenzie River between Carmen Reservoir and Tamolitch Falls. The river resurfaces at Tamolitch Pool at the base of dry Tamolitch Falls, seeping up to the surface through the porous lava, creating a pristine turquoise blue colored pool. The water, a chilly 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 C) on average, reflects the surrounding cliffs covered with alder and evergreen trees. While the falls are dry the majority of the time, during wet winters the river can flood over the lava bed and Tamolitch Falls will flow.
With the popularity of Blue Pool, please help protect this area and preserve the experience for you and for future visitors. Practice Leave No Trace Principles during your visit. There are no services or facilities such as garbage or restrooms so please pack-it-in pack-it-out.
Details
While it is a relatively short hike, the rough, rocky terrain can be challenging so sturdy, closed-toed footwear is recommended.
Length: From Carmen Smith Reservoir (3.3 miles); from Trailbridge Reservoir (2.1 miles)
Elevation: begins at 2200 ft. elevation and ends at 2450 ft. elevation (south to north)
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrictions <ul><li>Trail closed to motorized vehicles and stock.</li><li>Mountain bikers: yield to hikers, expect congestion, and use caution through the rough, rocky terrain.</li><li>Forest Service Road 2600-740 road off Hwy 126 and surrounding area is closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. No parking is allowed. A Forest Protection Officer will contact any unauthorized person with a vehicle that is parked in the closure area. Any repeat violators will be issued a Violation Notice. Any persons who refuse to leave the closed parking area, or who refuse to identify themselves, can be subject to arrest. <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd552652.pdf">Forest Order 06-18-01-17-09</a></li></ul>