The Incredible McKenzie River – Willamette National Forest – Central Oregon – 4K

My goal of these wilderness trail videos is to 1) show reverence for the beauty of the land, and 2) give YOU actionable trail information that can assist you in planning your own hike here.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at Tamolitch Blue Pool Trailhead and hiking approximately 3.8 - 4.5 miles roundtrip (depending on if you go by Alltrails or the Local Signage) with only a 200 - 300 feet elevation gain, making it a low elevation gain well-graded trail. The trail is rocky in some sections due to the beautiful geological formations so deliberative footing is required, although most people should be able to easily do it. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with rain showers and occasional sun breaks amongst the mostly overcast day. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the turn off which is also a paved road, and then you continue to drive past the Dam to a parking lot area on an unmaintained road that is still pretty good and any car should be able to traverse if you drive cautiously. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.