Oregon’s hiking trails all offer their own diverse beauty, and if you’re looking for some fresh air and exercise, you can’t go wrong with any of them. For a truly special experience, take the McKenzie River Trail to Tamolitch Blue Pool. The waterfall and its blue pool are like something from a fairytale.
The McKenzie River Trail stretches through the Willamette National Forest for 27 miles, offering shady surroundings, waterfalls, and scenic beauty all along the way. You don’t need to take the entire trail to visit Tamolitch Blue Pool, but you’ll start at the trailhead.
Rashmi Hadli/Alltrails For directions to the McKenzie River Trailhead, visit the Willamette National Forest website.
The hike to the pool is just two miles, and it’s an easy journey with just a 305-foot elevation gain.
Van Phetsomphou/Alltrails
You’ll stroll through the lush, thick forest along the McKenzie River.
Jordan Herrick/Alltrails
The McKenzie River is cold and clear, and provides a picturesque point of interest all along the way.
Shawna Dolph/Alltrails
Don’t be in a rush to get to the pool - enjoy the scenery along the way! Verdant ferns cover the floor of this old-growth forest, and the towering alders and evergreens provide a shady canopy above.
Nicole Osborn/Alltrails
This trail is suitable for almost every hiker. It can be quite busy on weekends, so try to plan your hike for an early morning weekday to enjoy a bit more solitude.
Jordan Herrick/Alltrails
Before you know it, you’ll be overlooking Tamolitch Blue Pool, and it certainly looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The waterfall is often dry during summer months, but if you’re visiting in the winter or spring, you’ll see the water flowing freely.
Nicole Osborn/Alltrails
The turquoise water is absolutely stunning, and it’s very, very cold. The McKenzie River goes underground about three miles upstream, and it surfaces right through the lava rock here to create the pool, which averages just 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heather Rymal/Alltrails When you visit this special place, please practice Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the trail to protect the vegetation, and don’t leave trash on the ground. Let’s keep this spot beautiful for generations to come!
Have you hiked to Tamolitch Blue Pool? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments!
Rashmi Hadli/Alltrails
For directions to the McKenzie River Trailhead, visit the Willamette National Forest website.
Van Phetsomphou/Alltrails
Jordan Herrick/Alltrails
Shawna Dolph/Alltrails
Nicole Osborn/Alltrails
Heather Rymal/Alltrails
When you visit this special place, please practice Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the trail to protect the vegetation, and don’t leave trash on the ground. Let’s keep this spot beautiful for generations to come!
For more information, visit the Willamette National Forest website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool), McKenzie Bridge, OR, USA
