The mighty McKenzie River gets its start as a stream trickling out of Clear Lake high in the Cascade Range. From there, it twists and turns through mossy, old-growth forests; tumbles over (and around) ancient lava flows; and crashes over car-sized boulders before emptying into the Willamette River near Eugene.
Along the way, the crystal-clear waterway—portions of which have been officially designated the Wild & Scenic McKenzie River—offers an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Hiking trails head to shimmering pools and afford views of thundering waterfalls. Mountain bike trails speed through sprawling forests. Campgrounds sit within sight of the river’s rugged banks. And whitewater rafting outfitters navigate the McKenzie’s frothing rapids all spring and summer long.
If you’d like to experience the magic of the McKenzie for yourself, here’s a guide to planning a memorable getaway to the remote river corridor. Most suggestions here can be found across a handful of small communities along Highway 126, some 50 miles east of Eugene—which makes an excellent home base for adventure.
Start at its headwaters with a hike around the appropriately named Clear Lake; the five-mile loop heads past where the McKenzie River gets its start by flowing out of the lake.
Further south, the 2.5-mile Waterfalls Loop Trail offers impressive views of Sahalie and Koosah Falls as they tumble over rock shelves in the river; if you’re pressed for time, Sahalie Falls sits just a few steps from the trailhead.
As you continue south, the 4.5-mile Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) trail cuts through an old-growth forest before ending atop a basin that surrounds a stunningly clear pool.
Each of these hikes are extremely popular, so keep these tips in mind for a quieter experience:
Try visiting in spring or fall; in addition to more solitude, you’ll enjoy the waterfalls at their thundering peak in spring—and colorful foliage displays in autumn.
If you’re planning a summertime hike, try to hit the trail before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (especially on weekends).
Always pay attention to all parking signs, and consider coming back another time if your preferred parking area is full.
Mountain bikers generally choose among three trails across the McKenzie River corridor.
The best-known is the 26.4-mile McKenzie River National Recreation Trail—a popular path among hikers and mountain bikers due to its gradual descent, handful of trailheads (which afford easy access and make it easy to plan the perfect ride), and wide variety of terrain; on any given stretch of trail, mountain bikers may encounter moss-covered forests of Douglas fir, views of the teal-hued river, and ancient lava flows.
To the south, the 10-mile Olallie Trail gains an impressive 4,000 feet while ascending a forested ridgeline; from there, it enters the pristine Three Sisters Wilderness and skirts the base of Olallie Mountain. Nearby, the O’Leary Mountain Trail challenges intermediate and advanced riders with more than 4,500 feet of elevation gain across 8.5 miles; highlights include a wide-open view of Macduff Mountain, plenty of downhill single-track, and easy connections to nearby trails for a longer loop.
Whichever trail you tackle, get started with help from Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters near the community of McKenzie Bridge; the family-owned resort offers mountain bike rentals, shuttles to popular trailheads, and post-ride beverages and showers back at the lodge.
A trio of particularly scenic campgrounds, all managed by the Willamette National Forest, sit along the McKenzie River and offer easy access to its natural sites.
The northernmost of the three is Cold Water Cove Campground, which hosts 34 tent and RV sites (two of which are wheelchair-accessible) near the shores of Clear Lake. The campground is open May-October, offers basic amenities (such as on-site toilets and drinking water), and sits along the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail.
To the south, the Paradise Campground earns its moniker in the midst of an old-growth forest of Douglas fir and western red cedar. Open mid-May to mid-October, the bucolic campground hosts more than 60 tent and RV sites—most of which are mere steps from the McKenzie riverbanks.
Nearby, almost all of the 20 sites at McKenzie Bridge Campground sit along the McKenzie River in the midst of a towering forest. The campground, open April-September, accommodates tents and RVs—and offers excellent opportunities for catch-and-release fishing of trout and steelhead.
If you’d rather not rough it, plenty of overnight stays can be found up and down the McKenzie River corridor.
Near the shores of its namesake reservoir, Clear Lake Resort hosts numerous dog-friendly cabins and a trio of yurts. Cabins come with a variety of amenities—some are outfitted with a full kitchen, while others are more rustic—and each yurt includes beds and propane heaters.
To the south, the historic Belknap Hot Springs sits surrounded by towering fir trees and hosts 18 lodge rooms, eight well-appointed cabins, and a variety of tent and RV sites; overnight guests enjoy free access to Belknap's pair of mineral-rich hot spring pools.
Nearby, Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters rents four lovingly decorated cabins—the largest of which sleeps up to 16—and several tent campsites that are open April-October. The lodge also offers guided whitewater rafting trips, mountain bike shuttles, and gear rentals.
Enjoy a taste of luxury at Loloma Lodge, which got started in the early 1930s and today offers regal lodge rooms and several riverside cabins (complete with full kitchens, bathrooms, and wood-burning fireplaces). Away from your room, you'll enjoy riverfront views, luxurious outdoor showers (in summer), and peaceful nature trails.
You’ll find a handful of eateries dishing all manner of filling fare in the McKenzie River corridor.
When the sun shines, the patio at McKenzie General Store turns into a bustling town square—where diners nosh on locally sourced pub grub and sip regional craft beer while listening to live music and conversing with friends at neighboring picnic tables.
Just across Highway 126, McKenzie Station Pub dishes fresh-ground burgers, hearty sandwiches, and globally inspired specials in a friendly environment. A few miles west, the spacious Takoda's Restaurant serves a filling blend of American pub fare, creative pizzas, and more—and it never tastes better than on the eatery’s massive back patio. And if you’re looking for a quick snack, the Blue Sky Market in McKenzie Bridge serves a perfectly spiced chicken-on-a-dish stick that comes with jojos (thick-cut potato wedges) and house-made ranch sauce.
Looking for other fun ideas on (and along) the McKenzie River? Here are a few suggestions for planning a memorable trip:
Hot springs: You’ll find a pair of well-loved hot springs around the McKenzie River—each geared toward different crowds. The family-friendly Belknap Hot Springs hosts a pair of mineral-rich pools—one available for day-use visitors and both open to overnight guests—alongside comfortable stays. To the south, the clothing-optional Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs hosts four small pools, arranged in a ladder-like layout, in the midst of an old-growth forest. Learn more about hot springs in the Willamette Valley.
Clear Lake: We mentioned the surreal turquoise hue of Clear Lake earlier, but it’s worth mentioning that nearby Clear Lake Resort invites visitors to get on the water for an up-close look at the reservoir’s natural beauty.The resort rents a variety of non-motorized vessels and (for a small fee) allows day-use and overnight visitors to launch their paddlecraft from an on-site boat launch. Note that parking is very limited at the resort, especially on summer weekends, so try arriving by 9 a.m. to give yourself the best possible chance at snagging a spot.
McKenzie Highway: Between late June and late October, head up the McKenzie Highway (OR 242), whose western terminus resides along Highway 126 near Belknap Hot Springs. Highlights along the scenic, yet winding roadway include a short hike to Proxy Falls, the family-friendly Hand Lake Loop Trail, and the Dee Wright Observatory—a stone structure, built in the midst of a miles-long lava flow, that affords views of roughly a dozen Cascade Range peaks from near the summit of McKenzie Pass.
Whitewater Rafting: In spring, summer, and early fall, whitewater rafting on the McKenzie River is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. Beginner-friendly half-day trips navigate a handful of playful rapids, while full-day trips head deeper into the forested river corridor. Get started with local outfitters, including Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters, Oregon Whitewater Adventures, or Helfrich McKenzie Rafting.