Blue Pool/Tamolitch Pool
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Blue Pool is a very accessible trail close to Eugene, where folks can hike a 4.2 mile out and back section of the McKenzie River Trail to a beautiful spot where the McKenzie River comes out of the ground and forms what is called Blue Pool.
The McKenzie River Trail is a 26 mile long trail that runs along the McKenzie River, and is a very popular trail for hiking and mountain biking. There are various different sections of the 26 miles trail that you can hike, if you are not up to doing the entire trail. The Tamolitch Pool, also known as Blue Pool is where the river comes back up to the surface, after being underground for two miles. This creates a glass-like pool of blue-green water. |
(even though the second half is rocky, the trail is very well maintained)
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This trailhead is about 1.5 hours from Eugene. The trailhead is generally packed with cars, since this is an extremely popular spot for Oregonians as well as visitors to go. You do not need to pay or have a parking pass to park or hike there. (If you are hiking on the weekend and want to beat the crowds, come before 10am).
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(the McKenzie River)
(view of the McKenzie River from the top of the trail)
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The trail starts off in dense woods, and you hike along the river for a bit. The trail is well maintained, especially in the beginning, but you do have to watch your step because the roots can get slippery in rainy and icy conditions.
About 1 mile into the hike, the trail gets a bit steeper, and it starts climbing above the river. Here you get some stunning views of the McKenzie River from above. As the trail gets steeper, it changes from a sometimes muddy path with roots, to more of a dusty trail with many jagged lava rocks. Watch your step here. 
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(stunning view of Tamolitch/Blue Pool from the top of the trail)
2.1 miles from the trailhead, after not seeing the river for a while, you see the stunning blue pool. There is a way to climb down from the viewing cliff above, where you can scramble down and sit at the water’s edge. There is a less steep way to get down to the water by climbing across the dry rocky riverbed at the far end of the pool.
(Blue Pool from the bottom)
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(Blue Pool in December)
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Even though the water looks very inviting, especially after hiking on a hot day, once you touch it, you will realize why not very many people are swimming in it. The water is glacier cold, at a mere 40-42 degrees year round! (Please do NOT jump into the water from the cliff. A few people have died doing this, and it is extremely dangerous!)
Overall, this trail is doable for all age ranges and athletic levels. It is one of the most popular hikes in Oregon, and the Blue Pool is definitely worth seeing! On weekends the trail is full of people hiking, as well as mountain biking. Keep in mind that this is a 26 mile long trail that is mostly used by mountain bikers, so please be courteous towards them and if you can, step to the side when you see them coming. This is very tricky terrain for bikers, so if they don't have to stop, they will be very grateful.
Approximate hike time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(This hike is beautiful all year round, however during the weekday and non-summer seasons is the best for avoiding crowds).
Trail usage: Very heavy
Permits needed: N/A
Directions:
From Bend
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(This hike is beautiful all year round, however during the weekday and non-summer seasons is the best for avoiding crowds).
Trail usage: Very heavy
Permits needed: N/A
Directions:
From Bend
- Drive on US-97 north and take exit 135A to merge onto US-20 west towards Sisters for 20 miles. In the town of Sisters at the roundabout take the 2nd exit and stay on US-20 west for another 25.1 miles. Keep left to stay on US-20 W for 3.3 miles, then turn onto OR-126 E for 10.8 miles. Turn right at a sign for Trailbridge Campground/Blue Pool. You will cross a bridge and quickly turn right onto gravel road NF-730. After about a third of a mile park along the right side of the road. (Total of 62.8 miles)
- Take OR-126 east for 6.8 miles, at a traffic light use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto OR-126 E/Main St. and continue on OR-126 for 57.7 miles then turn left at a sign for Trailbridge Campground/Blue Pool. You will cross a bridge and quickly turn right onto gravel road NF-730. After about a third of a mile park along the right side of the road. (Total of 66.8 miles)
- Take OR-22 east toward Detroit Lake/Bend for 80 miles, then turn right onto US-20 W for 3.1 miles. Turn right onto OR-126 E for another 10.8 miles Turn right at a sign for Trailbridge Campground/Blue Pool. You will cross a bridge and quickly turn right onto gravel road NF-730. After about a third of a mile park along the right side of the road. (Total of 97.9 miles)
- Drive I-5 south towards Salem for 45.3 miles, then take exit 253 for OR-22 east toward Detroit Lake/Bend. Drive on OR-22 for 80 miles, then turn right onto US-20 W for 3.1 miles. Turn right onto OR-126 E for another 10.8 miles Turn right at a sign for Trailbridge Campground/Blue Pool. You will cross a bridge and quickly turn right onto gravel road NF-730. After about a third of a mile park along the right side of the road. (Total of 141 miles)
- Drive I-5 north 163 miles to Eugene, then take exit 194A to merge onto OR-126 E toward Springfield. Drive 6.8 miles and at a traffic light use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto OR-126 E/Main St. and continue on OR-126 for 57.7 miles then turn left at a sign for Trailbridge Campground/Blue Pool. You will cross a bridge and quickly turn right onto gravel road NF-730. After about a third of a mile park along the right side of the road. (Total of 230 miles)
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To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
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