Oregon's Famed River Trail Is A Rainbow Of Fall Colors With Waterfalls And A Hot Spring

Few places in Oregon capture the beauty of fall like the McKenzie River Trail. This 26-mile trail along the McKenzie River is famous for its beautiful landscapes, blue water pools, and dazzling fall colors. When fall arrives, the maples and Douglas firs burst into fiery shades of gold and red, making the hiking route one of the best must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers.

The main trailhead of the McKenzie River Trail sits off Highway 126, which is about 54 miles from Eugene (about an hour's drive). If you are coming from Portland, you will enjoy a scenic three-hour drive through the Cascades before you get to the trailhead. The closest airport is Eugene Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car and drive to the McKenzie trailhead. The region was once home to the Molalla and Kalapuya tribes, who relied on the river for salmon, huckleberries, and medicine. When Europeans traveled along the river, they renamed it McKenzie and built the first homesteads in the area.

Hiking or biking the entire 26 miles in a single day can be a hard nut to crack for novices. To make it easier, trek smaller sections over several days as you soak in the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscapes. You can start at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, which begins in an old lava flow from Mt. Washington and takes you downhill to a bridge on the McKenzie River. Stop by the bridge to marvel at the beautiful views from both sides of the river. Follow the forest trail of old-growth conifer trees while enjoying views of Clear Lake. The path takes you to the southern end of Clear Lake, a tranquil spring-fed waterbody, where you can take a break.

Beyond Clear Lake, the trail passes through forests and continues along the McKenzie River after crossing Highway 126. You'll navigate the river to the western side to get to the Instagram-worthy Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Spend some time in the falls before following the route around Carmen Reservoir. This heads to a creekbed in old-growth forests, with multiple bridges leading to Tamolich Blue Pool, a must-see highlight on the trail. The turquoise pool, fed by underground springs, is stunning. 

As you head downstream, you will notice the river getting larger from the spring until you get to the Trailbridge Reservoir. The trail winds through forests and streams before leveling out at Belknap Hot Springs, an amazing resort stop if you want to soak in the natural hot springs. The best time to tackle the McKenzie River Trail is in the late spring or early fall. In the latter, the forests explode with color, which blends superbly with the turquoise-blue water pools and greenery. As you plan your hiking or hot spring-soaking trip, adhere to this important advice to make your hiking and backpacking adventures more enjoyable.

Chase more natural wonders in Oregon by exploring fun destinations near the McKenzie River Trail. About 12 miles near the McKenzie River Trailhead is the Blue River Reservoir, a beautiful 1,400-acre lake, popular for fishing, boating, and kayaking. In early fall, the water levels are usually low for boat launches, but you can still explore the river on a kayak or swim in the waters. If you are game for scenic road trip ideas in Oregon that pass through beautiful landscapes near the McKenzie River Trail, the Aufderheide Scenic Byway won't disappoint.

This 60-mile route links the McKenzie River with Oakridge, passing through the Willamette National Forest, rivers, and hot springs. Instead of driving, bike through the byway if you are looking for a challenging cycling route. Along the way, you'll soak in the stunning views of the Cascade Mountains or stop by Blue River in Oakridge to spend the night. 

If you are craving a bite, the region is also home to several vibrant eateries. A good example is Takoda's Rainbow in Blue River, a local favorite serving delicious treats. Some items on its menu include burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. Another great place to dine near the trail is at the 1966 Bar & Grill. You can choose from various chicken recipes to salads served with house cocktails like a margarita or specialty cocktails such as an espresso martini.