3-Day Deep Dive into McKenzie River

McKenzie River area is home to crystal-clear waters filtered through volcanic rock, waterfalls hidden in lush old-growth forests, and a variety of hiking options all packed into one region. And as always, the biggest perk of deep-dive itineraries? You stay in the same accommodation throughout.🙂 That means no time spent re-packing and unpacking—resulting in a more relaxed pace and more energy left to savor each day to the fullest.

Recommended lodging location: McKenzie Bridge or Santiam Junction. Nearby towns like Upper Soda, Belknap Springs, and Blue River are all fair choices too, with just a very slight increase in total driving distance. If you are looking to tent camp rather than booking a room, Ice Cap Campground is my favorite. This campground directly connects to a trail that you'll be exploring on Day 2, meaning no driving or looking for parking spot; super convenient.

Note: there's no big town around here. Whatever food/drinks you need, I recommend you shop beforehand.

Day 1: Checking out attractions along the drive to your stay

EZ Orchards Farm Market: a cut little shop with local produces, jams, wines, and fresh donuts. If you are lucky in Spring and Summer you'll catch a pop-up shortcake stand too.😋

If you are looking to kick off the trip with an epic hike, Silver Falls State Park is well worth a stop. Parking is $10 or free with Oregon day-use parking pass. Once you are parked here you have two great hiking options: Trail of Ten Falls (7.5 mi or 12km; the whole green route in the map below) or Winter Falls loop (5 mi or 8km; the left circular portion of the same route, using the red shortcut to skip the right side). Both include an impressive view and a walk behind(!) the famed South Falls, so don't feel obliged to do the full loop.

If you'd rather save your hiking energy for tomorrow, another option is to visit Salem or Eugene, depending on the route you are taking to your lodging. Salem has the State Capitol and a few interesting small museums. For Eugene, the Day 6 contents of this road trip itinerary will point you to the key attractions.

Day 2: McKenzie River Trail

The total length of McKenzie River Trail is whooping 25 miles or 40 km, but its key attractions are aggregated in its middle section, so that's where I'll introduce below for you to hike. Option 1 is to one big hike just shy of 9 miles to cover everything at once, and Option 2 is to break it up into two (2.5 mi + 4 mi) shorter walks. 

Option 1: Park at Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area and follow McKenzie River Trail to south til you reach Tamolitch blue pool, then walk back north to the Koosah & Sahalie Falls loop. This way you avoid moving your car and having to find parking twice in one day. Tip: if the above parking area ran out spots, this is the second best parking lot that adds no extra distance to your hike. 

Option 2: same key attractions, but two shorter hikes instead of one big one.

• Park at Tamolitch Trail Head and follow McKenzie River Trail to north, enjoy the pristine view of Tamolitch blue pool, and walk back to the car. 

• Move your car to either here or, if no spot, here, and walk the Koosah and Sahalie Falls Loop. Technically you could just hit the two falls and call it, but I personally recommend completing the full loop if you have daylight and energy left; it's a nicely maintained, scenic trail even as you walk away from the famed waterfalls.

  

After the hike, I like chilling for the rest of the day and recharge. But just in case some of you feel extra energetic even after spending the whole morning hiking, renting a kayak at Clear Lake Resort makes for a great afternoon activity! Clear Lake is, well, really clear, and offers one of the most scenic kayaking spots in Oregon with a wide range of rental options. One other activity option is to hike Proxy Falls - while the trail here is less than 2 miles, it's strenuous. Not recommended for those traveling with kids.

Day 3: Cone Peak Trail

If you go in May or earlier, some shaded parts will likely still have ice left, so hiking sticks are highly recommended. Once you're parked at Tombstone Pass Trailhead, walk east to Tombstone Prairie trail, then branch off north to cross the Highway 20. What's where the core part of Cone Peak Trail begins. For this particular trail I found the analogue map at the trailhead more helpful than any digital version, so here it is, from my budget phone camera. "You are here" marks where you park.

As for how much of the trail to walk, you have three good options so pick based on how much energy and time you have left.

• 4.7 mi Option: hike up to enjoy the view of the famed cone peak and turn back at the blue circle on the above map.

• 5 mi Option: hiking the whole loop, this is the most popular option for most travelers looking for a moderate hike. At the blue circle you would continue on to the west. Once you hit the red circle continue south to come back to the parking lot.

• 6.2 mi Option: if you aren't afraid of switchbacks and are looking for a view from high up, definitely add the Iron Mountain Submmit to your hike. At the red circle, go east to hit the summit and return to the main loop.

Just like on Day 2, Clear Lake is a great default alternate option if you rather feel like kayaking than hiking on foot.💕