A great day hike and not too far from Bend/Eugene.
5 mile one-way Easy/Moderate hike, mountain bike, backpack trip. Pass by two incredible waterfalls and the roaring McKenzie River which enters into the Carmen Reservoir. The trail then follows the quickly draining McKenzie River as it filters down through the lava. Enjoy ferns, mossy trees, green, blue, purple, and red berries. Walk across four wood bridges and in one mile you will be at Blue Pool (Tamolitch Falls). This is where the McKenzie re-surfaces since the pool reaches water level.
This is a great place to spend a few hours or even overnight. There are a few flat areas for small tents and the stars look really cool reflecting from the blue pool. Sunrise is great because the pool actually appears turquoise. Cliff jumping from 10ft all the way to 70ft. I did the 70ft and the water is plenty deep, just extremely cold (felt good after carrying an 80lb pack!). If you can bare the cold, sign the divers book 10ft below the pool on the shore. Good rockclimbing too, just beware of loose lava rock.
Take 126/20 through Sisters and eventually veer off to the left towards 126. Enoy views of Mt Washington (we didn't becuase it was on fire while we were there (pictures). Drive past Clear Lake and within a mile on your right hand side will be the Sahalie Falls turnout. Park here; fills up quickly during peak times.
*When you get to Carmen Reservoir. turn right and cross over the bridge. Continue towards the restrooms, then follow the trail to the right. Go for 1/16th mile and turn left onto the McKenzie River Trail.
Share the trail with hikers and bikers, be sure to tell how many are in your party as a courtesy. D
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