Be careful on the steep cliffs surrounding the basin. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. There are a lot of rocks, tree roots, mud and standing water so watch your step. It has the payoff every trail adventurer is looking for. The second access point is from the Carmen Reservoir. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The trail is well maintained they cut up all of the downed trees. Not because of the rocks, but because the water is consistently ice cold at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are looking for a great hike in the Western United States, a Tamolitch Blue Pool hike is an easy in-and-out trip with a beautiful destination. The "Blue Pool," a.k.a. Short Hike: Tamolitch Blue Pool is 3.7 mile round trip hike from the trailhead at the east end of Trailbridge Reservoir on McKenzie Hwy 126 east of Eugene. … Tamolitch Blue Pool - McKenzie River Trail - McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 - Rated 4.9 based on 49 Reviews "Gorgeous hike. Very little gain and only a couple of scrambles. Although the waterfall at Tamolitch Blue Pool only flows for a few months of the year, the hike is still well-worth the trip any time. Cliff Diving at the Blue Pool Has Lead to Death and Injuries. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There’s two access points for the Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike – The Trail at Bridge Reservoir (this is the route we hiked, it’s the main trail). Snow levels here vary from year to year, so the trail can sometimes be accessible in winter. Tamolitch Blue Pool - Tamolitch Falls. Amazing view from top. I'm not sure the last question was specifically related to the Blue Pool, either. Our destination is the mythical Blue Pool! Total Hiking Distance to Tamolitch Blue Pool: 4 miles roundtrip. Didn't make it all the way as we had gone 4.2 miles on the road before starting the trail and there were too many people. For the second hike of 2020 Kai and I hiked Blue Pool. This is an absolutely beautiful must see spot along the Mckenzie River trail. Head right into an old-growth forest of large Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red-cedar. Mon: 9am-7pm; Tue: 9am-7pm; Wed: 9am-7pm; Thu: 9am-7pm; Fri: 9am-7pm; Sat: 9am-7pm; Sun: 9am-7pm; 06/30/2020 Anita F. Anita F. I'm … No snow on the ground when I hiked 11/21, just some puddles. beautiful hike, pretty easy, no difficult sections. Save. Opening Hours. If you are visiting Sahalie Falls, the Tamolitch Blue Pool trailhead is only a few miles further down the McKenzie Highway. Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) Hike, Oregon The day after I find out that OR 20 is touted as the most dangerous highway in Oregon, we are cruising along its tight hairpin bends. Please plan your visit accordingly and arrive early or late in the day when there is less traffic. This is a very popular spot along the McKenzie River Trail and you are likely to see hikers, runners and some mountain bikers here. Be sure to hug the cliff around and down to access the water. It’s known as Tamolitch, commonly referred to as the “Blue Pool.” Tamolitch is one of the most beautiful and pristine places you can visit in Oregon, and if you haven’t been there I’d suggest adding it to the list for places to visit.. McKenzie Hwy, Willamette National Forest, Cascadia, OR 97413. As with most places there is a leash requirement for dogs, and nobody has their dog on a leash. McKenzie River Mountain Resort & Shuttle offers a shuttle for hikers and mountain bikers. Isabelle enjoying the Blue Pools on our Mackenzie River hiking adventures. Hiking Trails. Be patient. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "tamolitch" Flickr tag. Tons of rocks and moss. 7/29/17 - I led the Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club on a hike to the Blue Pool. The longer hike includes Sahalie & Koosah Falls. One large fallen tree to climb over on the trail. No snow, flat quick terrain. Blue Pool,Tamolitch Falls - Tamolitch Pool Trail. The pool itself is amazing, crystal clear and vibrantly blue. There have been several deaths and serious injuries here over the years. Also, check out Sahalie Falls a few miles to the north. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. The … Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pools, Mackenzie River, Oregon. Overall great experience! The trail drops to the level of the rushing McKenzie River, where you cross a creek that issues from a substantial spring. This is a terrific hike. The river then carved its way over and under the rock to plunge over a 50-foot waterfall into the startlingly limpid Tamolitch Pool, also known as the Blue Pool. A frigid 37 degrees, it is best for viewing only. The river then carved its way over and under the rock to plunge over a 50-foot waterfall into the startlingly … The McKenzie River trail is shared by hikers and mountain bikers alike so respect each other. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the pool, a rescue was taken place, a young woman had tumbled 80 feet down a cliff and was injured. The trail is two miles each way. It's known as a DRY FALLS, because during especially wet rainy winters the river will flood over the lava bed and waterfall into Tamolitch Pool. Tamolitch Falls is located about 60 miles outside of Bend or a 45-minute drive from where we stayed at FivePine Lodge in Sisters for a weekend getaway. Tamolitch Pool Trail. Hiking Shuttles are Available. Note that access to Tamolitch Pool is via the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which is also used by mountain bikers. This trail leads you along the McKenzie river through the old growth Douglas Fir forest to Tamolitch Falls, which flows into the lava formed Blue Pool. Once you're on OR-126 you'll go about 9 more miles and see a green Tamolitch Blue Pool sign on the right. Great hike and totally worth it for the view. I drove south from Portland on I-5, then east on OR-20 from Salem. 2nd hike of 2020: Tamolitch Falls aka blue pool. For the second hike of 2020 Kai and I hiked Blue Pool. We loaded a pack with water and lunch and started the 2.2 mile hike to the blue pool. Washington. Tamolitch Blue Pool via McKenzie River Trail is a 6.0 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Total Hiking Distance to Tamolitch Blue Pool: 4 miles roundtrip. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Tamolitch Pool is truly breathtaking the first time you see it. Another couple minutes down the hill you make a right at Reservoir Bridge. The Tamolitch Blue Pool is located on the McKenzie River Trail in Central Oregon, only about an hour outside of Bend. Left: Tamolitch Pool Perhaps the most astonishing part of the 26.5-mile McKenzie River Trail is the short stretch to Tamolitch Pool, where the river vanishes into a lava flow, tumbles over an eerily dry, phantom “waterfall,” and then reemerges from a small turquoise lake. The hike to this gem in the Willamette National Forest is super easy at only 1.8 miles one-way with very little elevation gain. The trail is easy to follow and is rated moderate due to lava rocks and lots of tree roots. Tamolitch Pool Trail: Tamolitch Falls-Blue Pool - See 49 traveler reviews, 72 candid photos, and great deals for Cascadia, OR, at Tripadvisor. The trail is two miles each way. Tamolitch Pool or Blue Pool is an easy hike through an old-growth forest at first and then through lava covered with moss and plants to the pool. We’re heading up the McKenzie River Valley into the rugged mountains where a gentle trail lead us to one of the state’s most remarkable sites, called Tamolitch — or the “Blue Pool.” If you are visiting Sahalie Falls, the Tamolitch Blue Pool trailhead … Bring your hiking shoes or bring your bike. From Sahalie Falls or the Carmen Smith Reservoir to Tamolitch Blue Pool: You can also do the Tamolitch Blue Pool hike three miles from the Carmen Smith Reservoir trailhead, or see two beautiful sites, and start at Sahalie Falls, another beautiful waterfall. It's known as a DRY FALLS, because during especially wet rainy winters the river will flood over the lava bed and waterfall into Tamolitch Pool. To get there take Hwy 126 to the turn off for "Blue Pool" onto NF-730 and follow that to the Blue Pool trailhead, which is the take out. It’s not too difficult. The drop toilets were in pretty bad shape FYI. 2.1 miles in on our GPS. The water was very pretty but you couldn’t get down to it and there’s no waterfall anymore. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "tamolitch" Flickr tag. So many times we have enjoyed a hike to reach a payoff that is disappointing. "Tamolitch Pool" — marked as "Tamolitch Falls" on the official maps, despite the fact that the falls are dry for the vast majority of the year — is on the McKenzie River just south of Sahalie Falls & Koosah Falls. Bear in mind that water temperatures vary between 37 and 42 degrees, cold enough to induce sudden shock if you decide to take a dip. Head in, bear right, gravel, trailhead, basta! It looks beautiful and refreshing. The hike to the pool was not strenuous. Very busy trail. In the drier months of the year, water simply percolated through the lava layers and issued forth into the pool, while the substantial rains of winter and spring resulted in the reappearance of Tamolitch Falls. Now a dry fall, the basin is filled from underground, resulting in a dazzling clear pool of amazing colors. Otherwise easy to find. Anyway, that is a very difficult hike, but on our way down we went on our way to the pond and it was very crowded. This is a very unique site. This section of the McKenzie River Trail heads upstream from the Trail Bridge Campground to Tamolitch Pool, and it is a very popular hike any time of the year. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. After leaving Clear Lake, the McKenzie’s path is steep, wild, and includes miles of turbulent drops, sharp banks, and both Sahalie and Koosah Falls. The pool is actually 30 feet deep in the middle, but appears deceptively shallow. Tamolitch Blue Pool - McKenzie River Trail - McKenzie Bridge, Oregon 97413 - Rated 4.9 based on 67 Reviews "Gorgeous hike. Tamolitch Blue Pool is a deep turquoise blue pool where the McKenzie River reemerges after going underground at the Carmen Reservoir. Rise to gets views from a lava cliff across the river, where you’ll note the aftereffects of the 2016 Blue Top Fire. This pool is actually where the McKenzie River emerges after submerging into a lava tube after Carmen Reservoir, creating the Tamolitch Falls. Just google the Sahalie Falls and Google Map should take you to the trailhead. Hiked this on 11/29 and trail conditions were easy. With the lush old-growth forest surrounding the trail, this is an ideal hike If you are coming from the Hwy 20 junction it's about 10 miles past south of the junction. From here it is a 3 mile hike down to Tamolitch Blue Pool. Review Highlights “Beautiful blue” The hike to the pool was not strenuous. These days Tamolitch Falls only flows at times of exceptional rainfall or snow melt, but Tamolitch Pool continues to be a very popular destination, especially on summer weekends. If you are looking to hike to, Tamolitch Blue Pool is 2 miles each way. You can also access this trail from Carmen Reservoir and hike the trail to Trail Bridge Reservoir, rather than starting at the trail head just south of Trail Bridge Reservoir and hiking in and back out. A quieter but longer way to reach Tamolitch Pool is from the Carmen Reservoir Trailhead – 7 ½ miles round-trip – but this route, while negotiating lovely old-growth forest, is not accompanied by views of the McKenzie River, which flows under the lava in this section of its course. It is hardly surprising this spot is one of the most visited places in Oregon. We suggest going early. Getting down to the pool is tricky, but doable. light snow frosting made things even more gorgeousness, but definitely cold out there. My friend Heidi had gone last winter and all I've heard since is "Have you gone to the Blue Pool yet? Tamolitch Falls - The Blue Pool Sisters OR 97759. Look closely at the surface of the water to see the currents billowing on the surface. This short portion of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail takes you to the beautiful turquoise Tamolitch Pool, also known as Blue Pool. This is up there on one of the most beautiful and green hikes we have had the pleasure of being on. Vine maple and big-leaf maple burnish the understory in the fall. Queen's cup However, on this day, although there were swampy pools in the river channel, the river was dry. The stretch of the McKenzie River Trail that runs between Carmen Diversion Reservoir and Tamolitch Falls, also known as the Blue Pool, is notable for the conspicuous absence of the McKenzie River. The roads are maintained and well marked. The Blue Pool hike starts at the McKenzie River Trailhead in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. There are only a few times during the year when the water flows strong enough for Tamolitch Falls to run. It does not take you to the Koosah and Sahalie Falls. 17 reviews of Tamolitch Falls - The Blue Pool "Tamolitch Falls, aka "The Blue Pool", is a hidden gem located within the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, approximately 3 hours south of Portland. The beginning of this easy hike is through old growth Douglas fir forest. There are a lot of rocks, tree roots, mud and standing water so watch your step. You then will turn into the Trailbridge Campground and then drive.33 miles to the trailhead entrance. Description: Blue Pool is a very accessible trail between Eugene and Bend, 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 (aka Tamolitch Pool). The river resurfaces at Tamolitch Pool at the base of dry Tamolitch Falls, seeping up to the surface through the porous lava, creating a … Some interesting facts about blue pool: The falls are not always present: when rains are heavy, the McKenzie may cascade down into the pool from above, creating Tamolitch Falls; Water temperature at Blue Pool sits around 38°F – so cold that not even microorganisms can survive below the surface. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. That won’t be the case at Tamolitch Falls. The hike follows along the beautiful McKenzie River. So much fun especially during the summer! Temporarily Closed June 15-19, 2020 for maintenance — closure impacts McKenzie River Trail between Trail Bridge reservoir to Tamolitch Falls. The trail was open. We’re heading up the McKenzie River Valley into the rugged mountains where a gentle trail lead us to one of the state’s most remarkable sites called Tamolitch or the “Blue … The 4.2-mile walk to this pool is easy enough for hikers with children. Please. At Blue Pool you can scamper down the steep embankment and go for a chilly swim. While it is rare to see a large waterfall ledge completely dry, the color and composition of the the pristine blue pool is stunning Unlike its upstream siblings Sahalie and Koosah Falls, Tamolitch Falls is anything but consistent for a multitude of reasons and visitors will more often than not be greeted with a completely dry waterfall. You climb approx 300’ of elevation to reach the pool. Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) This hike is extremely popular, especially during the heat of the summer, so arrive early. To get here take the McKenzie Hwy 126 14 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. That won’t be the case at Tamolitch Falls. This year however, the winter rains were so heavy that the river flowed and tumbled over Tamolitch Falls into the Blue Pool for the first time in decades. Don't forget to hang your forest service pass from the mirror before you set out. Home; About Melissa; Destinations. This all changed in 1963, when the Carmen Reservoir was constructed on the McKenzie below Koosah Falls. May 12, 2014 - The trailhead for Blue Pool is a few miles South of Sahalie Falls on the McKenzie Highway by the Smith Reservoir. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool is a hike that is unfortgettable. This is a harder trailhead to find. The McKenzie River Scenic Byway is an absolutely gorgeous drive itself, as you explore this timeless transition into Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. 6 reviews of Tamolitch Blue Pools "The most beautiful lake I have ever seen. healing hike for day after south sister summit, McKenzie River National Recreational Trail [CLOSED], Scott to Benson Lakes via Benson Lake Trail, Browder Ridge Trail to Heart Lake [CLOSED], Hackleman Creek Old-Growth Trail [CLOSED], Scott to Tenas Lakes via Benson Lake Trail, McKenzie River National Recreational Trail: Clear Lake to Trail Bridge, Tamolitch McKenzie River Trail to Coldwater Cove, Sahalie Falls, Koosah, and Tamolich Falls via McKenzie River Trail, The Knobs to Tenas Lakes via Benson Lake Trail [CLOSED], Santiam Wagon Road Trail from McKenzie Highway, Tamolitch Blue Pool via McKenzie River Trail, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/koosah-and-sahalie-falls-trail. Article from hikelandia.com. The short hike takes you to an enchanting pool with shades of blue you didn’t know existed. The falls are partially de-watered by the natural behavior of the McKenzie River upstream of the f… The trail winds its way in and out of the forest and provides great views of the McKenzie River, old lava flows, and other geologic features. One of the best hikes in Oregon is Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike, also known as Tamolitch Falls. It is well used, so plan your visit accordingly. All Trails has it as moderate but I found it pretty easy. During the spring and early summer, this hike becomes Tamolitch Falls, and incredible cascade of water pouring into the blue pool below. We are hoping to return another day to see Tamolitch falls for ourselves. This trailhead experiences heavy use, particularly during the spring/summer months. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Restrooms, information kiosk, nearby campground. There is plenty of room for parking on the room. When you arrive you say,”that’s really blue.” And it’s definitely worth the hike. After two miles of a very pleasant hike along the river you'll be rewarded when you reach Tamolitch Falls and the Blue Pool. Don't miss the little sign for this trail and GET THERE EARLY!! The trial, for the most part, is maintained and easy to follow. If you are driving, it is located off of Highway 126 which is 14 miles east of the McKenzie Bridge. Just was there on Sunday so sad to think it could be part of the wild fire. For me, a pall was cast over the hike so I didn't take any pictures after the pool, the poor woman looked to be in a lot of pain and quite miserable as they stretchered her past us.