McKenzie River Trail: Hiking, Biking, Camping & More
Our complete corridor story, including Sahalie, Koosah, Clear Lake, and Tamolitch Blue Pool in the larger 26.5-mile trail.
Read the guideWillamette Valley and Eugene · Near McKenzie Bridge
McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a 26.5-mile linear corridor with 11 marked trailheads, not a round-trip day-hike itinerary. Eugene, Cascades & Coast describes a 1,750-foot gain as the trail passes lava, lakes, waterfalls, cold-water creeks, and old-growth forest. Plan a documented section first. Arrange a shuttle if you intend to walk a long stretch. The map pin on this page is the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead near Clear Lake, a planning anchor, not a promise that you will hike the entire corridor from that lot.
- DifficultyModerate
- Distance26.5 mi end to end
- Elevation gain1,750 ft
- Nearest townMcKenzie Bridge
The place
Why McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is worth the stop
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a 26.5-mile linear corridor with 11 marked trailheads, not a round-trip day-hike itinerary. Eugene, Cascades & Coast describes a 1,750-foot gain as the trail passes lava, lakes, waterfalls, cold-water creeks, and old-growth forest.
Plan a documented section first. Arrange a shuttle if you intend to walk a long stretch. The map pin on this page is the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead near Clear Lake, a planning anchor, not a promise that you will hike the entire corridor from that lot.
What the experience feels like
The upper lava-and-waterfall country is more technical than the lower river miles. Mountain bikes share the trail. Sharp lava can be hard on dogs’ feet. Parking fees or a Northwest Forest Pass may apply at individual trailheads; there is no single quota permit for the whole corridor.
Snow, wildfire, bridge work, and construction can close individual sections. Do not mix Tamolitch Blue Pool, Sahalie, or Koosah mileages into this corridor figure. Those are separate featured routes in the waterfall and hiking guides.
This planning page is the trail-facts URL. The That Oregon Life McKenzie River Trail article remains the longer corridor story.
From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this trail.
Trailhead map
Start at the verified public trailhead
Coordinates: 44.394444, -122.001667 · Open in Google Maps
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not a summit, waterfall, or off-trail feature.
Know before you go
Practical trail information
- Distance
- 26.5 mi end to end
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point or section hike
- Elevation gain
- 1,750 feet
- Trailhead
- Upper McKenzie River Trailhead near Clear Lake
- Parking
- Use an official McKenzie River Trail trailhead and build the route around current bridge, fire, and construction notices.
- Permit
- No quota permit is normally required for the corridor; some trailheads may require a recreation pass.
- Fees
- Parking fees or a Northwest Forest Pass may apply at individual trailheads.
- Dogs
- Dogs are generally permitted under Forest Service control rules; verify current restrictions and leash near crowds.
- Restrooms
- Facilities vary by trailhead and may be seasonal.
- Best season
- Snow, wildfire, bridge work, and project closures can affect individual sections.
- Key hazards
- The full trail is long and technical in places, with lava rock, cyclists, river exposure, snow, wildfire effects, and shuttle logistics.
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects 26.5 mi end to end with more effort, uneven tread, or access rules than a short developed walk. Match the group to the official route, not just the number on the card.
EasyShort, signed, and relatively straightforward when conditions match the official description.
ModerateMore mileage, elevation, uneven tread, or access rules that require preparation.
HardSteep, exposed, long, or otherwise consequential travel where turning around is part of good judgment.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
Trails, meadows, and viewpoints wear down quickly when people cut switchbacks, wander off the route, or leave waste behind. Keep this outing on durable, legal ground.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
More in the region
Nearby Oregon trail guides
Eugene, Cascades & Coast McKenzie River National Recreation Trail listing reviewed September 1, 2026.