Tamolitch Blue Pool - Tamolitch Falls. In Chinook jargon, Tamolitch means “bucket.” More Links . 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. Definitely a well trafficked trail but lots of space to step to the side to let others pass, and give space, especially with COVID. We did this on a cloudy day and were concerned if the pool would be blue...turns out overcast skies didn’t have any effect on the pool color! Tamolitch Blue Pool - McKenzie River Trail - McKenzie Bridge, Oregon 97413 - Rated 4.9 based on 67 Reviews "Gorgeous hike. Watch out for mountain bikers in this area as the route is narrow. If you are coming from the Hwy 20 junction it's about 10 miles past south of the junction. Don't miss the little sign for this trail and GET THERE EARLY!! The colors are so vibrant it literally takes your breath away. 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. Isabelle enjoying the Blue Pools on our Mackenzie River hiking adventures. The trail is a moderate hike, 2.1 miles there and back. 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. From the parking area, hike up the forest road about 40 yards to the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507. Tamolitch Pool is truly breathtaking the first time you see it. There is plenty of room for parking on the room. The trailhead itself is in very close proximity to Sahalie and Koosah Falls, so it’s easy to take a pit stop on the drive and check out those stunning falls with very little hiking involved! Review Highlights “Beautiful blue” The hike to the pool was not strenuous. This is a very unique site. This short portion of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail takes you to the beautiful turquoise Tamolitch Pool, also known as Blue 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.” 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. 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. If you are visiting Sahalie Falls, the Tamolitch Blue Pool trailhead … I drove south from Portland on I-5, then east on OR-20 from Salem. 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. 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. The "Blue Pool," a.k.a. We loaded a pack with water and lunch and started the 2.2 mile hike to the blue pool. Once a majestic waterfall, the McKenzie River has changed course and gone underground a few miles up stream. Also, check out Sahalie Falls a few miles to the north. Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool is a hike that is unfortgettable. Check how to get to this turquoise Blue Pool. It has the payoff every trail adventurer is looking for. Just google the Sahalie Falls and Google Map should take you to the trailhead. Save. When you arrive you say,”that’s really blue.” And it’s definitely worth the hike. A lovely walk along a clear path, river on one side, crazy fern covered deep forest on the other. This all changed in 1963, when the Carmen Reservoir was constructed on the McKenzie below Koosah Falls. Everything you need to know to visit the must-see famous Tamolitch Falls or Blue Pool in Oregon, where to stay, when to visit, photo tips. Otherwise easy to find. From here it is a 3 mile hike down to Tamolitch Blue Pool. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . 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. This pool is renowned for its incredible iridescent blue color. Tamolitch Pool Trail. 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. The Blue Pool hike starts at the McKenzie River Trailhead in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. Incense cedars become part of the forest mix. 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