Upper McKenzie Trail Area

McKenzie River National Recreation Trail # 3507

Required Permits Northwest Forest Pass needed? NO Wilderness: Self issue permit needed? NO Wilderness: Limited Entry permit needed? NO More information about permits Close To... Sahalie & Koosah Falls Paradise Campground Lakes End Campground Ice Cap Creek Campground Olallie Campground Ice Cap Creek Campground Cold Water Cove Campground Mt. Washington Wilderness For more information... Read more about hiking safely and having fun in the Willamette National Forest on our Hiking/Trails page. Contact the McKenzie River Ranger Station More contact information

Length: 26.5 miles

Elevation: Trail begins at 1450 ft. elevation and ends a 3200 ft. elevation.

Season: Spring to Fall

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate

Water: Potable water is located in campgrounds along the way. All other water must be treated.

How to get there: From McKenzie River Ranger District, travel west one mile to the trailhead. Several access points are available along the entire trail route.

Trail Description: The McKenzie River Trail closely follows the McKenzie River, a scenic whitewater river originating in the high Cascade Mountains. The trail crosses over several tributaries of the McKenzie River via log bridges. The lower sections of the trail pass through 600 year old Douglas-fir forests, while upper sections of the trail pass spectacular waterfalls and lava flows.

Comments: Bicyclists: Dismount and walk bicycles along the Waterfalls Trail or stay on the McKenzie River Trail as an alternate route. Expect heavy congestion near Paradise Campground, Clear Lake Loop and Waterfalls Loop trails.