McKenzie River Trail – Upper Half
- Created: June 4, 2023 9:32 pm
- Updated: June 4, 2023 10:36 pm
- Distance Instructions
- Travel mode
- walking
- bicycling
- driving
- straight-line
- Distance 12 miles
- Time 2 h 0 min
- Speed 10 mph
- Min altitude 3117 ft
- Peak 3156 ft
- Climb 2680 ft
- Descent 3530 ft
MAP UPDATED FOR 2023
This route is best for intermediate and experienced riders who just don't have time to do the whole thing. You'll get all the drama and challenge of the lava fields, Clear Lake, 2 major Waterfalls - Sahalie and Koosah and Tamolitch Blue Pool.
Beginner riders should consider the lower half - starting at Tamolitch Trailhead or Deer Creek Trailhead. You'll get a beautiful and challenging ride. You are encouraged to visit the viewpoints at the waterfalls and Clear Lake by car. You'll also find Tamolitch Blue Pool to be a gorgeous hike. Fish Lake Remount Depot is also something neat to see.
This is a 12 mile trail and takes about 2 hours for the average mountain biker.
Special new 2 mile trail for bikes only at the Blue Pool Section - no hikers!
About 7 years ago, Tamolitch Blue Pool when viral and gained so much attention, the hiking traffic on the section of the MRT made riding through this 2 mile stretch horrible. It ruined the ride for many people. Fortunately, the USFS was paying attention and built a second trail just for bikes through this section!
The joy is back and the last few years the trail has been experiencing low ridership. Which means its never been a better time to ride the MRT!
This maps shows both options around Clear Lake. The west side of the lake is called Clear Lake Trail and skips the technical lava that gives the upper have its black diamond rating. There still some additional lava that you can't skip, yet taking this route will make the trail a bit easier for mid level riders. (We always encourage people to walk their bikes through the more technical parts when it is prudent for your skill and fitness level.)
The MRT is perhaps one of the most visually stunning mountain bike rides you'll experience!
Best way to experience this is by Shuttle. Meet shuttle, drop your vehicle off at Tamolitch Trailhead, ride shuttle to the top and ride back to your car.
MAP UPDATED FOR 2023
This route is best for intermediate and experienced riders who just don’t have time to do the whole thing. You’ll get all the drama and challenge of the lava fields, Clear Lake, 2 major Waterfalls – Sahalie and Koosah and Tamolitch Blue Pool.
Beginner riders should consider the lower half – starting at Tamolitch Trailhead or Deer Creek Trailhead. You’ll get a beautiful and challenging ride. You are encouraged to visit the viewpoints at the waterfalls and Clear Lake by car. You’ll also find Tamolitch Blue Pool to be a gorgeous hike. Fish Lake Remount Depot is also something neat to see.
This is a 12 mile trail and takes about 2 hours for the average mountain biker.
Special new 2 mile trail for bikes only at the Blue Pool Section – no hikers!
About 7 years ago, Tamolitch Blue Pool when viral and gained so much attention, the hiking traffic on the section of the MRT made riding through this 2 mile stretch horrible. It ruined the ride for many people. Fortunately, the USFS was paying attention and built a second trail just for bikes through this section!
The joy is back and the last few years the trail has been experiencing low ridership. Which means its never been a better time to ride the MRT!
This maps shows both options around Clear Lake. The west side of the lake is called Clear Lake Trail and skips the technical lava that gives the upper have its black diamond rating. There still some additional lava that you can’t skip, yet taking this route will make the trail a bit easier for mid level riders. (We always encourage people to walk their bikes through the more technical parts when it is prudent for your skill and fitness level.)
The MRT is perhaps one of the most visually stunning mountain bike rides you’ll experience!