Oregon

McKenzie River Trail

“America’s #1 Trail”

Bike Magazine reader poll in 2008

McKenzie River Trail – Tamolitch Blue Pool

A visually stunning Trail with Plenty of Technical to make you feel like you’ve earned it

 

A visually stunning Trail with Plenty of Technical to make you feel like you’ve earned it

26.5 mi
4-6 hours
2,000 m
Intermediate to Expert
Trans Alps Adventure
The Journey Begins Here

Trail Route and Options

Best Time to Ride

May – October

Trail Condition

March 14, 2021 11:14 pm

McKenzie River Trail

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  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 26 miles
  • Time 4 h 30 min
  • Speed 0 mph
  • Min altitude 1430 ft
  • Peak 3153 ft
  • Climb 4446 ft
  • Descent 6168 ft
  • Koosah Falls - McKenzie River Trail

    Koosah Falls – McKenzie River Trail

  • Friends biking the McKenzie River Trail

    Friends biking the McKenzie River Trail

  • Clear Lake - McKenzie River Trail

    Clear Lake – McKenzie River Trail

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Ride through dramatic lava fields, along side a crystal river and lakes so clean you can see over 100 feet to the bottom! Giant waterfalls will spray you with their refreshing mist and mesmerize you with their dramatic beauty.  Lush 300 year old growth forest will enchant you. 

Traverse handmade log bridges over the multiple streams and rivers that merge to make up the majestic McKenzie River.  Follow the river a it abruptly stops and disappears into a lava flow and mysteriously starts again some distance later – seemingly out of nowhere.  Stop and wonder how the Tamolitch Blue Pool could be such a vibrant topaz blue. 

The McKenzie River Trail is the most beautiful Trail I’ve ever ridden.”

Avid Mountain Biker E. Alderson
Tour and Stopovers
Useful Information

Tips & Resources

Highlights

Single Track Trail:  Ride down the trail from you starting point.  This is single track and on a busy day it will be hard to go uphill without getting off your bike repeatedly.

Shuttles:  Shuttles are available daily.  You can also self shuttle.   

Food & Drinks

Water – Bring lots of water – this is a big trail.  You’ll want to stay hydrated.  You can refill water at a few of the campgrounds along the way, yet the water sources are off trail and may be tough to find. 

Food – Bring snacks – 26.5 miles of pedaling requires a lot of fuel.

Places to Eat – After ride, there are a few restaurants near the bottom of the trail.   McKenzie Station Pub, Obsidian Grill, Takoda’s 

Necessary Gear

The Basics: A quality bike and a bike helmet are your basics.  Don’t forget a patch kit and pump.  

Body Armor: Most riders do not wear body armor on this ride, however the lava in a couple spots can be tough and unforgiving if you tangle with it.  Choose what works best for you.  

Useful Information
MRT Blog

Travel Journal

“My three sons and I went mountain biking on the McKenzie River Trail last week while….”

Check out this Blog post from Griff Wigley aka Mountain Bike Geezer

Reserve Your Shuttle

Shuttles are scheduled daily, a reservation is required.  If no one is booked, the shuttle doesn’t run.  Seats are limited.

Shuttles are by our Website Sponsor:

McKenzie River Mountain Resort

  • Shuttles are available daily, usually at 9 am and 10:30 am.  
  • Special shuttle times may be available by phone.
  • Shuttles do require a reservation.
  • Online booking system requires 24 advance booking, call to book for last minute options 541-822-6272
MRT Shuttle - mountain bike
McKenzie River Trail Shuttles
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