| Governor Kulongoski's Recommended Hikes |
|
|
 |
| McKenzie River Area |
|
Tamolitch Pool
Directions: From Highway 126, turn west onto Road 730; is it near the signs for Trailbridge Reservoir. Turn right onto gravel Road 612 after crossing the river and drive until you see the trailhead sign.
Length: 4.6 miles
The Hike: This hike is merely a portion of the greater McKenzie River Trail. Tamolitch Pool is formed when the McKenzie River wells up out of the ground after flowing underground for 3 miles.
ProxyFalls
Directions: From Highway 242, you will see the Proxy Falls Trailhead to the west. It is about 10 miles south of the junction with Highway 126.
Length: 1.3 mile loop
The Hike: Pass flowers, forests, and lava fields and you will get see a beautiful pair of falls: the Upper Proxy and the Lower Proxy—collectively, Proxy Falls. The hike is easy and the 200-foot Lower Proxy Falls is particularly beautiful.
ClearLake
Directions: From Highway 126, turn east at the signs for Coldwater Cove Campground. Park at the other end of the campground, over by the boat ramp.
Length: 5 mile loop
The Hike: This crystal clear lake has a greenish blue appearance, and you can see clearly to the bottom. It is fed by snow run-off, which passes through miles of cooled lava tubes. The hike takes you around the entire lake, over lava tubes and by the beautiful blue-green iridescent water.
Sahalie Falls—Koosah Falls Loop
Directions: Go about 5 miles on Highway 126 from the junction between Highway 126 and Highway 20; the parking area is just off the west side of the road.
Length: 4 mile loop
The Hike: The hike travels through old growth forest, past lava tubes, over a footbridge, along the McKenzie River, and, of course, by two gorgeous waterfalls. It can be approached from either the north or south—the trail runs in a loop, so either one is fine—and can connect to the great McKenzie River Trail as well.
Patjens Lake Loop Trail
Directions: From McKenzie Ranger Station, drive east on Hwy. 126 about 22 miles to Hwy. 20. Continue on Hwy. 20 about 7 miles and turn on Rd. 2690 (Hoodoo turnoff). Drive about 4 miles to Patjens Lake Trailhead, located at the west end of Big Lake.
Length: 5.5 miles
The Hike: Patjens Lake Loops Trail offers a rare opportunity to ride or hike a loop in the Mt. Washington Wilderness in one day. Located in the high elevation ecosystem, the trail passes through a mixed forest of lodgepole pine, western hemlock, and alpine fir. Three small lakes are accessed from the trail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
