The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a 26 mile trail that runs from the north end of Clear Lake to McKenzie Bridge. The trail follows the McKenzie River and passes two spectacular waterfalls.
This walk starts and ends at the stunning Clear Lake. Even though there were two 20 mile days, the walk is easy. There are no steep hills and the trail is very well maintained. I did not see a single hiker on either 20 mile day during the first week of June. There were a few mosquitoes, but not too bad. The trail is fairly monotonous, but if you like old growth, solitude, and the sound of a rushing river, this is a great walk to choose.
View McKenzie River Inn to Inn in a larger map
 Day 1: Drive (3 hours from Portland) to Clear Lake Resort. Walk the Clear Lake Loop Trail, 5 miles. Spend night in primitive cabin (bring sleeping bag and then leave it in the car the next morning). Snack Bar is open Mother's Day to Labor Day and serves burgers, sandwiches and breakfasts.
Day 2: Walk to Belknap Hotsprings Lodge, 20 miles (located at mile 5 on map). Spend 2 nights. Outdoor Snack Bar is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and serves simple breakfast items, burgers and sandwiches (closed Monday and Tuesday). Very simple continental breakfast is also included for guests. $100/night, 2 night minimum on weekends. I stayed in room 17 on 3rd floor which is spectacular.
Day 3: Either walk the trail from Lodge (mile 5) to trail head (mile 0) and back or, do what I did and take a day of rest -- soaking in the natural hot springs pool and taking a nap.
Day 4: Walk back to Clear Lake Resort, 20 miles. Drive home.
Resources:
Water is available at Trail Bridge Reservoir campground, 9 miles North (3 hours) of Belknap Springs Lodge.
Trail Map and information from Willamette National Forest. Also, you can pick up a much better map from the USFS office near Mckenzie Bridge.
Other places to stay:
- Caddisfly Resort, McKenzie Bridge - 1 mile from trailhead. 3 cabins, $95/night.
- Inn at the Bridge, McKenzie Bridge -10 new cabins West end of trail, $175/night, three restaurants 3 miles East on highway, General Store across the street serves sandwiches.
- Log Cabin Inn, McKenzie Bridge - West end of trail. Burned in 2006 and rebuilt for 2009 opening.
- Cedarwood Lodge , Mckenzie Bridge, 7 cottages $95 and up.
Highlight is Opal Pool at Tamolitch Falls, 12 miles North (4 hours ) of Belknap Spring Lodge
This is the view from my room at Belknap Hotsprings Resort. The pool was usually empty and is open from 9am to 9pm. You can watch rafters go by and there are lots of butterflies around the flowers.
The trail is very well maintained and there are numerous bridges like this one made from a single log.
One of the two spectacular falls along the north end of the trail.
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