Calendar

Past Activity

McKenzie Falls Weekend

  • Start date: 05/05/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 05/06/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This is a low-key weekend explore of the McKenzie River's waterfalls: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, and Tamolich Falls (Blue Pool).

Saturday, May 5th:
Depart Eugene and drive (up 126) to the Sahalie Falls area where we'll hike the Sahalie & Koosah loop. The trail distance is 5 miles round trip. We'll eat lunch by one of the falls. After the hike we'll drive 15 minutes south to the Olallie Forest Service Campground and set up camp. Our sites are #15 & #16 - the two next to the creek where it joins the McKenzie. People with sore feet might want to visit Belknap Springs that evening.

Sunday, May 6th:
In the morning we break camp and drive about 3 miles to the Tamolich Falls trailhead and hike (4 miles round trip) to the Tamolich Falls (Blue Pool). We'll have lunch in the area then return to the cars in the early afternoon. We should be back in Eugene by 4 pm.

We will depart south Eugene (near the Albertson's on 30th), the exact location will be sent to trip participants prior to the trip. For those not driving residential street parking is available.

# There is a camping site fee of $7 per person payable to the trip leader.
# Everyone should contribute a couple of dollars at the campsite to help buy wood.
# There should not be an extra vehicle fee, though if this changes campers in the vehicle should help contribute.
# Because the camping sites are close to the river come prepared for cold temperatures at night.
# Bring a tent and any camping stuff you need; though please note that space is tight at the campsites.
# Bring your own meals and snacks.
# A Forest Service pit toilet is at the campground.
# Bring earplugs as river noise might keep some awake.
# Water is available at the campground.
# Drivers need to bring a forest pass.

  • Event Leader: Mark Hougardy

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-206-9532

  • Event Leader Email: hougardy@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type:

  • Departure Location: See Trip Description

  • Rating: Easy

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 150

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required:

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 10

  • Member Fees: 2

  • Elevation Gain: 400

  • Non-Member Fees: 10

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

The season’s first warm weather brought significant snowmelt into the McKenzie River watershed and over the majestic Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Our plan to hike to Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) was cut short when a sign stated a mile of trail was closed because water had flooded the path in places to a depth of 3 feet. Even with the closure, there was plenty to appreciate further upstream at Clear Lake with its crystalline waters and turquoise colored Great Spring. Animals that were seen along trail also appeared to appreciate the warmer weather as fish jumped in the lake, several species of birds flew overhead, and a garter snake warmed itself on the rocks. In shaded areas winter still managed to hold its grip as large patches of snow remained. Springs spontaneously appeared on the trail sometimes forming small ponds, and at one point, all of us were mesmerized by a plate-sized vortex that had formed in such a pool. After a solid day of hiking, we visited Belknap Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. Because we timed our visit before the Memorial Day crowds the U.S. Forest Service campground was basically empty. Our campsite was green with moss and located next to a white rushing stream that looked like it was born from a Tolkien novel. The next day we enjoyed the comfort of a morning campfire, broke camp, and explored several more miles of trail before heading home.