On our way back down at 1:00 pm it was packed with people. The water from Blue Pool comes from underground where it has been purified by the rocks and sediment underneath the surface of the Earth. Search online, and it's easy to find video of people leaping off the cliffs and dropping 70 feet into Blue Pool. When water is that cold, it makes it difficult for organisms to survive. This detail is yet another reason to its depth deception. Don’t wear flip flops like you’re going to the pool. If you’re the type of person that sees something beautiful and NEEDS to experience it in real life, then the Tamolitch Blue Pool hike should be on your Oregon bucket list. Tamolitch Blue Pool - McKenzie River Trail, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. For much of the summer, the waterfall is diverted underneath the rocks and flows directly into the pool from below. Many people end up walking their bikes murmuring under their breath, “It said this was bike friendly.”. The water in the Tamolitch Pool hovers around 40 degrees, swimming is strongly discouraged. Be smart, safe and responsible and don’t get near the water. And even if fish did live in Blue Pool, what organisms could they feed upon? The beauty of Tamolitch Falls (also known as Blue Pool) ... temperatures jumping in after the long hike is not advised by Ocean Blue. To see how exactly we use cookies Read our Privacy Policy, Best Time to Visit the Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool, 9 Mistakes to Avoid at the Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike, Where to Stay Near the Tamolitch Blue Pool, Use this code to get $50 off your first Airbnb stay, Glamping and Hiking in the Big Sur Redwoods, 11 Exciting Things to do in Seward Alaska, Hiking Montserrat: The Best Barcelona Day Trip, Packing List for Belize: 10 Things You Can’t Forget, Fall Glamping in California and Around the USA. Blue Pool, also known as Tamolitch Pool, is where the McKenzie River seeps to the surface through underground lava fields that flowed across the landscape eons ago. Furthermore, I don’t recommend anyone to get anywhere near the water’s edge. There’s a huge 50 foot drop off the cliff to the Blue Pool. The trail is a moderate hike, 2.1 miles there and back. Let me tell you how: Water as pure and cold as that of Blue Pool is free from any type of organism. The Dead Pool Water temperature at Blue Pool sits around 38°F – so cold that not even microorganisms can survive below the surface. There aren’t any sturdy banks to stand upon near the water’s edge. During the spring everything is extremely lush and green and the pool is very blue. Acute hypothermia comes on quickly. The second problem is the trail down to the water is very steep and challenging. Due to the clarity of the pool, those who jump in cannot make an accurate estimate of where the shallow areas are. This body of water isn’t like any other that sits hidden in the forest; it’s a pure, clear, vibrant blue unlike any water you’ve ever seen. The Blue Pool of Tamolitch Falls is an exquisite, bright turquoise pool with a little hike through the Douglas Fir forest to get there. The heat that is uncomfortable for us is much harder for them. - See 49 traveller reviews, 72 candid photos, and great deals for Cascadia, OR, at Tripadvisor. If you are good at paying careful attention to your kids, this can be managed. The vibrant blue resembles the color of a topaz gem that mesmerizes all who view it. The McKenzie River trail is heavily trafficked, open to hikers, mountain biking and pets on a leash. Glad it was helpful. What’s more, cliff diving is extremely dangerous (folks have died diving/falling into the Blue Pool). In fact, water as pure as Blue Pool’s can seem as if the water doesn’t exist at all! If you’re planning a trip to Blue Pool, please do not jump in the water or swim (at least in the winter). We ended up having to carry our dogs for about 1/4 of the hike. The prettiest time may be autumn because the color of the fall leaves against the turquoise blue of the water makes it even more picturesque. Then if they want to be carried, it’ll be easier for both of you. The crowds can be crazy. The short hike takes you to an enchanting pool with shades of blue you didn’t know existed. This hike is not a hard hike in terms of distance or elevation but at least half the terrain is pretty rugged. This trail is listed as mountain bike friendly but it’s really not. Way too hot. It is not against the rules to jump into Tamolitch Pool. Add in the heat which can be above 90 degrees and you absolutely need water. Blue Pool Trail, as its known to locals, is an easy hike to one of the most visually stunning secret spots in Oregon. Rescues here take a long time because there is no staff onsite. This hike is great for all levels of hikers and has a killer payoff. Again, the water is so cold and so isolated from any other bodies of water that no fish live there. It’s an out and back hike that is mostly flat with 300 feet of elevation gain overall. Here are some places to stay that are close by if you want to spend a few days in the area. We're Jen and Guy - USA Road Trippers for the next year. We love hiking, experiencing new beautiful places, and doing anything adventurous. Tamolitch Blue Pool has two access points – the main one is at Trail bridge Reservoir – about midway on Oregon’s famous McKenzie River Trail. If you’re planning a trip to Oregon or already live in Oregon and looking for a new adventure, the Blue Pool at Tamolitch Falls is a great place! Practice Leave No Trace If you’re unfamiliar with leave no trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You will encounter parts of the hike where you have to climb over rocks too. During Spring, when the water runoff is strong enough, there is still an actual waterfall, but for the most part, Tamolitch Falls is a dry falls. Yes, looks can be deceiving. The morning temperature was around 70 degrees and the way back was 98 degrees! You can do the Blue Pool hike year round but the most popular time is in the summer. The crystalline waters are an explosion of sapphire, beckoning the outdoor adventurer in you to visit this aqua vision. No, there are no fish in Blue Pool. Prepare yourself for a true hike and for the sight of the most beautiful, dream-like water. 1,500 years ago, in the Willamette National Forest in Central Oregon, the Belnap Crater produced a lava flow between the Carmen Reservoir and the Tamolitch Blue Pool that buried a 3 mile portion of the McKenzie River. Just google the Sahalie Falls and Google Map should take you to the trailhead. The trail itself is flat for the most part, which allows enough time to enjoy the beautiful Douglas Fir trees along the way to the pool. We arrived at 9:30 am on a Thursday and the hike was peaceful and beautiful. The hike follows along the beautiful McKenzie River. So set up your google directions so the map is working when you’re offline. One of the best hikes in Oregon is Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike, also known as Tamolitch Falls. The river that used to move normally and had a waterfall at the Tamolitch area, moved underground. This pool is actually where the McKenzie River emerges after submerging into a lava tube after Carmen Reservoir, creating the Tamolitch Falls. The true depth of Blue Pool is 30 feet! When your body develops acute hypothermia, it can cause you to lose consciousness and drown. Should you desire to visit this beautiful, unique place on Earth, I recommend that you do so from a safe distance. 13K likes. This trail is listed as mountain bike friendly but it’s really … From this trailhead it is a 2 mile hike to Tamolitch Blue Pool. The water is not quite warm enough to be ice, but it’s not warm enough to prevent hypothermia. No longer a waterfall, the river now emerges from under the rocks. How Long Is The Hike To Blue Pool Oregon? You might also consider this dog carrier that we bought for our dog. The big crowds arrive with a ton of cars. If you are really dying to test the water, hike down to the bottom and go in from there so you can quickly get out and warm up. March 12, 2020. very nice post! To be blunt, people have perished while trying to swim in Blue Pool or by falling in. Another man fell off the cliff and died, taking a photo. You heard me right! You will inhale water, and you will likely drown. I am here to tell you that not only is this wrong, but it is dangerous! You can always jump off the ledge to the water, but we don’t recommend it. The crystal clear water is deep blue in color - a photographers dream! To get to the Blue Pool, we started at the Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls trail. It’s so sad to see people leave their dog’s waste on the trail. Since the site is very remote and a long strenuous hike from the highway, it could be hours before emergency crews can get in to help you. As long as you don’t mind how discovered the place can be, the Tamolitch Blue Pool is a stunningly beautiful and freezing cold visit. From http://visitmckenzieriver.com/oregon/item/tamolitch-falls-tamolitch-blue-pool/ You can also visit the Blue Pool on a day trip from Salem, Eugene or Bend. (Our visit to Oregon this past Labor Day weekend was unfortunately plagued by smoky skies from all the wildfires ravaging the state, resulting in the red-orange hues and smoky haze you… BUT, the second half of the trail is where mountain bikers will have obstacle after obstacle including tons of hikers. Just don’t be one of those people. The Tamolitch Blue Pool hike on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is 4.2 miles round trip. Someone has died falling off the trail before. If your kid is at an age where they would need assistance getting down a steep trail, this is not the hike for them. The Blue Pool is a round body of water that sits mysteriously at the base of the waterfall, Tamolitch Falls. In temperatures below 40°F, submersion will result immediately in cold shock response, which begins with an automatic and uncontrollable gasp reflex. There is no mud to be shaken up from the floor of the pool. You might be temped to jump off the cliff into the Blue Pool but you should know that the water you are jumping into is 37 degrees year round and will most likely knock the wind out of you. The edge of the falls is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Tamolitch Blue Pool - McKenzie River Trail, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. You need some decent hiking shoes or trail runners. And there's that damn blue. A couple of places I could play in the water and cool off. You then will turn into the Trailbridge Campground and then drive .33 miles to the trailhead entrance. Sign up and receive the latest via email. That is if you don’t hit the rocks and get killed like Alex Rovello, the 21 year old University of Oregon tennis star. The rocks that rest on the bottom of the pool’s earthen floor seem to be so close that you can almost touch them by merely sticking your arm into the water. If anything, take your camera or smartphone and capture incredible photos to forever document your once-in-a-lifetime moment with nature. The water is so pure that it’s eerily deceptive. The well-maintained forest trail meanders over soft duff and carves through lava rock as it guides hikers upstream toward the azure waters of Tamolitch Falls and Tamolitch Pool aka Blue Pool. But before you head out, there are some mistakes you can make that will potentially ruin your experience. We stopped at the Blue Pool on our way from Silver Falls State Park to Bend. You can even visit in winter but the trail will be slippery. The Tamolitch Falls area may be the bluest, most beautiful water you will ever see in your life. That said, there have been 10 rescues in the last 2 months alone. As your warm body becomes submerged in the extremely cold water, it almost immediately goes into shock. This also explains why the water is so cold; it comes fresh from underground. There's no official trail down to the lake, but folks have sorta carved their way down the mountain. Do not ever think for one minute that the water depth has decreased because it never decreases. Tucked away in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, the “Blue Pool”, also known as Tamolitch Pool, might just be one of the most beautiful hidden gems in all of Oregon. Be advised the trail passes one ledge with a steep drop-off to the river a short distance before Blue Pool At Blue Pool you can scamper down the steep embankment and go for a chilly swim. Before visiting Oregon, I had no idea how much volcanic activity took place in the Pacific Northwest. However, extreme caution is advised. Blue Pool Oregon is anywhere between five feet and 30 feet deep, which makes it a popular diving spot. Thankfully they told us they messed up as they were heading back. Depending on the time of year that you visit, it can get REALLY hot midday. If you follow this Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool guide, you are guaranteed to be prepared and have an awesome time! If you stop hearing the noise of the McKenzie River and you don’t have the Blue Pool in your view, you went too far. For anyone who has visited Blue Pool will agree that the water only appears to be, at most, five feet deep. Three miles may not seem like a great distance but when there’s rough terrain and a lot of climbing, it can be a great distance when trying to tote rescue equipment. Oregon. The water is cold, the jump is high and the climb back up is hard. It sounds complicated but water now seeps into the Tamolitch Pool from the underground lava field. First and foremost, this isn’t the safest hike for kids. Tamolitch Falls can be beautiful, too, depending on the time of year. Tamolitch Pool Trail, Cascadia: See 49 reviews, articles, and 72 photos of Tamolitch Pool Trail on Tripadvisor. Nuesca was impressed by the deep turquoise and stunning clarity of the water, which combine to create something special. After 2.5 miles on the trail you are rewarded with the beautiful Tamolitch Pool, also called Blue Pool. If you are looking to hike to , Tamolitch Blue Pool is 2 miles each way. When water is free from any organism or disturbance, it can appear to be far more shallow than it truly is. Blue Pool and Tamolitch is really interesting. If you can, try to come back every season. I mentioned that the water is cold; not just chilly but COLD. It’s in the Willamette National Forest and is off part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail! Thirty-seven miles west of Sisters, Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, is Oregon’s well-known Blue Pool. Also, please don’t forget poop bags. In an article posted by That Oregon Life, they outline some of the concerns with diving into the pool. Age wise, it’s probably best for 10+ unless the kids hike regularly. The Blue Pool is a round body of water that sits mysteriously at the base of the waterfall, Tamolitch Falls. (stunning view of Tamolitch/Blue Pool) Even though Blue Pool is extremely busy, it is one of the top 3 hikes in Oregon for good reason. The pool is exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes  (66.8 mi) from Eugene Oregon via OR-126 E. Are you considering relocating to Oregon? The hike to this gem in the Willamette National Forest is super easy at only 1.8 miles one-way with very little elevation gain. thank you for sharing. The water is undisturbed and freely existing. A sedan can definitely make it to the trailhead. The Blue Pool is where the McKenzie River makes its way to the surface through ancient underground lava fields. If you are driving, it is located off of Highway 126 which is 14 miles east of the McKenzie Bridge. There are 3 big reasons why you don’t want to make the mistake of getting there late, basically any time after noon. The water is crystal clear which means that the pool appears shallower than it is, tempting you to swim on a hot, sunny day. Don’t fall the deception for the water is up to 30 ft deep in spots! Check how to get to this turquoise Blue Pool. The topaz blue color of the water is almost iridescent - like a blue anti-freeze. Copyright 2020 - The Evolista | All Rights Reserved | Disclosure | WordPress Theme Created by Solo Pine, This site uses cookies to enhance your experience and to make it load faster. The road is completely flat but your car will get dirty from the dusty road. Tamolitch Pool, or “Blue Pool,” is probably one of the most beautiful spots in all of Oregon. We saw some really unhappy kids. Maybe you don’t care about the extra walking time but you might not like all the cars that go speeding down the road sending massive plumes of dust into the air. We also saw kids that were happily walking towards the blue pool with their bathing suit on that were about to be seriously disappointed. 12K likes. 17 reviews of Tamolitch Falls - The Blue Pool "Tamolitch Falls, aka "The Blue Pool", is a hidden gem located within the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, approximately 3 hours south of Portland. This is an absolutely beautiful must see spot along the Mckenzie River trail. The risk of getting acute hypothermia is very high. Even in the warm, summer months, the water temperature of Blue Pool is 38 degrees Fahrenheit. There are so many places to stay and things to do along the McKenzie River Scenic Byway. Yes you can swim in it, it’s pretty chilly though! Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "tamolitch" Flickr tag. “So very clear and clean, and it looks so refreshing! The Trail is Not Great for Mountain Biking. Located east of Eugene, Oregon this is a popular location for photographers, although we found that during the day on a hot weekend, the pool almost always has a ring of people surrounding it. What can appear to be a clean puddle that’s a lovely shade of topaz blue can become your worst nightmare. The trailhead is located just south of the Trail Bridge Reservoir. It can offer you the moment of a lifetime by simply viewing the remarkable beauty of the water’s deep, topaz blue and it’s crystal clear purity. Be careful! It's a steep climb down to the pool, so watch your step. It is hardly surprising this spot is one of the most visited places in Oregon. © Copyright – Visit Oregon 2020 | Site Built By: The pool is exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes, 5 Easy Hikes to Incredible Oregon Waterfalls, 15 Amazing Oregon Coast Campgrounds To Stay At. As soon as you don’t hear the river, that’s where you will find the Blue Pool. That’s a great question! If you happen to do the Blue Pool hike on a hot day, and you have a little dog, chances are it will be too much for them. Thirty-seven miles west of Sisters, Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, is Oregon’s well-known Blue Pool. We were fine without snacks but water was essential for us and even more so for our dogs. The Tamolitch and McKenzie River trail are heavily used and have gained more and more visitors over the last few years. Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) Mom, Dad and I hiked the 2 miles (4 miles round trip) to see the Blue Pool. 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