9 Things to Do in McKenzie Bridge That You Shouldn't Miss

August 26, 2017 Veronika Gaddis

McKenzie Bridge is an unincorporated community in Lane County, Oregon, United States, on the McKenzie River and within Willamette National Forest. It is along Oregon Route 126, about 53 miles (85 km) east of Eugene, between Rainbow and Belknap Springs. The McKenzie Bridge State Airport is about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of the community.
Restaurants in McKenzie Bridge

1. High Country Expeditions

59296 N Belknap Springs Rd, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413-9651
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

High Country Expeditions

Reviewed By lori397 - Jerusalem, Israel

The rafting itself was great - our guide, Hunter, was knowledgeable, personable and fun and we all had a terrific time. The lunch was good and well-organized. A bit disappointed in the management - we were told to meet at 9:30 am and we were there on time, however, others were close to an hour late so we just waited and waited. At the end of the day, we were picked up by our bus and driver and were rerouted to pick up another group from a different area. It felt very unfair to us......
Still would recommend rafting on the McKenzie for a fun family activity....

2. Tamolitch Pool Trail

McKenzie Hwy, Willamette National Forest, Cascadia, OR 97413 +1 541-822-3381
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 29 reviews

Tamolitch Pool Trail

Reviewed By trattle - West Linn, Oregon

We hiked down from the Carmen Smith reservoir rather than the shorter route from below. The hike itself is entirely in the forest, but much of it is beautiful old growth - trees with 8 ft. diameter trunks, spaced wide apart, little undergrowth - tree cathedrals. Trail is a very gentle grade so pretty easy from that perspective. The pool itself is beautiful - still water a blue green color that you've probably never seen before. A full size river emerges from the other end of the pool. Go late fall like we just did , no one there. I think you could probably do this almost anytime of the year except after a big cold snow.

3. Terwilliger Hot Springs

Hwy 19, About 1 mile S of Cougar Dam, Blue River, OR 97413
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Terwilliger Hot Springs

Water emanates from a natural rock formation to fill these six hot springs pools, with temperatures of about 105 degrees.

Reviewed By Coffey070

The hot springs were awesome, four different springs that lay like a fountain into each other. Top one being the hottest and leading down into a bath like temperature. When we were there the employee said it was running at 107-111 temp for the hottest spring.

Besides the hot springs, I would HIGHLY recommend swimming the reservoir to the waterfall that you walk past going to the hot springs. Very refreshing and unique experience.

4. Tokatee Golf Course

54947 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413-9707 +1 541-822-3220
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 16 reviews

Tokatee Golf Course

Reviewed By Mary L - Sherwood, Oregon

We've been coming here for years and have watched the course mature. The pace is comfortable, the scenery terrific, and the course is enough of a challenge to make it interesting.

5. Pacific Tree Climbing Institute

McKenzie River Road, Blue River, OR
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 7 reviews

Pacific Tree Climbing Institute

Located along the McKenzie river, nestled in foothills of the high cascades is the Pacific Tree Climbing Institute. Expert guides provide the unique experiences of listening and viewing to both dusk and dawn choruses from the canopy top. Much like a bird waking in its nest, you will find your self aloft in the old growth canopy checking birds off your list while seeing their habitat from a new perspective.

Reviewed By Thomas T - Austin, Texas, United States

Add "go climb a tree" to your to do list when in Central Oregon, then call these guys up to go do it with. I had the pleasure of an afternoon climb with them and it is something I will always remember. When your walking around the Willamette forest you see these incredible tall trees and wonder about them. With Pacific Tree Climbing Institute you get to get very close and personal with them.

The climbing experience is really, really cool. They provide everything (helmet, ropes, harness, safety gear, instructions, food, water) and teach you how to use the rope system. I've had experience rock climbing and it is very different and much easier. Might be a little nervous at first but if you can relax to trust your gear and then learn how to shift your weight correctly with the gear you can inch worm your way hundreds of feet up a tree.

They are very patient and will work with you got get you up as far and as fast (or slow) as you want to go. I made it up to the top with my wife and kids (7 & 10). Once up top you can chill in some hammock like things they have set up and enjoy the view, though the best views are actually from below the branches.

After you've had your fill of treetop lounging the fun part is getting back down. They hook you up with descending gear and you go down at your own pace. Its a really fun. I enjoyed stopping about halfway down and looking up and down and really appreciating the size of the tree and how straight, graceful and strong it was.

If you have the time and means to enjoy a tree climb I highly recommend it and recommend these guys. They were very nice, knowledgeable, patient and careful. I never felt rushed or pushed or unsafe.

6. Christmas Treasures

52959 McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413-9739 +1 800-820-8189
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Christmas Treasures

Christmas Treasures brings the most treasured ornaments and items for gift giving and collecting. Experience the Old World charm, not only during the holiday season but all through the year!

Reviewed By Greg P - Florida

Small place but full of Christmas ornaments and gifts. Great stopping off place while you are on the road. This place makes you feel the Christmas spirit as soon as you walk in. They also sell from their web site and their collection of items is just a great visual experience. You really need to stop and visit and talk to the sales staff who are very informative and pleasant.

7. McKenzie River Outdoor Center

54771 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413-9790
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

McKenzie River Outdoor Center

Offering outdoor fun and recreation in the McKenzie River Valley. Guided McKenzie river rafting trips, paddle board rentals. These activities are fantastic options for the family and for visitors of almost any age. We also offer full-suspension mountain bike rentals and McKenzie River Trail shuttles and O'Leary Trail shuttles. This is your one-stop shop for outdoor fun for the whole family!

Reviewed By lucitalu2017 - Eugene, Oregon

Last June, my husband and I had our wedding celebration at Horse Creek Lodge in McKenzie Bridge and it was absolutely magical. We wanted to treat our guests to some of our favorite things to do in the mountains, like river rafting and mountain biking....MoreThanks so much for the kind words and for sharing your experiences! It was truly an honor and a delight to host you and your wonderful friends and family last summer. Hope to see you again! Gary & Alyssa

8. Bigelow Hot Springs

Willamette National Forest, McKenzie Bridge, OR
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Bigelow Hot Springs

This highly-rated hot spring is located in the Willamette National Forest.

Reviewed By lakechiro - Lago Vista, Texas

Take Hwy 126, turn onto NF 2654, a few meters down the road you cross a bridge, park in the dirt lot to your right, cross the street you will see two trails, take the one going down to the river...the springs are about .25 mi. They are a little cooler than other Oregon springs at about 90 degrees F but nice in the summer. All hot springs in Oregon are clothing optional.

9. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail

McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413, Eugene, OR
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 60 reviews

McKenzie River National Recreation Trail

Reviewed By CR141

We absolutely stumbled onto this somehow. It wasn't our destination. We just needed a break and saw it was near so we hiked up to the falls the trail was beautiful and the falls is breathtaking. We didn't have a lot of time to stay, but we will go back to this area. It is absolutely one of my favorite things I've ever seen.

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