Things To Do
Dining & Drinking
Some places we'd recommend to get a beer, coffee, and a bite to eat: — - McKenzie Station Restaurant, Bar & Espresso - McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Restaurant - Takoda's Restaurant - 1966 Bar & Grill
Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Also known as the Waterfalls Loop Trail, it connects two absolutely stunning and dramatic waterfalls. This trail is about 2.5 miles and should only take about an hour. We HIGHLY recommend the full loop trail to view both falls, but if you are short on time and/or don't want to hike, you can just access the Sahalie Falls Viewpoint from the same parking lot as the trailhead. The address is listed as Sisters, OR on google, but it is still along the McKenzie River Hwy (126) and only about 20 minutes from our venue (and 10 minutes from the Tamolitch Blue Pool trailhead). Sahalie Falls plunges 100 feet over a natural lava dam, and Koosah Falls drops approximately 70ft into a deep pool. — FUN FACT: Sahalie Falls was featured in the 1993 Disney movie Homeward Bound!
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool)
Our welcome hike location! About a 4 mile, mostly flat, out-and-back hike from the parking lot to the pool. Once at the pool, the terrain to get down from the trail is rocky; sturdy shoes are recommended. Perhaps the crown jewel of this awesome area, it truly is this stunningly blue. If you are are feeling particularly brave - it's very cold to jump into at any time of the year, but it's well worth it!
Whitewater Rafting
The McKenzie River is renown for world-class whitewater rafting. We rafted the McKenzie in October 2024 and with a clear day, it’s totally doable in October if you’re up for an adventure! There are a number of outfitters available to guide you down the pristine, scenic river - who would also provide all of the gear and fun river facts you could ever need. Here are some we would recommend: - Horse Creek Lodge - High Country Expeditions - Oregon Whitewater Adventures
Tokatee Golf Club
18 holes and beautiful views of the Three Sisters volcanic peaks!
Dee Wright Observatory
If you've ever wanted to visit a moonscape-esque observatory made of black lava stone, this is the place for YOU!
Belknap Springs
We have a room block here for a lodging option! Non-guests can use their hot spring/pool hybrid for $12 per hour. The interior is dated but gardens and surrounding area are beautiful!
Terwilliger Hot Springs
There are four cascading pools that descend in temperature. Temps range from 112° in the upper pool to 85° in the lower pool. It really is quite the neature feature. You will drive up to the parking lot through the Cougar Reservoir. The cost to park and enter is $12 per person for two hours (paid to the forest service) and there is a short 1/4 mile hike to the pools. Beware, clothing is optional!
Bigelow Hot Springs
Also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs, this is a natural primitive geothermal pool located right next to the McKenzie River. Temperature and water level can vary. It’s pretty small (fits about 3-5 people comfortably) but it’s cozy and completely free.
Proxy Falls
About a 1.6mi loop, fairly easy trail offering views of two waterfalls. The trail covers both lava fields and dense forest. $5 day use fee. Bring your camera!
McKenzie River Fishing
The McKenzie is well known for fly fishing! Fish populations include wild and hatchery trout, spring chinook and summer steelhead, sturgeon, sculpin, lamprey, whitefish and more. Regulations vary widely depending on season, section of the river and type of fish, so review the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations when purchasing your fishing license. Fishing with a local guide is a fun way to find the river's top fishing spots. Many of the whitewater rafting outfitters also offer fishing tours. — FUN FACT: The McKenzie River is famous for producing a special variant of drift boat for whitewater fishing! The McKenzie River Dory first appeared in the mid-20th century, and they are used in rivers all over the world today!
Other Activities!
- The McKenzie River Trail offers some of the best trails for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. - Clear Lake is a little over 21 miles east McKenzie Bridge and is stunning. It’s one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the Cascades. Great for canoeing, fishing, and camping. Check it out!