Tamolitch Blue Pool
McKenzie Bridge, OR
A vivid blue pool where the McKenzie River re-emerges after flowing underground through lava. The trail is about two miles each way through forest; the water is near freezing, and the trailhead lot fills early.
Tamolitch Blue Pool (Tamolitch Falls) is a vivid blue pool on the McKenzie River in the Oregon Cascades, east of McKenzie Bridge off Route 126. About 1,600 years ago a lava flow from Belknap Crater buried a roughly 5-kilometer (3-mile) stretch of the river. The water flows underground through the porous rock and re-emerges at the Blue Pool. The water averages about 3 °C (37 °F), and cliffs 3 to 18 meters (10 to 60 feet) high surround the pool. The waterfall is dry most of the time and flows mainly in spring or in wet winters.
The trail from Trail Bridge Reservoir is about 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) each way and moderate, over rocky ground, with about 75 meters (250 feet) of elevation change. Sturdy shoes are a good idea. The parking lot is often full; don't park along Highway 126. Jumping is not prohibited, but people have been seriously injured or killed doing it. There is no drinking water and hardly any cell reception.
- Nearest town
- McKenzie Bridge, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.2672, -122.0344
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Patio RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Tamolitch Blue PoolMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Big Lake CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Tamolitch Blue PoolTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Sevenmile Horse CampCampsite12 mi from Tamolitch Blue PoolTentsCaravansToilets
- Trout Creek CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Tamolitch Blue Pool · 24 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Cold Springs CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Tamolitch Blue PoolTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Sheep Springs Horse CampCampsite24 mi from Tamolitch Blue Pool · 11 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Tamolitch Blue Pool is in McKenzie Bridge, OR, at GPS 44.2672, -122.0344. It is about 24 mi from Sisters.
Can you camp near Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Olallie Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Tamolitch Blue Pool is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass loop from Eugene.
What is there to see near Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sahalie Falls (6 mi), Clear Lake (7 mi), Proxy Falls (9 mi) and Dee Wright Observatory (12 mi).
When is the best time to visit Tamolitch Blue Pool?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)