Antisocial Tourist

On the edge of Oregon’s prehistoric-like Willamette National Forest is the beautiful turquoise blue Tamolitch Pool, also known as Blue Pool. This crystal-clear body of water sits at the base of Tamolitch Falls in the McKenzie Rivera Valley.

The hike to Blue Pool is moderately easy, and hikers are rewarded with one of the most stunning bodies of water in the U.S., especially on a clear day when the water is brilliant in color. Blue Pool is a very popular hiking and photography destination, and in recent years, it’s seen record numbers of visitors.

This hike makes the perfect addition to any Pacific Northwest Road Trip, so it’s no surprise it’s so popular. If you’re interested in visiting the now-famous Blue Pool Oregon, we’ve got you covered. We’ll go over what it is, how to get there, what to expect, important safety tips, and even what to pack.

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What is Blue Pool Oregon?

The Blue Pool Oregon, or Tamolitch Pool, was formed from volcanic activity over 1600 years ago. When the nearby Belknap Crater erupted, it poured lava across the McKenzie River. The river continued to flow under the lava though and still does today for several miles. The Blue Pool is where the water resurfaces, before continuing above ground.

The pool of water that resurfaces here is crystal clear and has a striking blue color on clear days. While some people choose to take a (very cold) dip or jump into the pool from the top of Tamolitch Falls, most hikers simply come here to take in the sights. The trail to the pool is equally stunning and is suitable for most hikers.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

Where is Blue Pool Oregon?

Blue Pool Oregon is located about 3 hours southeast of Portland, or an hour northwest of Bend, in the Willamette National Forest, near the town of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. The Blue Pool is accessed via the Tamolitch Falls Trailhead or the McKenzie River Trailhead. Both trailheads are a short walk from each other and cars often line the road between the two small parking areas on a busy day.

There is a $5 fee to park in any Oregon National Forest, which you can pay for when you arrive (bring exact cash). You can also purchase a parking pass in advance by clicking here. Alternatively, you can park for free if you have an annual NW Forest Pass or National Parks/Interagency Pass.

If you’re searching for a place to stay in the area, we highly recommend the Mckenzie Dream Riverfront Log Cabin, which is just a 15-minute drive from the Blue Pool Trailhead. If you’d prefer to stay in Bend, we recommend the Residence Inn By Marriott Bend.

And if camping is more your thing, try the Olallie Campground, Paradise Campground, or McKenzie Bridge Campground. All three locations are highly rated and sit right along the river.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

Best Time to Visit Blue Pool Oregon

The Blue Pool is accessible year-round, but it’s important to check the Forest Service Website for closures before planning your trip. The trailhead has been closed on occasion for safety reasons, including forest fires.

The best time of year to visit the Blue Pool is during the spring, from early April to late May. This is the only time you will likely see the Tamolitch Falls actually flowing into the pool. Tamolitch Falls is dry most of the year, but as the weather warms after winter, the water runoff is strongest, allowing the falls to flow.

Spring, as well as the summer months, is the most popular time to visit. You can expect large crowds and limited parking, especially on the weekends. We recommend trying to visit during a weekday and arriving as early as possible to beat the crowds.

Fall and winter are also great months to visit Oregon’s Blue Pool because the crowds start to thin and the weather gets cooler. The months of October and early November are especially picturesque as the leaves change color before winter sets in. From January to March, you can expect to find compact snow and ice along the trail, so shoe spikes are recommended.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

Things to Know Before Hiking to Blue Pool Oregon

There are a few things worth knowing before planning your hike to the Blue Pool in Oregon.

It gets really crowded — The hiking trail to Blue Pool can get incredibly crowded during the summer months and on weekends. The parking lot, overflow lot, and street parking are often filled to capacity before lunchtime. Try to plan your visit on a weekday and get there as early as possible.
No cell service — Be sure to download an offline version of Google Maps before you start the hike! Turn your phone on airplane mode to save battery, since poor signal causes the battery to drain quickly.
The water isn’t always blue — On a cloudy day, the water in the Blue Pool may not be the bright blue that you’re expecting to see. To see the pool at its bluest, you’ll need to visit on a bright and sunny day.
The water isn’t always flowing — The Tamolitch Falls is actually dry most of the year, only flowing during periods of heavy runoff. Plan your visit in the early spring for the best chances to see the waterfall flowing into the Blue Pool.
It’s easy to miss the pool — Many hikers expect to walk right up to a pool of water at the end of the hike, but the water is 60 feet below the trail. The trail continues past the pool, so unless you know to stop and look over the edge of the path, you might miss the pool entirely! If you stop hearing the sound of rushing water (from the McKenzie River), you’ve gone too far.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

How Long is the Hike to Blue Pool Oregon?

The Blue Pool is located along the 26-mile McKenzie River Trail, so you can start the hike from a variety of places. The most popular starting spot is from the Tamolitch Trailhead, which is a 4.2-mile round trip out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of around 300 feet.

The hike to Blue Pool via the Tamolitch Trailhead is straightforward and easy to navigate. From the parking area, you’ll see the trailhead signs to the left of the bathrooms. Just moments after you set off on the trail, you’ll find yourself surrounded by old-growth forests and lush yellow-green scenery.

You’ll follow the McKenzie River upstream, crossing several picture-worthy bridges and areas of moss-covered volcanic rock. After about two miles of hiking, you’ll find yourself at the top of Tamolitch Falls, looking down at the Blue Pool.

The pool of water is 60 feet below. There’s a faint trail leading around the rim and down to the water, but it’s unofficial and unmaintained, so be careful if you decide to climb to the bottom. Once you’re done exploring, you’ll take the same path you came to get back to the parking area.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

How Hard is the Hike to Blue Pool Oregon?

The hike to Blue Pool is rated as moderately easy and it’s accessible for people of all ages. You’ll likely encounter families with little kids, older seniors, and even hikers with dogs along the trail. Although the elevation gain is mild, the trail itself can be slick and rocky in spots. It’s important to wear the proper shoes and watch your footing during your hike.

While the trail to the Blue Pool is relatively easy, the unofficial trail from the top of the pool down to the base is a different story. This very steep trail is not suitable for everyone, and hiking poles are recommended if you do decide to climb down.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

Is it Safe to Swim in Blue Pool Oregon?

The safety of the Blue Pool has become a controversial topic, especially as the site grows in popularity. Accidents, injuries, and even death have occurred in recent years. While it’s safe to swim in the water itself, if you’re not cautious and prepared, it can quickly become hazardous.

The Blue Pool is extremely cold, averaging 37 degrees year-round. The pool is also surrounded by a 60-foot cliff rim with no protection or fencing to prevent a fall. This, and the fact that that pool is located 2 miles in the wilderness with no cell service, makes for a dangerous situation.

If you’re confident you can take a dip in the cold water without putting yourself at risk, just be sure to climb down to the base and walk in, instead of jumping from above. Watch your footing and take your time, to prevent shock from the ice-cold water. And remember, it’s deeper than you think!

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

Is it Safe to Cliff Jump Into the Blue Pool?

Quick Answer: No!

If you’re brave enough to swim in the 37-degree water, you may be tempted to jump from the top of the falls into the alluring depths of the Blue Pool. Although the 60-foot jump may look reasonable to some at first glance, it’s actually very dangerous for a number of reasons.

First, the water temperature is frigid and will likely cause a cold shock when you hit the water, which triggers a natural reflex to gasp sharply. If you’re not careful, you could inhale water and drown.

Second, the crystal clear water actually plays tricks on the eye, making it nearly impossible to gauge the depth of the rocks and the water below. The area beneath the cliff is not as deep as it looks, and the shallow rocks at the base are a serious hazard. On the other hand, the center of the pool is much deeper than it appears to be, reaching nearly 30 feet in depth. This makes it much harder to propel to the surface after jumping in.

And third, the location of the Blue Pool is remote and unmonitored by park staff. There is no cell service either, so if something tragic did happen, it could take hours for help to arrive.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

What Makes the Blue Pool Blue?

The Blue Pool is such a brilliant shade of blue for a reason — the pool’s water is so cold that nothing can survive in it. There are no microorganisms, fish, or plants to cloud up the water. The porous lava rock that surrounds the pool also acts as a filter where the river flows in, leaving the water even more pristine.

The water is so clear that on a bright sunny day, it lights up so brightly that a brilliant shade of blue appears. On the other hand, on a dark or cloudy day, the water may not appear blue at all. If you’re set on seeing the Blue Pool at its bluest, be sure to visit on a bright sunny day.

HOW TO VISIT TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL OREGON

What to Pack for Blue Pool Oregon Hike

The trail to Blue Pool is just over 4 miles round trip, and fairly easy to navigate, but it’s still a remote location and you should not start the hike without being prepared. Be sure to pack layers along with food, water, sunscreen, and rain gear.

Waterproof Bag — This is our favorite waterproof drybag! It keeps all of our things protected from rain and water, and the roll-top closure ensures our things will stay dry in even the wettest scenarios.
Hiking shoes — Our favorite brand for hiking shoes and boots is Sorel. They have tons of waterproof options and their shoes are comfortable and high quality.
Rain Gear — Rain showers in Oregon can be abrupt and heavy, leaving you soaking wet and cold in the middle of the forest. We keep a couple of ponchos on us at all times for sudden downpours. They’re more practical than an umbrella or a raincoat when trying to pack light for a hike.
Bug spray — With heavy rain comes lots of mosquitoes and other insects. Don’t forget your bug spray!
Map — Download an offline map of the area from Google Maps or download the AllTrails App on your phone before starting the hike. There is no cell service near or on the trail.
Water — Bring plenty of water! Use an extra large water bottle or a hydration bladder.
Snacks — Bring some protein-rich snacks, such as protein bars, nuts, and jerky.
Small first aid kit — It’s always smart to keep a small first aid kit in your bag! Even if you don’t think you’ll need it for yourself, it could help others in an emergency situation.

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!