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- From Eugene, follow Hwy 126 East to McKenzie Bridge
- The Trail's West terminus is located about 1.5 miles East
of McKenzie Bridge.
- For Trail info and a trail park pass, stop at the McKenzie
Bridge Ranger Station located another mile up the Hwy.
- Other good starting points include Paradise Campground,
Belknap Resort, Frissel Boat Launch, Deer Creek,
Trail Bridge Campground and Ice Cap Creek Campground.
- Mom's Pies is a must stop for post-ride pie. Look
for them a few miles past Nimrod on the way back
Note: This trail is very popular, I don't recommend riding
it on weekends because of the number of other folks you might
encounter. If you are planning a weekend trip, avoid the popular
areas near the water falls and the lower section.
Don't Have a Car? No Problem Just ride the McKenzie Bridge
LTD bus from the downtown station to the end of the line at
the McKenzie Bridge Ranger Station. If you're a College student
its free! Just don't miss the last bus in to town.
H20 Access: Potable water can be found at Trail Bridge
Campground and the Clear Lake Resort. |
This route is incredibly varied. The lower sections are flat
and smooth. Increasingly the route becomes more difficult
physically and technically. Beyond Trail Bridge Campground
the trail begins its first major climb followed by a fast
descent. Shortly after that the trail twists through an old
lava flow that makes for some very difficult, technical riding
among the sharp rocks. Tamolich Falls is an incredibly beautiful
spot where the river flows up from the ground, beyond which
it remains mostly underground in the cracks and caverns of
the lava. Continuing upward to the Carmen Reservoir and beyond,
the route's technical crux comes near Koosah and Sahalie Falls.
Along the Western shore of Clear Lake the trail is smooth
and fast and only climbs a little more to the upper terminus
near Fish Lake. From there you can continue on the Santiam
Wagon Road across the mountains to Sisters.
Although the route gains 2,000'
over its entire length, its so long you don't notice your
climbing very much except for a few spots. The return trip,
however, is much faster which is often a pleasant surprise.
In the case of injury, lack
of daylight,fatigue, or all three conditions, Hwy 126 provides
a handy escape route provided you can get to it. Several bail
out points are located along the route. Its a good idea to
know where you are and where they are at all times. |
