Hike #6 - Tamolitch Pool

One of Oregon's utmost concealed treasures, once a majestic waterfall, is the Tamolitch Pool (aka Blue Pool) located on the upper reaches of the McKenzie River. The McKenzie River has changed course and gone underground a few miles upstream. Due to the porous nature of the basaltic lava in the area, water has a difficult time staying on top of the ground, especially in low water flow seasons. From just below Carmen Reservoir, the entire McKenzie River suddenly vanishes. It flows underground for roughly 3.5 miles before silently bubbling back up at the place known as Tamolitch pool. The river no longer flows over the falls, instead the water emerges from the rocks underwater in the basin of waterfall pool. It was buried by the lava flows, and is now a 'dry' waterfall. What remains is a large, breathtaking pool of spring-fed water that shades from deep purple to turquoise. This is a unique site. While it is rare to see a large waterfall ledge completely dry, the color and composition of the pool is also unique. This unusual natural wonder is rarely seen by the average tourist. An astonishing pool of frigid high alpine water that springs up from the ancient lava flow. Tamolitch Pool is where the McKenzie River emerges from the basalt covered terrain.

But before Tamolitch Pool can be discussed, you first must get there.

The trail to Tamolitch Pool leaves from a trailhead a few hundred yards off of Highway 126, and is a four mile loop along part of the popular 26-mile-long McKenzie River Trail. For the first mile or so the trail is fairly flat as it winds through magnificent old growth fir, hemlock and cedar, with wild rhododendrons, and ferns of all kinds and runs parallel to the powerful McKenzie River as it roars and demands attention. Large fallen trees from past winter storms and huge basalt boulders help to direct the flow of this magnificent river. The trees were covered in moss, the rocks were covered in moss, branches and logs on the ground were covered in moss. Moss was everywhere.

We walked over a few small creeks on man-made bridges that were crafted from logs, they’re quite enchanting! Several mountain bikers passed us, a few hikers too. (This is a popular trail and even more so in the summer.) As we continued along next to the river the terrain began to change and we left the dense forest and shade and entered the remains of a large old lava flow. The trail eventually climbed approximately 200 feet in elevation as it crossed a lava bed for the second mile, the very flow that altered the McKenzie River at Tamolitch Pool. It’s like another world. There are few trees, it’s a bit drier, and the trail was cut right through, or rather on top of, very rocky basalt.

Back to Tamolitch, one of the first things you'll notice is the color of the water. The topaz blue color of the water is almost iridescent - like a blue anti-freeze. The water is so clear that is seems to be only about 5 ft deep - yet closer inspection revealed that in many spots it is very deep. So pure in fact that you'd swear the water wasn't moving - yet at the end of this glass like pond - a volume of water rushes out as the McKenzie River is reborn. The water is VERY cold, the day I visited, about 32 degrees, but it did not stop young people from swimming, or should I say jumping out as quickly as they jumped in. The color of the pool is phenomenal. This IS its true color. The intense color can definitely rival that of the blue waters of Crater Lake.

It is an amazing place...a full-sized river "beginning" or re-emerging from a single point. I sat on the edge of the cliff atop this pool and just listened. There were many people atop this amazing site, but there was little sound. A spiritual level of respect and admiration for the rare beauty before me could not be ignored here. I sat on the edge and whispered to myself, "This is amazing!" I definitely saw God this day.

Thanks Kriss...this was an amazing view and oh so worth the "most strenuous easy hike" you have ever done.