Nestled in a majestic old-growth forest and dotted by character-filled small towns, the McKenzie River area immerses you in the natural beauty carved by one of Oregon’s most iconic rivers. The winding riverside curves of Highway 126 lead explorers into the heart of the Cascade foothills along the 34-mile (55-km) McKenzie River Scenic Byway and the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, which measures 82 miles (132 km). The crown jewel of this outdoor paradise is the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, an epic 26.5-mile (42.6-km) route through stands of magnificent conifers, over log bridges and through dramatic lava fields. Multiple trailheads allow hikers and mountain bikers to experience different parts of the trail. A popular 3-mile (4.8-km) section known fondly as the Waterfall Loop takes visitors past two spectacular waterfalls, Sahalie and Koosah falls. Adrenaline seekers ride the river rapids on full- or half-day whitewater-rafting trips. Drift boaters and bank anglers cast for spring chinook, summer steelhead, and wild and hatchery trout. Book a guided rafting trip with High Country Expeditions, Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters or Helfrich McKenzie Rafting. Stop for drinks and road snacks at the McKenzie General Store. The store’s Obsidian Grill also has a full menu of burgers, sandwiches and salads. Don’t miss Takoda’s, a restaurant with weekly dinner specials and a summertime patio. Overnight options abound for cozy riverfront cabins, including Loloma Lodge, McKenzie Riverside Cottages and Eagle Rock Lodge. Koosah Falls FROM TOP: TURELL GROUP; MELANIE GRIFFIN McKENZIE RIVER AREA Eagle Rock Lodge Travel Lane County | EugeneCascadesCoast.org | 541.484.5307 55 CASCADE MOUNTAINS
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