The McKenzie River, one of Oregon’s most iconic waterways, rushes through lush, old-growth forests and is lined by small towns filled with big character. 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 62-mile (132-km) McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. 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 western red cedar and Douglas fir, as well as dramatic lava fields. Multiple trailheads invite hikers and mountain bikers to experience different sections of trail. A popular 3-mile (4.8-km) stretch, known fondly as the Waterfall Loop, takes visitors past two spectacular waterfalls — Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Waterfall seekers delight in Proxy Falls (typically accessible mid-June to November), a 226-foot (68.9-m) segmented horsetail accessed via a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) hike on Highway 242, the McKenzie Highway. This stretch of road, between Belknap Hot Springs and Sisters, also encompasses a portion of the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway. This extreme, 38-mile (61-km) route climbs more than 4,000 feet (1,219 m) in elevation and is open seasonally — typically mid-June through November. Dee Wright Observatory, at the summit of McKenzie Pass, offers spectacular views of the Cascade Range. Golfers delight in the 18-hole scenic links at Tokatee Golf Club, while adrenaline seekers ride the McKenzie River’s whitewater rapids on full- or half-day rafting trips. Book a guided trip with Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters or Helfrich McKenzie Rafting. Drift boaters and Rafting the McKenzie River TURELL GROUP McKENZIE RIVER AREA bank anglers, meanwhile, cast for spring chinook, summer steelhead and trout. Afterward, stop for drinks and snacks at the McKenzie General Store. The store’s in-house restaurant dishes a seasonally inspired menu of burgers, sandwiches and salads. Nearby, Takoda’s Rainbow serves weekly dinner specials on a sunny patio that’s always buzzing in summer. Overnight options abound for cozy riverfront cabins — including Loloma Lodge, McKenzie Riverside Cottages and Eagle Rock Lodge. Travel Lane County | EugeneCascadesCoast.org | 541.484.5307 53 CASCADE MOUNTAINS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==