Tamolitch (Blue) Pool
Mount Washington, Oregon
| Address: | McKenzie River Trail, Blue River, OR 97413, USA |
| GPS: |
44°18'43.2"N 122°1'36.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Oregon |
Rivers Waterfalls Streams Trails Rocks Ponds
Hike
The Tamolitch Pool, also known as the Blue Pool, is the one and only pool of its kind in Oregon. The name "Tamolitch", meaning 'bucket', was given to this gorgeous basin by the Northwest Indians. This pool is created by the Mckenzie River which seeps through underground lava fields for two miles before emerging to the surface. As the river water seeps up from the porous lava, it gives the water in the pool a unique turquoise color and amazing clarity! This mesmerizing, clear blue water attracts many hikers, mountain bikers, and photographers. Despite the water that gushes out of the pool and returns to the Mckenzie River, the pool is so still and calm that it gives the illusion of a glass surface. This pool has become a popular place for photographers of all skill levels. It has gotten more recognition because of exposure on social media from visitors. The Tamolitch and McKenzie River trail are heavily used and have gained more and more visitors over the last few years.
It is not against the rules to jump into Tamolitch Pool. However, extreme caution is advised. Due to the clarity of the pool, those who jump in cannot make an accurate estimate of where the shallow areas are. The steep cliffs that surround the basin range from 10 - 60 feet. The water stays a chilly 30-some degrees all year round. Please jump from the cliffs at your own discretion.
The McKenzie River Trail is 26 miles if you hike the entire trail. To get to the "Blue Pool" is about 2 miles from the Tamolitch trail head. This hike is very scenic with great views of the McKenzie River with many photo opportunities along the way. The hike to Tamolitch is relatively easy with a well-maintained trail. The first part of the hike will be fairly flat but gets very rocky and a bit more steep the further you go. You will be able to see stunning views of the river from above as you hike.
Once you get to the pool, you can stand at the top of the cliffs and look down into the blue basin, or you can clamber down the steep lava rocks to the edge of the pool. On the other side of the pool, there is a way to get to the water's edge that isn't as steep.
NOTE: Although people do jump into the pool, it can be very risky. Many people have been injured and a few have even died by jumping in.
To the pool: about 2 miles
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Mount Washington, Oregon
- Head northeast on NF-815 toward NF-811/Old Santiam Wagon Rd (0.8 mi)
- Turn left onto NF-811/Old Santiam Wagon Rd (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto NF-2690 (2.1 mi)
- Turn right to stay on NF-2690 (0.9 mi)
- Turn left onto US-20 W (5.1 mi)
- Keep left to stay on US-20 W (3.3 mi)
- Turn left onto OR-126 E (8.7 mi)
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