Oregon’s Blue Pool

Unplug Magazine
Aug 7
3 min read

By Unplug. Magazine Staff

When avid outdoor adventurer Rachel Donovan set out on her latest Pacific Northwest road trip, she was searching for something off the beaten path—something that felt untouched yet unforgettable. She found it deep in the Willamette National Forest of Oregon: the Blue Pool.

Also known as Tamolitch Blue Pool, this dazzling spring-fed pool is nestled along the McKenzie River Trail, roughly 60 miles east of Eugene. Famous for its impossibly clear, blue water and volcanic history, the Blue Pool has become a mecca for hikers, nature photographers, and travelers with a thirst for the serene and surreal.

A Hidden Jewel in Oregon’s Cascade Range

Rachel’s journey began with a tip from a local guide in Bend. “He told me about this ‘secret pool’ where the river disappears underground and re-emerges in a basin of sapphire water. I thought he was exaggerating,” Rachel recalls. “But when I finally stood at the edge of the Blue Pool, I realized he had undersold it.”

To reach the pool, visitors hike about 2 miles (one way) from the Tamolitch Trailhead along the McKenzie River Trail. The path is moderate, weaving through towering Douglas firs, moss-covered lava rock, and lush undergrowth. While it's well-marked and family-friendly, Rachel recommends wearing sturdy shoes due to the rocky sections of the trail.

“The hike itself is worth it, even before you get to the pool,” she says. “There’s something almost primeval about walking through that forest. Everything is green and alive, and then suddenly you come upon this electric-blue water in the middle of nowhere.”

Not Your Average Swimming Hole

Despite its alluring color, the Blue Pool is not for casual swimmers. The water stays a bone-chilling 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8°C) year-round. Still, some brave souls—including Rachel—can’t resist the thrill of a quick plunge.

“I had to do it,” she laughs. “It was so cold it knocked the air right out of my lungs. I lasted maybe five seconds. But it was totally exhilarating.”

The pool is actually a resurgence spring, formed when the McKenzie River vanishes underground after Sahalie and Koosah Falls and then re-emerges through the porous lava rock. Because of this geological quirk, the water remains icy and crystal clear, with visibility stretching down to the bottom of the 30-foot-deep basin.

“It’s like looking into a gemstone,” says Rachel. “You see the rocks, fallen logs, even fish, perfectly preserved below the surface. It’s mesmerizing.”

Preserving the Magic

Tamolitch Blue Pool has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to social media. But with increased foot traffic comes environmental impact, and the U.S. Forest Service has implemented guidelines to preserve the area's natural beauty. Visitors are asked to stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and resist the urge to cliff jump—a dangerous activity that’s discouraged due to hidden underwater hazards.

“I think anyone who visits here should treat it like sacred ground,” Rachel says. “Places like this are rare. We need to respect them so future adventurers can experience the same magic.”

During her visit, Rachel noticed volunteers along the trail picking up litter and offering maps and advice to new hikers. “It was inspiring to see the local community taking stewardship seriously,” she notes.

The Adventure Continues

For Rachel, the Blue Pool wasn’t just a stop—it was a highlight of her summer journey through Oregon. After camping at nearby sites along the McKenzie River and biking a portion of the McKenzie River Trail, she continued her trek through the Cascades, eventually making her way to Crater Lake.

“But the Blue Pool stuck with me,” she says. “There’s something haunting about it, something ancient and peaceful at the same time. It’s one of those places that reminds you why you travel—to feel small in the best possible way.”

Planning Your Visit

If you're ready to follow in Rachel’s footsteps, here are a few tips:

Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool Trailhead, off Highway 126 near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon.
Hike Length: About 4.2 miles round-trip (from the Tamolitch Trailhead).
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, when the trail is snow-free.
Pro Tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds. Bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and respect Leave No Trace principles.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or plunging into icy waters, the Blue Pool offers a unique and humbling escape into nature’s quieter, more mysterious side. As Rachel puts it:

"It’s not just a destination—it’s a reminder of what the wild still holds for those willing to explore."