What's in the water? Oregon's Blue Pool

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 spring-fed pool is nestled along the McKenzie River Trail, roughly 60 miles east of Eugene. Famous for its clear, blue water and volcanic history, the Blue Pool has become a popular stop for hikers, nature photographers, and travelers looking for something unique.

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 and weaves through Douglas firs, moss-covered lava rock, and thick forest. Rachel recommends wearing sturdy shoes because of the rocky sections.

"The hike itself is worth it, even before you get to the pool,”

“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 color, the Blue Pool isn’t for casual swimming. The water stays a chilly 37 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Still, some brave visitors—including Rachel—can’t resist jumping in.

“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 a resurgence spring, formed when the McKenzie River goes underground after Sahalie and Koosah Falls and re-emerges through lava rock. This keeps the water icy and crystal clear, with visibility 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.”

Tamolitch Blue Pool has grown in popularity in recent years, partly because of social media. To protect the area, the U.S. Forest Service asks visitors to stay on trails, pack out trash, and avoid cliff jumping due to hidden underwater hazards.

“Anyone who visits should treat it like sacred ground,” Rachel says. “Places like this are rare. We need to respect them so others can experience the same magic.”

Rachel also saw volunteers cleaning the trail and sharing maps with hikers. “It was inspiring to see the community taking care of it,” she says.

The Adventure Continues

For Rachel, the Blue Pool was a highlight of her Oregon trip. After camping nearby and biking part of the McKenzie River Trail, she continued through the Cascades to Crater Lake.

“But the Blue Pool stuck with me,” she says. “It’s one of those places that reminds you why you travel—to feel small in the best possible way.”

Planning Your Visit

Trailhead: Tamolitch Blue Pool Trailhead, off Highway 126 near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Hike Length: About 4.2 miles round-trip

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall

Pro Tips: Arrive early, bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or hiking to hidden springs, the Blue Pool offers a quiet, humbling look at nature’s power and beauty.

Follow Rachel’s adventures on Instagram @rachelexplores