McKenzie trail

The blue pool

OK so I didn’t post anything on Firday, this is why. I took a long weekend trip to mountain bike the McKenzie trail in central Oregon (to the west of Bend and East of Eugene). This is rated one of the best rides you can do. There are two sections, an upper part that runs through some old lava fields and a lower part that runs through stands of pine trees. Yes there are lava fields in Oregon, actually the McKenzie is close to the Sisters Volcano’s and is in the Cascades Volcanic range.

 

On the trail through the trees

The trail follows the McKenzie river, runs by several interesting lakes and pools, through old lava fields that are in different stages of forestation and finally through a section of old growth fir and pine trees. The lava fields are very hard and a technical rider would love it, the lower is much more suited to a more average rider. Read up on the upper part if you think of doing it, body armor is not uncommon and most riders will fall at least once on the hard basalt rock. But it is a great ride and there is a lot to see on the way, shuttle service is available for a fee if you need it.

 

Also the McKenzie River is great for rafting or kayaking and tours are also available. There is hot springs in the area so look into those too, one is right on the river and you can just jump in, others are at fee based locations, either a lodge or park.

What you see along the way