This trail was rated the No. 1 trail in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon.
The trail is 3.7 miles (one way) and is located near McKenzie Bridge, a city in central Oregon.
We were captivated by the beauty of the trail.
The Mckenzie river was racing next to us as we walked along the trail.
I took a drink of the water when it wasn’t too rough (because Mom would say no).
My friend Brian was allowed to walk on a log right next to the racing river.
Brian brought his pup named Pluto to hike the trail with me — I didn’t think he liked me.
So I tried to look super charming …
And beautiful …
C’mon, Pluto, don’t you think I’m lovely?
After humping me for a minute, Pluto decided that I was a worthy hiking companion.
Did you know that the movie Homeward Bound was shot nearby in central Oregon?
My dad thinks the river and mossy trees also look like a scene from The Jungle Book.
Me and Pluto kept getting bored waiting for our parents to take a million pictures.
Pluto started patiently waiting and let my mom take his picture.
So we explored around on our own for a bit.
The trees were misty in the distance,
I kept noticing Mom following me with the camera.
Mom and Dad don’t have claws like me, so they had to take the trail really slow.
Dad was looking rugged on this cliff.
I wasn’t allowed at the edge of the cliffs.
When the sun peeked through the trees, the forest looked magical.
Dad let me sit with him to look out at the river.
I snuck Dad a kiss.
The forest became brighter and sunnier as we reached the end of the trail.
We did it! We reached the Tamolitch Blue Pool, the most beautiful, scenic point of the trail.
You can jump from this point into the chilly pool for a swim.
However, we did not jump because the water is a frigid 37 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Mom and Dad looking out at the beautiful blue pool — Mom really was there!
I hope you enjoyed my first photoblog. I am planning to do a hiking spotlight every month. Please let me know if you enjoyed this in the comments. 🙂
Rating for McKenzie River Trail
I gave this hike two paws up because it was magical, rejuvenating, and scenic. The trail is rated moderate, and unfortunately, dogs need to be leashed throughout the trail (oops, we found that out later when we looked it up). I recommend assessing your pup’s health before the hike, making sure to bring plenty of water, and staying close to your pup throughout the trail in case any stinky wild animals visit you.
Pin this, pups:
Stay tuned for my next blog post where I discuss our exciting day trip from the Willamette National Forest back home to Portland, Oregon!
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Big Dog Travel Blog 
You really are hilarious, Scarlett! That looked like an exhilarating hike for both you and your pawrents. I’m looking forward to your next adventure!
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Thanks Shona, it was a tough hike for sure! More for my parents because they had to ice skate the whole time and it was a pretty steep trail 😉 Thanks for reading!
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LOVED the photo blog!
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Thanks Meemaw, I woof you!:)
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I love seeing doggies in the snow, and these two look as though they have a proper smile on their faces with their little jackets on, bless. Love the pic of Scarlett sneaking a kiss on Daddy 🙂 #feetdotravel
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We had the best time, and got to eat a lot of snow 🙂 Thanks Angie!
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Wow! Scarlett and Brian roam the Oregon Trail. Loved it! I especially loved the views from your point ofviw dear Scarlett. One day it would be fun to hike with mom & dad with you to guide us all. Love you pretty girl. Homeward bound was one of my favorite movies too. It reminds me of you because you and Chance look like twins. I give this blog two hands up because it was amazing!
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Awwww thanks for the compliment, Chance is one of my favorite actors! 🙂
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Really like your photos, the trail looks very interesting. Although I would probably do it on a sunny day, heh 🙂
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The trail would have been moderate on a sunny day, it was wayyy too difficult- but beautiful! Thanks for reading 🙂
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I already love your dog 🙂
Seems like great place for pics and neverending wandering ! love it !
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Thank you, I woof you too! It was a beautiful day 🙂
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Great pics and looks like a great trail! I would take my Sally on that one (though may have to carry her back!!) #feetdotravel
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Yes halfway through we were pooped, I would highly recommend it when it’s less icy!
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This hike looks fabulous! Makes me want to slap on my boots and get outside 🙂
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It was great, we are ready to go back when it’s less snowy!
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Loved your first photo blog, and check you out flirting with Pluto!! Looked a cold but lovely trek and don’t blame you not jumping in the pool you would freeze to death! Great post. #feetdotravel.
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Hehe Pluto is a cutie! It was an amazing journey, and I think we will be skipping the pool. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
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Seems like an excellent adventure! Im loving all the photography too and the jackets!!
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Thanks Kreete, it was a lovely adventure 🙂
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I love your first photo blog, you did had a great time hiking with Pluto in this place. Gorgeous pictures, especially the one where you kiss your dad. Good job not jumping into the pool as the water is so cold you could freeze in a few minutes.
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Thank you, we had the best time! I would not jump into the pool unless I had to save my parents 😉
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So cute!!! This trail looks beautiful. I love the contrast between the rich green moss and the white snow. And I love that photo of you kissing dad in the misty forest.. beautiful!
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It was stunning, thank you so much for reading Anna 🙂
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Beautiful photos and such a cool adventure! Stunning area and that Blue Pool would be so inviting in the summer despite the cold water! Thanks for sharing
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Yes, we may try dipping our feet in during the summer. It is gorgeous, I highly recommend checking it out one day 🙂
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Great photo blog! The pool looks lovely albeit a bit cold!
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Thanks Garth, it was definitely too cold to take a dip that day! 🙂
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Brrrrr! It looks so cold! However, the I’m sure the scenery was well worth it!
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It was freezing but beautiful, thank you for reading 🙂
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What an amazing job you guys have made! Must be unforgettable, huh? Wish you good luck:)
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Yes we will never forget that hike, and plan to go back again. Thanks girl 🙂
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Such a cute post. Loved reading it from the point of view of our four legged beauties. The river trail is really wonderful and makes for an enjoyable trek. No doubt it was so much fun.
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Thank you, it was a beautiful adventure and too much fun! 🙂
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What a great hike, and what pretty views. We don’t blame you for not celebrating the end of the trail with a dip. That’s just a little too chilly for us! 😉 We like your idea about posting a hike every month, and are looking forward to the next one!
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It was absolutely gorgeous! I’m excited for more hiking adventures 🙂 Thank you!
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Glad Pluto ended up liking your company! (even if he had to hump you for a minute first lol). Love the pink jacket by the way! My doggie Mimi has a similar one for cold days. Great hiking post!
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Thank you so much, tell Mimi I say hello!
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Wow! The trail looks beautiful. Especially the blue pool. Must be wonderful for a dip in the summer.
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It was stunning, we may get brave enough to put our feet in during the summer 🙂
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I will be adding Willamette National Forest in Oregon to my to do list when I visit Oregon it looks absolutely stunning there! I’ve been debating on whether to venture out to Oregon or Colorado and I think you just made my mind up! Thanks for sharing!
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Let us know when you visit, I can give you a tour of Portland. Otherwise I have millions of suggestions 🙂
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These mossy trees over the river and the blue waters… I´ve never heard of Willamette National Forest, added to my bucket list – this trail looks amazing! Thanks for sharing 😉
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It is a must visit if you’re ever in Oregon, we would highly recommend it 🙂
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This seems like an exceptional trail, Scarlett! I enjoy reading your posts!
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Thank you so much, it was lovely 🙂
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