25. Lower McKenzie River Trail

Summary

Length - 2.5 miles one way

Difficulty - Easy

Season – Year-round

Elevation range – 1,560 feet – 1,680 feet

Human imprint - Moderate

Information - Willamette National Forest, McKenzie River Ranger District

Primary old growth features

Year-round access to low-elevation, Douglas-fir old growth near Belknap Springs

Description

Scattered old trees and a small patch of Douglas-fir old growth drape alongside a lower segment of the McKenzie River Trail (#3507) running from Paradise Campground to Belknap Springs. This easy hike can be taken from either end and is accessible year-round. Tack on a visit to Belknap Springs, a privately run resort, to enjoy a soak in one of their hot springs pools for a fee.

From Paradise Campground head upriver on the McKenzie River Trail. The first segment passes scattered old trees, but is less pristine and close enough to the McKenzie Highway to hear passing traffic. The nicest old forest is found along the segment after crossing Forest Road 302 up to a trail junction with a short spur trail heading to Highway 126. Large western redcedars and incense cedars mingle with old Douglas-fir alongside the rushing river. Cross Lost Creek on a sturdy trail bridge and climb a small knoll to the trail junction. From here the trail travels through a pleasant, mature forest with scattered old Douglas-firs until reaching Belknap Springs.

25 years of change

Very little has changed; it is still a nice year-round old-growth outing with occasional river views.

How to get there

Turn left (N.) into Paradise Campground off of Hwy. 126, 58 mi. east of Eugene. Trailhead is on the right just after leaving Hwy. 126 where the access road divides. Trailheads are also located at Belknap Springs (1 3/4 mi. further up Hwy. 126) and where Lost Creek crosses Hwy. 126.