Last stop on our trip to Oregon before heading back to San Diego. It was May 1st and we arrived…read morearound 9am so it was not that busy. Drive: Basic mountain roads. Most roads feel brand new with well marked lines and signs. Parking/trailhead: Signs clearly marked parking area for Blue Pool. Long road leading up to trailhead is unpaved and parking is only allowed on one side. Luckily we were early so got a spot not too far down. Two restrooms, pretty stinky but what can you expect? Trail: Pretty easy hike. Mostly even paths I think overall theres about 300 feet gain on it. Some parts were very muddy, a big portion is rocky with lots of lava rock. Some parts have tree roots sticking up. CAUTION: Parts of trail have a really high cliff that drops off into the river with no markings so be careful especially with dogs or kids. Pool: Of course amazing views once you get to the pool. The side you arrive on is on a cliff with the view of the pool below. You can hike down to the pool by hiking around the edge but some parts are really close to the edge. Descending and ascending is difficult and is not for the weak. Over all we had an amazing time. The hike was a little longer than I thought but nothing too crazy even for a novice hiker. I would suggest bringing water and snacks, we didn't and regretted it. If you get down to the water at least dip your feet in. We did and it felt amazing and we actually felt reguvenated for our hike back.

Great trail leading up to the pool. Not a difficult hike at all. Wouldn't suggest doing it when…read moreit's dark though as there are small rocks and rocky areas that can seem to pop out of nowhere and destroy your ankles. The pool is Absolutely beautiful and this is my favorite color. Once you see the one sign that says no bikes allowed, turn towards the water and look over the cliff.

We took the loop trail that crosses in and out of the preserve and Deschutes National Forest…read more Apparently this rim trail is the only portion of the preserve that you can venture onto without permission. We parked in the turn-around at the end of Deer Ridge Road; not really marked as a trailhead when you arrive, but you can discern the trail. From here you enter a Deschutes section for a while, and when you enter in and out of the preserve you'll know as the signage is good and info provided. It was a really fun loop with...on this clear day...crazy mountain views, and on any day, nice views from the rim of the preserve valley and Whychus Creek below. We didn't meet anyone on the loop last Saturday morning. Just incredibly peaceful and beautiful start to finish.

A beautiful hike. We did the waterfall loop, which is about a 3 mile hike that takes you by Koosah…read moreand Sahalie Falls. We brought the dogs and the kids, and we had a blast. The scenery was stunning and the trail condition was perfect. We'd definitely come back here again.

What a gift it is to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. Today I was able to hike Sahalie…read moreFalls, Koosah Falls, and Tomalitch Blue Pool, all in one out and back 10.5 mile trek. The drive to the trailhead took 2.5 hours from my home in Portland, so we left by 6. If you arrive after 9 or 10 you have to deal with the crowds. Sahalie Falls was first and can be accessed very easily from the parking lot - no hike required. Keep this one in mind if you have mobility limitations. If you're up for it, hit the trail here. A short distance along the Mckenzie Creek will take you to Koosah Falls. Gorgeous, with falling turquoise water. Want a scare? Look up the fools who cliff jump from here. Incredible. After that you pass by the reservoir, then have a nice hike along a soft pine needle path down to Tomalitch Blue Pool. Again with the cliff jumping. Don't do it! So dangerous. But do carefully follow the pink ribbons over the rock ledge and down to the shore. You can swim if you dare in the 38 degree water. At least dunk your feet. The hike back to where you parked at Sahalie is 5 miles. Pack a lunch, a lot of water (I finished my 3 liters), and enjoy the day.

Such a magical spot to learn about waterfalls and experience nature. There was a rainbow and snow…read moresimultaneously during our visit and it created the most magical wonderland. Must see and well worth the drive out.

Sahalie Falls was a quick stop on our way back to Bend from Clear Lake. We were able to find a…read moresmall parking stall right at the waterfall without having to run across the road with the kids. The walk to the lookout viewing area from the parking lot was very short. We walked a few yards down the trail past it to take pictures of the river. We then took a side trail down to the waterfall to get some pictures. This was a fun quick stop to see a beautiful waterfall.

Pretty cool and secluded spot for an easy hike along the scenic McKenzie Pass…read more We decided to pull off and check out the short hike to Hand Lake last weekend. There's a wide shoulder on which to park, big enough for 5 or so cars, right across from the trailhead. The trailhead sign provides info, as well as the free self-issue Wilderness permits for access. (Short and easy form) The trail is short and well-maintained, easy for most anyone. After trekking a bit through the gorgeous trees it opens up to the lake at the small cabin shelter. Right now it's more of a palm only, as the water pool is small this time of year, but you can still see the dry fingers. Nice views of the Three Sisters from the middle. It's a short trail, definitely more of just a leg-stretcher only as you travel along the McKenzie, but a cool setting and I'm sure much more of a scene when the waters up.

This reservoir is located next to one of the most beautiful rivers in Central Oregon. The Mckenzie…read moreRiver flows into and out of this reservoir. I have hiked around this reservoir many times and it is always surrounded by fisherman, so I would imagine that there are plenty of fish in the reservoir. The water is super clear and blue. This makes it an amazing spot for photographers. There is a good amount of parking spaces at this lake making it great for large groups and gatherings. There are trails that pass this lake and both trails lead to some of the most beautiful locations. The trial towards the north will take you to Woosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. This is a short uphill trek that travels along the Mckenzie River. The trail toward the south will take you to the Blue Pool AKA Tamolitch Falls. This is a large deep blue colored pool that is fed by some underground springs. This Reservoir is a great base point for a day of exploring and even has a nice little campground. If you have a family who all have a different interest that all involve nature, then this is the right place for you!

The water definitely is amazing , however the hike itself not that much . The route we took was…read moremostly further away from the water and hence not a whole lot to watch on the way but there were multiple waterfalls and creeks etc that you can take a break at and enjoy the cold water and the Sun.Part of the hike was closed which was disappointing but we did the whole 7 mile through a different route .Wished we could have seen the mining villages .It took us approx 1.5 hours to get there from Portland .Parking is limited however since we went on a Weekday it wasn't a problem for us . Also , the crowds were thin , so we really had a great time.

OMG What a great place to hike and swim…read more We went with a big group so we had to break up into two groups. The parking lot is small and they will turn people away if it is full. Luck we made it before they hit maximum. Three miles and a half makes for a long hike but well worth it. The trail follows the creek and is actually the service road for Jawbone Flats. It's an easy hike up and down both ways. You are rewarded with beautiful cool dip in the crystal clear pools. Alternatively there are two hiking trails, one on each side of the creek, you can venture on through this beautiful forest. Afterward we went to the local restaurant at the highway. They had good food and beer.

I've done this hike several times over the decades. It used to be a very well kept secret and I…read moreonly found out about it by talking to a Ranger at the Ranger station in Detroit. Seems like the word has gotten out in recent years so the chances of you being alone on the trail or at the summit are now pretty slim. This is not a difficult hike but you do need to be in shape to do it. Pretty much impossible to get lost as you are always hiking on a ridge line but it's always wise to carry a map and compass (or GPS) all the same. It's a somewhat steep, 3 mile, several thousand feet of elevation gain stroll and no drinkable water along the trail most of the year. So bring sufficient water and also a headlamp if you're starting out late in the day. Figure three hours to do the round trip and you will be under a thick forest canopy so it does get dark on the trail early. The trail is narrow and you are on a ridge so there is some exposure. Poles can be helpful although I've never needed them here. This trail is not ADA accessible. The final 100' scramble to the summit reveals a concrete slab where a fire watch station once sat. Great views of Mount Jefferson and Detroit. There has always been a few big downed trees blocking the narrow trail. But since the fire you'll start seeing felled trees about a mile up the trail. In one location you'll have to bushwhack around a half dozen or so massive fallen trees. The trailhead is easy enough to find although there are several roads to the the left before you get there that are NOT trailheads. The true trailhead parking area is marked and has space for about four cars. The left turn into the parking area is about 5+ miles from Highway 22. Turn right at the Pacific Pride filling station and follow the road for about 5 miles. Maybe a bit more.