- Trail:
- McKenzie River Trail (McKenzie River)
- Status:
- All Clear / Green
-
Issue status:
- Condition:
- Variable - some wet spots, or some dusty spots but overall good conditions
- Reporter Primary Activity:
- Mountain Bike
Description:
The McKenzie River Trail is one of those rare rides where the scenery is just as important as the riding.
I rode it top to bottom as an average mountain biker, and I think it’s best approached as an adventure trail rather than a “how fast can I ride it” trail.
The section around Clear Lake was by far the most technical. There are plenty of rocks, tight turns, and awkward features that slowed me down, and I found myself hike-a-biking a few short sections. Over the entire 5+ hour ride, though, I was probably off the bike for only about 5 minutes total, mostly on a handful of technical climbs that I chose not to clean. The grades throughout the trail are very manageable, making the ride feel achievable even if you’re not an advanced rider.
The switchbacks are quite tight—more like something designed for hikers than mountain bikes—and the trail stays narrow almost the entire way. It’s easy to clip a tree, catch a pedal on a rock, or get surprised by a technical obstacle. Personally, I think that’s part of what makes this trail special. It naturally keeps your speed in check.
This is truly a multi-use trail. Along the way I passed hikers, bikepackers, and even a family that had gotten a bit lost while trying to find Blue Pool. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the trail in their own way, and that really adds to its character.
One thing I hope never changes is the trail itself. It would be a shame if berms, jumps, or other modern trail features were ever added here. The McKenzie River Trail doesn’t need them. Its beauty lies in the natural terrain, the incredible forests, the lava fields, the crystal-clear water, and the feeling that you’re traveling through a truly wild place.
The scenery around Clear Lake alone is worth the trip, even if it means getting off the bike for a minute here and there.
My total ride time was just over five hours, including two quick five-minute snack breaks. I absolutely loved this trail and would happily come back to ride it again.
I rode it top to bottom as an average mountain biker, and I think it’s best approached as an adventure trail rather than a “how fast can I ride it” trail.
The section around Clear Lake was by far the most technical. There are plenty of rocks, tight turns, and awkward features that slowed me down, and I found myself hike-a-biking a few short sections. Over the entire 5+ hour ride, though, I was probably off the bike for only about 5 minutes total, mostly on a handful of technical climbs that I chose not to clean. The grades throughout the trail are very manageable, making the ride feel achievable even if you’re not an advanced rider.
The switchbacks are quite tight—more like something designed for hikers than mountain bikes—and the trail stays narrow almost the entire way. It’s easy to clip a tree, catch a pedal on a rock, or get surprised by a technical obstacle. Personally, I think that’s part of what makes this trail special. It naturally keeps your speed in check.
This is truly a multi-use trail. Along the way I passed hikers, bikepackers, and even a family that had gotten a bit lost while trying to find Blue Pool. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the trail in their own way, and that really adds to its character.
One thing I hope never changes is the trail itself. It would be a shame if berms, jumps, or other modern trail features were ever added here. The McKenzie River Trail doesn’t need them. Its beauty lies in the natural terrain, the incredible forests, the lava fields, the crystal-clear water, and the feeling that you’re traveling through a truly wild place.
The scenery around Clear Lake alone is worth the trip, even if it means getting off the bike for a minute here and there.
My total ride time was just over five hours, including two quick five-minute snack breaks. I absolutely loved this trail and would happily come back to ride it again.
This report was generated from the activity log.
Local Weather During Report
- Summary
Clear - Temperature
21° (19°/35°) - Precip
0 mm/h - Wind
0.72 km/h - Cloud Cover
6% - Humidity
0.86
