Mckenzie River & Black Butte

ByMichael Goatbells

On the way to Mitchell for bikepacking the painted hills, an overnight stop at Camp Sherman fit perfectly into the schedule after canceling Ochoco hiking due to high heat. Prior to crossing the pass, I stopped at Clear Lake Resort to hike a good section of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. After that hike, I landed in Pine Rest CG on the magical Metolius River. First thing in morning, I packed up and headed up Black Butte for views of the cascades. Then off to Mitchell for bikepacking the painted hills.

Route 1 – Mckenzie River Trail from Clear Lake Resort

I find Clear Lake Resort the safest TH on the upper McKenzie River Trail – a pass or day fee is required. I landed at the resort just prior to sunrise, and headed down river on the Clear Lake trail to the Mckenize River junction. The bear grass just near blooming full in the early morning light

Then upriver all the way to Great Springs – which is one of the pools (springs) that feeds Clear Lake. The water is perfectly clear blue – and drinkable – I hope as I filled my water bottle right from the spring.

As I went back downriver along the lake, the sun came over the ridge and the reflections on the lake could belong in the Louvre. Those dead trees on the right have appeared here before.

The only section of the trail with humans was around the two ‘tourist’ sites – Sahalie Falls and Blue Pool. Lucky for me, I was there early enough that the falls were mine alone the first time.

The best part of the trip was around the forest where the river goes underground for several miles. No humans, and an odd raptor song that I could not ID. It came consistently and for some time from the cliff outcropping above me.

I launched Merlin and let the magic flow …

The first in the wild encounter that did not have a bridge or building in it … magical, even if I could only hear it.

Route 2 – Black Butte summit from Lower Black Butte TH

Black Butte was a new ‘summit’ for me. My motivation was the camera’s view to the cascades. The hike is 5 miles and 3,000 ft elevation gain from the lower trailhead – the trail is in great condition and VERY easy to follow. If you want to hike less, there is an upper TH as well. I left around 5:30 and did not see another human until the descent.

Getting up above the trees is a classic central Oregon hike … but once there, an information posts tells you about the two fires – both >15 years ago. I just shook my head and paused to see so few (none) trees after all that time (post fire). The fire lookout tower is there (rebuilt numerous times).

From the top, all the near cascades were visible and beautiful – only Mt Hood carried a shroud.

From north to south – Hood, Jefferson, 3-Finger Jack, Washington, North and Middle Sister, and finally South Sister and Broken Top

My solo time at the summit didn’t last, and on the way down between the summit and upper TH at least 20 humans struggling to get to the top 🙂

Data Geek Cellar

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak mesh lowers
  • Pack: Gossamer Fast Kumo 36
  • Upper Layers: 1 (Patagonia Capiline)
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Yes – Gossamer Gear
  • Approximate Times: 05:30 ‘leave time’
  • Carbon ratio: +4 hours (3 hours from drive to Mitchell) YTD = 99.4 hiking hours
  • Notes:
    • Photos: medium
    • Speed: medium
    • Difficulty: easy for river; moderate for Black Butte

McKenzie River Trail

Black Butte Summit