Hike of the Week: McKenzie River Trail, Eugene, OR

This easy-going, 1.9-mile section of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail links Belknap Springs to NF-2650 past cascading creeks, moss-draped evergreens, and views of the roiling McKenzie River.

Published Sep 20, 2013

BACKPACKERMagazine

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Hike of the Week: McKenzie River Trail, Eugene, OR — @backpackermag c/o @grant_gunderson@grant_gunderson

Trail Facts

Distance: 3.8 miles (out and back)
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: 1 out of 5

Summary

The McKenzie River National Scenic Trail stretches 26.5 miles from McKenzie Bridge to Fish Lake, following its namesake the whole way. This piece—from Belknap Springs to NF-2650—touches its best. From the Belknap Springs Resort parking area (44.1924, -122.0508), walk a short bit south to connect with the well-maintained trail, which squeezes between the river and OR 126. Turn hiker’s left and hike northeast on the mostly flat path, plunging into mossy forest and paralleling the river bed. Pass creekside campsites before continuing onto the turnaround point at NF-2650.

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