Blue Pool Oregon (also called Tomalitch Pool or Tomalitch Falls) is one of the most unique natural places in Oregon.
Situated deep in the enchanting Willamette National Forest, you can explore a magical bucket-shaped rock basin full of crystal clear, deep blue water literally emerging out of the ground!
The best part is, the hike to Blue Pool is only a flat two miles from the trailhead, making it a relatively accessible natural wonder.
Trust us, we have a blast each time we visit Blue Pool. It’s hard to describe in words, but there is something truly special about witnessing this hydro-geological marvel.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Blue Pool, including how to get there, when to visit, what to expect on the hike in, and other tips to make the most of your adventure.
Blue Pool Oregon Overview
We have an honest confession: after seeing countless videos on social media touting Blue Pool’s excellence, we used to think Blue Pool was overrated!
That was, until we visited in person. The reality is this small but mighty pool is one of the most impressive natural features in all of Oregon!
Picture this: bone-chilling, deep blue, absolutely crystal-clear water comes percolating out through the lava-rock-ground deep in a lush pine forest.
The pool is an oval shape measuring about 150 by 230 feet which equates to a surface area of only about 0.7 acres. The depth is approximately 30 feet deep with the bottom incredibly visible.
Rocky cliffs up to 60 feet tall form a bucket-shaped basin which certainly adds to the allure and provides excellent viewpoints as well as cliff jumping spots.
During high flows after rainfall and snowmelt, Tomalitch Falls (a Chinook word meaning “bucket”) flows over the west side of the basin.
For most of the year, the McKenzie River flows along a subterranean route, springing back to life and sourcing Blue Pool.
Don’t get too excited about swimming unless you can brave the nearly ice-cold water (which usually sits at below 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
The hike to the pool is just over 4 miles round-trip and being quite flat (elevation gain of 300 feet) which is fairly accessible considering how impressive Blue Pool is.
How to Get to Blue Pool Oregon Trailhead
The Tomalitch Blue Pool Trailhead is right off the iconic McKenzie River Highway 126, situated just a half mile off of the highway.
Be aware there is a short gravel road with some minor potholes but nothing too serious. The high popularity of this area means the road is usually well maintained.
The table below shows approximate distances and travel times to Blue Pool from various cities in Oregon.
| Starting Point | Approximate Distance to Blue Pool | Typical Drive Time to Blue Pool |
| Bend | 60 miles | 1 hr 10 min |
| Eugene | 70 miles | 1 hr 30 min |
| Salem | 90 miles | 1 hr 45 min |
| Portland | 130 miles | 2 hour 20 min |
The trailhead has a pit toilet and cars line up along sides of the dirt road (for quite some ways on crowded weekends).
There are no fees or permits required and the area is open for day use only.
Blue Pool Oregon Map
The map below shows Highway 126 and the hike to Blue Pool. You can see the trail parallels the McKenzie River.
When to Visit Blue Pool
Blue Pool is open year round and magical in all seasons. That said, there are some things to consider regarding when you make the trip.
What Weather to Expect
Regarding weather, late spring through early fall is the best chance at sunshine and warm temperatures. That said, rain and wind can happen even in summer on the west side of the central Oregon Cascades.
Also, winter can offer its own special charm, especially if snow blankets the ground surrounding the pool and trail. Whenever you go, it’s best to check a weather forecast before heading out.
Sunlight Matters!
In general, clear and colorful water looks most vivid in direct sunlight, especially when the sun angle is high.
Therefore, Blue Pool is most magnificent during the late spring and summer months between mid-morning and afternoon.
Clouds can make the water seem relatively dull and muted compared to direct sunlight. That said, a rainy day can still be special and certainly limits crowds (which can be a vibe killer).
Crowd Management
Due to its beauty and accessibility, Blue Pool becomes quite crowded, especially during summer weekends with enjoyable weather.
Therefore, it’s best to go on a weekday if possible, so you can still visit mid-day when the sun is high.
If you explore Blue Pool on a summer weekend, it’s probably worth it to arrive early or opt for a sunset visit.
Our experience: Last summer, we explored Blue Pool on a warm and sunny day in June. It was good we arrived early before 7:00 am as there were only a handful of people. By the time we left around 9:00 am it was quite crowded.
Blue Pool Oregon Hike
The trail to Blue Pool begins at the Tomalitch Blue Pool Trailhead, which is one of many places to access the iconic McKenzie River Trail, a 26-mile trail following the stunning McKenzie River.
From the trailhead, the Blue Pool hike is a manageable 4 miles with just over 300 feet of elevation gain.
The relaxing trail winds through beautiful trees and moss covered rocks following the McKenzie River to the sparkling Blue Pool.
While the trail overall is relatively flat, there are several sections with lots of rugged lava rock, which makes footing uneven and maybe challenging for some people.
We think the effort is well worth it when you round the last bend and witness the full glory of Blue Pool.
The trail is highly trafficked and its popularity warrants regular maintenance from the USFS, keeping the trail (and dirt road in) in good condition.
Overall, we think the hike to Blue Pool is one of the best hikes in Oregon, and one everyone should have on their list!
Swimming and Cliff Jumping at Blue Pool
Swimming at Blue Pool is a daring endeavor, even for the hardiest among us.
The water temperature at Blue Pool is a fairly consistent 37 degrees Fahrenheit, which is supremely chilly.
Some brave people can handle the cold for a short time, but it’s not exactly a swimming pool you can truly relax in.
Although the water is dangerously cold, Blue Pool cliff jumping is popular among people with more adrenaline tolerance than us.
There are a variety of rocks around the basin perimeter that you can jump off of with different heights.
Blue Pool Oregon Camping and Lodging
Camping near Blue Pool can offer an immersive overnight stay in one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon.
There are several Blue Pool camping options, including Olallie Campground (just a few minutes south) and Coldwater Cove Campground, located to the north on the beautiful Clear Lake, the source of the mighty McKenzie River.
Further away, Paradise Campground, Alder Springs Campground, and Big Lake Campground are also great options.
If you’re looking for a proper roof over your head, check out Belknap Hot Springs, which has several lodging options and a wonderful hot spring pool.
Adventures Near Blue Pool
Blue Pool is just one of the beautiful stops along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, a national scenic byway in the heart of central Oregon.
One of the best spots in this area is Koosah and Sahalie Falls, a series of two beautiful waterfalls along the icy-blue McKenzie River.
Also, Clear Lake is a hidden gem that is somehow still relatively undiscovered. Finally, you can’t miss Proxy Falls, a series of two waterfalls on Proxy Creek, south of Blue Pool.
Further away, we can’t get enough of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and of course its fun to hang out in Bend Oregon.
More Blue Pool Planning Resources
For weather planning, check out this NOAA weather forecast for Blue Pool Oregon.
Unfortunately, wildfires can close roads and cause smoke, potentially disrupting your plans. We love Watch Duty for wildfire and air quality updates.
For pretty much every adventure in Oregon, we check ODOT’s Trip Check to see if any roads are closed.
Check out the official USFS Blue Pool Webpage for up to date information.
Blue Pool FAQ
How hard is the hike to Blue Pool, Oregon?
The hike is considered easy to moderate, about 4 miles round‑trip with roughly 300 ft of elevation gain, and is manageable for most ages and skill levels
Can you swim in the Blue Pool Oregon?
Only if you are brave enough to embrace bone chilling water. If you do, please be careful. This level of cold is no joke.
How deep is the Blue Pool in Oregon?
The pool is about 30 feet deep at the center, but it does appear deceptively shallow because of the clarity.
Why is Blue Pool, Oregon so blue?
The bright, vivid blue color is the result of the cold and clear water, filtered by many layers of porous lava rock, preventing fine sediment and migro-organisms from clouding the water.
How cold is the water at Blue Pool, Oregon?
The water at Blue Pool is about 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 degrees Celcius).
Is the Blue Pool worth visiting?
Absolutely. This is one of the most unique and memorable natural features in Oregon and beyond.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful when planning your visit to Blue Pool Oregon!
As always, be sure to leave no trace and stay on established trails.
Check out our other articles about central Oregon and other areas in Oregon.
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