The most common way to hike to popular Blue Pool on the McKenzie River Trail will be closed on weekdays from July 16 to July 30 for a habitat restoration project.

The McKenzie River Trail takes you through amazing old-growth scenery to a stunning pool that is as blue as the Caribbean. But be warned, it's much colder.

The McKenzie River disappears at Carmen Reservoir, then resurfaces several miles downstream at Tamolitch Falls (also commonly known as Blue Pool), another beautiful 2-mile day hike.

Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.

MCKENZIE BRIDGE, Ore. — The McKenzie River has always filled me with a certain mystical wonder about its hidden beauty.