Backpacking on the McKenzie River trail

An overnight trip on the McKenzie River trail in Oregon. It was cold and rainy the first day, but cleared up beautifully the next. The trail is easy enough for the most novice of backpackers and is spectacular enough for the most experienced. Highly recommended if you don't mind running into a few dayhikers now and then.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Backpacking
• Oregon
• McKenzie
• River
• Ultralight
• Tarp
• Hiking

[offgridmontana]

I just hiked this trail, too close to the highway and buttloads of sheeple tourists. However, damn, it was beautiful.

[chemicalcraig69]

@offgridmontana It can get pretty crowded once the weather gets nice, for sure, and you're right about the highway. But if you rely on public transportation it's hard to beat. I thought about taking the bus to the ranger station with a bike and riding up the rest of the way to the PCT, ditching the bike in the woods for a few days, then heading back. Never got around to it, though.

[trollgoal]

where does this trail start in Oregon???

[chemicalcraig69]

@trollgoal Hi, it starts at the McKenzie River ranger station. If you go to the ranger station it's right across the street.  You can either drive there or jump on the LTD number 91 that starts at the station downtown and ends at the ranger station twice a day.

[offgridmontana]

@chemicalcraig69

I took the 91 to the ranger station. Even though it was crowded there are still plenty of areas to camp unnoticed because most of the traffic goes home, to their hotels, etc in the evening. In fact, I did not see traffic until 9:30am to 11:00am on the trail.

[finaltom5]

@chemicalcraig69 Diamond Back rattlers on the snake river. at least near oxbow, OR. They are dyeing off or disapearing because of the people that don't like snakes. Peace

[chemicalcraig69]

@finaltom5 Do you know what kind of snakes are around there? I'm sure there are some poisonous varieties. I wouldn't be too afraid of snakes at night, though, unless you're in the desert or something. Chances are probably pretty slim that they'll make their way into your sleeping bag and even slimmer that they'll attack you fatally. But I know a lot of people are just as happy to avoid snakes altogether.

[finaltom5]

@chemicalcraig69 I agree! Because on the snake river or the john day area, in the summer i would use a tent because of SNAKES. So yes, it depends upon the situation. TY for shareing! Peace from La Pine

[enjoythewildUSA]

Nice video bro. Beautiful country you have up there.

[Jamydicr]

Watch out for Bigfoot they filmed it on that same river.