I first heard about McKenzie Bridge when I dated someone from there. He didn’t think I knew it, which maybe I didn’t, but living in Oregon since I was 11, I’d definitely driven through. For me and other Bendites, heading west often involves an Oregon Ducks football game in Eugene—meaning passing through the tiny towns along the way may not always prompt a stop. Still, McKenzie Bridge, located 75 miles from Bend, calls for further exploration. Close to Belknap Hot Springs, the McKenzie River and the Tamolitch Pool—also called the Blue Pool—the reasons to stay in McKenzie Bridge add up quickly.
Who This Trip is For:
Ideal for weekend adventurers seeking a home base. Family friendly and perfect for the outdoor explorer set.
Where to Stay:
While the options to stay directly in McKenzie Bridge may be in low quantity, the surrounding area includes a variety of cabins and BnBs. I recommend Loloma Lodge, which has undergone new ownership since my stay. The quiet lodge includes four riverfront cabins, a log cabin and a classic log lodge. The bright cabins feature large windows that allow in tons of natural light, and you can’t beat their riverfront location. In the center of the Loloma Lodge property you’ll find a beautiful, well-tended garden—perfect for reading and relaxing.
What to Do:
A brief eight-minute drive from McKenzie Bridge is the relaxing haven that is Belknap Hot Springs. Unlike many other hot springs in Oregon, the water from the springs is piped into a pool. From there, explore the beautiful gardens and great hiking. Visit Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls, both located northeast of McKenzie Bridge on Highway 126. Hike to the stunning blue waters of the Tamolitch Pool. While you’re in the area, take advantage of the McKenzie River itself with a rafting trip from High Country Expeditions.
Where to Eat:
Over the years, the McKenzie General Store in McKenzie Bridge has upped its game. In addition to finding the essentials for any meal you want to cook, you’ll also find a food truck/grill with fresh, natural and organic foods as well as beer and wine. The store added a back patio dining area with twinkling lights, a fire pit and picnic tables—a lovely riverside gathering spot along the McKenzie River. The General Store also features weekly live music and occasional movie nights. Try the locally sourced Lookout Pulled Pork Sandwich, featuring a house-made marionberry and bourbon BBQ sauce. Also enjoy the NW Salmon Tacos, made from fresh-caught, wild salmon.
Population: Unincorporated
TIME from Bend: 1 hr. 40 min.
Fun Facts:
The National Register of Historic Places included the Log Cabin Inn in McKenzie Bridge until it was destroyed by fire in 2006.
The resort at Belknap Hot Springs has been open to the public since the 1870s, except for a period of time between 1968-1978.
Belknap Hot Springs is classified as having a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, according to the Koppen Climate Classification system.
The area is also home to the Benedict Lodge — a religious retreat and church formed for the Benedictine monks in 1940.
Sahalie Falls can be spotted in Disney’s movie, “Homeward Bound.”
This article appears in Mar 7-14, 2018.
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FRAUD ALERT – I reserved a cabin at LoLoMa Lodge from December 22nd – December 25, 2017 – an approved transaction that was authorized and paid for (12.21.17 $601.45). They then charged my card for December 25th – December 27, 2017 ($384.30), an unauthorized fraudulent charge that the bank found them guilty of fraud after an extensive investigation – I was not on their property nor did I request to reserve those dates to stay. They were notified to reverse the charge on 1.2.18 after the card was canceled and a fraud claim made and blatantly disregarded the email and did not respond while leaving the charge intact prompting the investigation. Furthermore, our stay was uncomfortable at best so a fraudulent charge was certainly the cherry on top of this horrible stay. BE WARNED AND BEWARE.
When we arrived, I met with the Grounds Manager who informed me the facility was newly acquired and woman owned. I love supporting woman owned businesses and understand there can be challenges embarking on new ventures and took this into consideration when we stumbled upon less than ideal conditions.
First, the cabin was FREEZING and no care or consideration was given to our arrival and turning heat on in advance to warm the chill. The windows are clearly original and wind blows through them and the poorly maintained sliding door. We turned on the floor heaters and set a fire but the chill did not abate for nearly 24 hours. I would hope in the future consideration to turning heat on in advance to warm the frigid building to allow for the comfort of guests in the cold winter months.
Second, the cabin was DIRTY – dirt on the floors, cobwebs in every room, pile of dirt in the dustpan in the kitchen and a smell of rotten meat as we entered.
Third, the fireplace was old and smoke accumulated in the house making it difficult to breathe – we had to choose warmth over breathing in the end.
The shower was ancient, tiny, dilapidated and disgusting and I opted not to use it out of disgust.
The stove had a broken heating element and we shared in advance we intended to cook holiday meals there – that was frustrating to learn onsite after our correspondence said all the amenities were present.
Finally, I contacted them about the back outdoor light being broken and necessary for me to keep a safe visual on my dog near the very close, raging river and no one ever replaced the bulb so I was forced to remain outdoors in the freeze to ensure his safety at night.
I understand they are newer owners and I had hoped they could improve upon the previous owners neglect and poor management as evidence of the numerous reviews online. I would hope that care and consideration would be given to the comfort of guests and the accuracy of charges – avoid fraud.