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Aug 4, 2008

Tamolitch - McKenzie River

In June, Lori and I spent a night at Belknap Hot Springs to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. It is a resort on the world famous McKenzie River.

They have two hot springs-fed swimming pools that are cooled down to 105 degrees. Yeah … a little too hot to swim in, but very nice to soak in.

We were able to go on a couple hikes while there. I got the opportunity to take Lori to the beautiful Tamolitch Falls (a.k.a. Blue Pool or Tamolitch Pool).

I have hiked in there 5 times, but this time the pool was different. The water level was higher and there was water coming out of the rock wall. I guess all of my previous trips have been later in the season. I understand that earlier this year there was actually water flowing over the falls.

Next Spring I hope to make it up there earlier to witness this.

Most of the year the water flows in from below. A lava flow from a few thousand years ago spread across the McKenzie valley. The water of the McKenzie River now flows under ground through the porous lava rock and lava tubes for a stretch that ends at Tamolitch. The pool is very cold and very clear and very beautiful.




















1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I remember that pool, its such a nice area. And the water was so cold, it must have been below freezing! Haha, do you remember that kids comment? I think his cheese had slid off the cracker.
~Nat