Backpacking and Hot Springs - McKenzie River Trail and Deer Creek Hot Spring
Details
The McKenzie River Trail is a scenic trail that runs along the blue waters of the McKenzie. It stretches nearly 26 miles, with views of well known Tamolitch Pool, Koosah Falls, and Sahalie Falls, and much more. Hidden along the riverbank, covered in overhanging ferns is the Deer Creek Hot Spring. A great place to relax after a day of backpacking along the trail. The weekend will also offer a near full moon to enjoy, as it lights up the river and the hot springs at night.
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Trail Info: The trail from the McKenzie River Ranger Station to Deer Creek Hot Spring is 9.1 miles, and rather flat, with the occasional climb near creeks spilling into the McKenzie, making for a 18.2 mile round trip hike.
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Logistics: I plan on taking the LTD bus from Eugene up to the Ranger Station, then backpacking from there. I have done this numerous times, and I know the trail quite well. The bus (McKenzie 91) leaves the Eugene Station promptly at 8:30AM. You can meet me there, or along its route. It will drop us off at the Ranger Station at 9:48AM. From there we will cross the highway safely, and begin our hike to the hot springs, where there are backpacking spots along the river. We will stop at Belknap Hot Springs, if needed, for those that want to grab a quick drink, or an ice cream at their gift shop. With stopping for lunch, and taking pictures, it usually takes me just over three hours to reach the hot springs. This will give us time to set up camp, enjoy the hot springs until dark, or even grab small day packs and go for a short day hike. Sunday we will hike back in time to catch the bus back at the Ranger Station by 6:03PM. I usually arrive early, to assure myself that I made it in time for the bus.
Bus Route Info: https://www.ltd.org/system-map/route_91/
Fees and Requirements: The bus fare is $3.50 for a day pass, so a total of $7 for the weekend. If just going from your stop, or the Eugene Station, to the Ranger Station, with no transfer, it's just $1.75 a day. Very affordable, and it allows everyone to relax, and not worry about leaving a car overnight anywhere, or being tired driving back. I ask that everyone packs light, as carrying a large backpack will simply make the bus quite crowded. It's just for one night. Pack light, share filters, and tents, if we can. It also makes it easier to find a large enough camp spot for all of us. Please pack your ten essentials, enough water for the hike, or bring a water filter, and meals for one night, plus snacks. No dogs on this trip, please.
Disclaimer: Deer Creek Hot Spring is a clothing optional hot spring, and full nudity is quite common. Please respect those that wish to enjoy the springs nude, as well as in a bathing suit. The spring runs about 102 degrees, with hotter spots back in the cave running around 115, and higher. I've seen as many as 20 people in the pool at one time.
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Contact: Matthew Howell - You can message me on here, or through Facebook.