McKenize Pass Trail Area

Lava River National Recreation Trail # 3540

Required Permits Northwest Forest Pass needed? NO Wilderness: Self issue permit needed? NO Wilderness: Limited Entry permit needed? NO More information about permits Close To... Mt. Washington Wilderness Three Sisters Wilderness Alder Springs Campground Scott Lake Campground Dee Wright Observatory Pacific Crest Trail For more information... Read more about hiking safely and having fun in the Willamette National Forest on our Hiking/Trails page. Contact the McKenzie Ranger Station More contact information

Length: ½ mile

Elevation: 5300 ft.

Season: Summer to Fall; Highway 242 is closed in the winter.

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate; most difficult for wheelchairs due to steep grades with dropoffs.

Water: None

How to get there: From the McKenzie River Ranger Station, travel east on Highway 126 for about 2 miles to the junction with Highway 242. Travel about 20 miles up Highway 242 to the summit of McKenzie Pass at Dee Wright Observatory. The Lava River trail, just east of the observatory, is accessed from the parking area.

Trail Description: This short, paved interpretive trail offers remarkable views of lava that flowed from Yapoah Crater. Interpretive signs offer geologic information on the lava formations along the trail.