McKenzie River Trail (OR)

Oregon, US

Distance

27.5 mi

This easy 26.5 mile (43 km) trail parallels the scenic McKenzie River, gaining 1,750 ft (525 m) as it passes through many contrasting environments: lava beds, lakes, reservoirs, waterfalls, cold-water creeks and dense old-growth forests. Eleven clearly marked trailheads provide access from Hwy 126. The lower trailhead is approximately 56 miles (90 km) from Eugene and at an elevation of 1,450 ft (435 m). No permit is needed, and the lower half is great for kids.

https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/mckenzie-river-national-recreation-trail-(mrt)/956/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110618&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=4479&ttype=recarea&pname=McKenzie%20River%20National%20Recreation%20Trail

GPS Track

McKenzie-River.gpx874.94 KB

FKTs

Male

Supported
Drew Macomber			2h 50m 49s	2022-08-12

Unsupported
Alex King	2h 57m 26s	2021-05-23
Michael Moore	3h 3m 8s	2021-05-15
Zachary Holloway, Brady Beagley	3h 14m 20s	2016-05-27

Female

Unsupported
Rachel Drake, Jessie Vickers	3h 23m 59s	2020-06-19
Alli Miles	4h 10m 11s	2020-05-16
Ashly Winchester	4h 59m 18s	2019-10-27

Male

Supported
Ethan Hardacre			8h 12m 16s	2021-07-13

Unsupported
Cory Gant	12h 55m 52s	2021-06-10
Matt Greensmith	13h 26m 13s	2021-05-29
Matthew Robison	14h 0m 27s	2019-11-01

Mixed-gender team

Self-supported
Jason Hardrath, Emily Keddie, Erica Raggio			11h 38m 58s	2021-05-23

McKenzie River Trail (OR), photo by Matthew Robison

Comments

Stunningly beautiful trail, an Oregon Classic for sure!

I was surprised no one had posted a double crossing in 2019. A trail so nice, one must do twice.

Hello! I am intending to run the McKenzie River Trail tomorrow (Sat., May 16th) from the upper trailhead above Clear Lake and go for the Female Unsupported FKT. Regardless of my finish time, I'll follow up in the comments here and share my Strava link as a reference for others.

It is so beautiful, you will love it!

Excited to hear!

Thanks, Jason! It was a good day out there. Such a stellar trail and river corridor. There were some downed trees and some very muddy sections, but otherwise the trail was in great shape, mostly empty of hikers and bikers, and starting to show some spring blooms.

Hi, I'm planning to run this route on Friday. My initial plan was to go for the female unsupported FKT, but I think I may end up running with a group of 2-3 friends, so it may end up being a different designation, like team or supported. Mostly in it for the adventure, but hoping for a solid effort that might be an FKT.

Hello friends! Lots of excitement on this trail so far this year with Alli and Kimber posting some speedy times! Kimber's time isn't up yet but it looks like she ran around 3:44 according to her Strava! My pal Jessie and I will be attempting to run it hard tomorrow for a fun challenge and perhaps FKT.

Hi Everyone! I put this route on the calendar for July 13th, 2021. I think I'll end up doing a supported out 'n back attempt. Does any one know if I have to do it from the upper trail head? I think I'd like to start from the lower one if that's cool.

I intend to run the out and back ~50 mile route this weekend, either 7/25 or 7/26 unsupported and unaided.

Impeccable style. Out and back with no support

Route: McKenzie River Trail (OR)

FKTs

Comments