Sunday, November 20, 2011

Tamolitch Pool 17 August 2011

 Tamolitch Pool is an easy 4.2 mile in and out hike along the McKenzie River off of Hwy 126.  Lots of "non-hikers" on the trail, especially in the afternoon.  The forest was not especially remarkable, but the river views were pretty as we dipped up and down along its banks.  One thing we saw an abundance of was saprophytes, like the Indian pipe and candy cane.  The pool was absolutely stunning, clear and blue, viewed from the cliff.  We scrambled over to the dry falls and took a break.  The McKenzie River runs underground for a 3 mile section and comes out here in this pool to begin its above ground travel again.  Lava from Little Belknap buried the 3 miles of the McKenzie River 1600 years ago.  You can hike up beyond the Tamolitch pool and only see dry riverbed.  We checked it out for a little ways before turning around.

 McKenzie River
first view of Tamolitch Pool
 Tamolitch Pool from the dry falls
 Indian pipe
candy cane saprophyte
Cheryl on the trail




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