Tamolitch Blue Pool, Oregon Weather
Recreation Area • Central Oregon
Tamolitch Blue Pool is a cliff-ringed basin on the upper McKenzie River. Here the river, after flowing about three miles underground beneath a lava flow, wells back up into a clear turquoise pool. It sits on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail in the Willamette National Forest, about 2 miles upstream from the Trail Bridge Reservoir trailhead.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Tamolitch Blue Pool weather today and through the year
It's 46°F at Tamolitch Blue Pool right now (feels like 42°F), with 6 mph wind and a comfort score of 51. Today's forecast high at Tamolitch Blue Pool is 55°F, 8°F above the mid November normal of 47°F. No fog in the forecast for tomorrow at Tamolitch Blue Pool. In November, 20% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window tomorrow is 9 AM to noon, at about 46°F with a 5 mph wind (comfort 61).
July is the warmest month at Tamolitch Blue Pool, with an average high of 81°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 29°F. December is the wettest month (12.5 in.), out of about 73.5 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and precipitation odds, the most comfortable months at Tamolitch Blue Pool are July, August, and September. The best hours are usually 10 AM to 1 PM in July, 10 AM to 1 PM in August, and 1 PM to 4 PM in September.
Tamolitch is on the west slope of the Cascades, the wet side of the range, and a world apart from Sisters on the other side of the passes. Pacific storms hit this slope head-on, so the pool gets heavy rain from fall through spring, and the old-growth forest around it stays green and mossy. At this elevation winter storms bring a mix of rain and snow, and a cold spell can leave the trail snow-covered for days or weeks.
Forecast updated November 13, 2026 at 5:02 PM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from May 2016 to May 2026.
What to expect at Tamolitch Blue Pool in the next few days
No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.
Fog
No fog in the forecast for tomorrow at Tamolitch Blue Pool. In November, 20% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window tomorrow is 9 AM to noon, at about 46°F with a 5 mph wind (comfort 61).
Hiking conditions
Best hiking day this week: Saturday, with 6 daylight hours that are dry, 45 to 80°F, and under 18 mph wind. 1 of the next 7 days have at least 4 such hours.
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Saturday looks best for Tamolitch Blue Pool, with a 49°F high and midday comfort near 53. Wednesday looks weakest (30).
This weekend
This weekend: Saturday 49°F/41°F with a 89% chance of rain, Sunday 47°F/40°F with a 99% chance of rain.
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (100%, about 0.22 in.).
Freezing nights
2 of the next 7 nights are forecast to reach freezing or colder.
Live weather map
Weather around Tamolitch Blue Pool right now
Light rain and 46° at Tamolitch Blue Pool right now.
About the live weather map for Tamolitch Blue Pool
The map centers on Tamolitch Blue Pool and stacks wildfire smoke, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby Central Oregon destinations
Tip: Central Oregon temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Tamolitch Blue Pool vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Tamolitch Blue Pool, from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.
| Place | Distance | Summer afternoons | Morning fog | Afternoon wind | Compared with Tamolitch Blue Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahalie / Koosah Falls | 2.8 mi | same | 3% | 6 mph | a very similar climate |
| Clear Lake / Santiam Area | 4.1 mi | same | 3% | 6 mph | a very similar climate |
| Big Lake / Hoodoo Area | 7.9 mi | -5°F | 9% | 9 mph | 2,279 ft higher and about 5°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| South Sister Summit | 19.3 mi | -21°F | 8% | 11 mph | 8,017 ft higher and about 21°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Broken Top Summit | 22.7 mi | -17°F | 7% | 12 mph | 6,834 ft higher and about 17°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| No Name Lake / Broken Top | 23.2 mi | -17°F | 7% | 12 mph | 5,684 ft higher and about 17°F cooler on summer afternoons |
Places with a climate like Tamolitch Blue Pool's
- Idanha (27 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Marion Forks (21 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Black Butte Summit (20 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Tamolitch Blue Pool climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Tamolitch Blue Pool with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Tamolitch Blue Pool departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Tamolitch Blue Pool weather by month
July is the warmest month at Tamolitch Blue Pool, with an average high of 81°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 29°F. December is the wettest month (12.5 in.), out of about 73.5 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in February, when fog or low cloud covers 27% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. July has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 5% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and precipitation odds, the most comfortable months at Tamolitch Blue Pool are July, August, and September. The best hours are usually 10 AM to 1 PM in July, 10 AM to 1 PM in August, and 1 PM to 4 PM in September.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip | Wet days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42°F | 29°F | 10.2 in | 19 | 21% | 31% | 6 mph | 9.2 h | 19 |
| Feb | 45°F | 29°F | 7.7 in | 17 | 27% | 36% | 6 mph | 10.4 h | 19 |
| Mar | 50°F | 31°F | 8.2 in | 17 | 22% | 36% | 6 mph | 11.8 h | 20 |
| Apr | 55°F | 34°F | 6.5 in | 15 | 21% | 33% | 6 mph | 13.5 h | 24 |
| May | 64°F | 39°F | 4.6 in | 13 | 12% | 28% | 6 mph | 14.8 h | 40 |
| Jun | 71°F | 44°F | 3.0 in | 10 | 7% | 16% | 7 mph | 15.5 h | 63 |
| Jul | 81°F | 48°F | 0.7 in | 5 | 3% | 5% | 7 mph | 15.2 h | 86 |
| Aug | 81°F | 47°F | 0.9 in | 6 | 3% | 5% | 7 mph | 14.0 h | 86 |
| Sep | 73°F | 43°F | 2.4 in | 9 | 10% | 12% | 7 mph | 12.4 h | 66 |
| Oct | 60°F | 37°F | 6.2 in | 15 | 13% | 22% | 6 mph | 10.8 h | 37 |
| Nov | 47°F | 32°F | 10.5 in | 19 | 20% | 28% | 6 mph | 9.5 h | 20 |
| Dec | 40°F | 29°F | 12.5 in | 21 | 25% | 33% | 6 mph | 8.9 h | 16 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
What makes Tamolitch Blue Pool's weather different
Among the 17 Central Oregon recreation areas we track, Tamolitch Blue Pool has the 2nd-coolest summer afternoons and the calmest summer afternoons. It also has the mildest winter nights.
- #2of 17
coolest summer afternoonsamong Central Oregon recreation areas
- #1of 17
calmest summer afternoonsamong Central Oregon recreation areas
- #1of 17
mildest winter nightsamong Central Oregon recreation areas
When the fog burns off
31%of 8 AM hours foggy in February
Fog or low cloud covers Tamolitch Blue Pool in 31% of 8 AM hours in February, the foggiest month. It thins slowly and often lasts into the early afternoon. August mornings are the least foggy (3%).
Wind
6 mphtypical afternoon wind, with no strong daily build-up
Tamolitch Blue Pool has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 6 mph year-round, and August is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 7 mph.
Freezing hours
11 hbelow freezing on a typical February night
In February, the average stays at or below freezing for 11 hours of the night and morning.
Elevation
−5°Fsummer afternoons at Big Lake / Hoodoo Area, 2,279 ft up
Big Lake / Hoodoo Area sits 2,279 ft higher, 7.9 miles away. Its summer highs average 5°F cooler and its winter lows 4°F colder than Tamolitch Blue Pool.
Daylight
8.9–15.5 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Tamolitch Blue Pool range from about 8.9 hours in December to 15.5 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:53 PM, and in mid-December around 4:35 PM.
Wildfire smoke
12 daysof smoky air per fire season (about AQI 75+)
NOAA's HRRR-Smoke model gives the area around Tamolitch Blue Pool an average of 12 smoky days a fire season from 2021 to 2025. On each of those days, smoke held the air quality index at about 75 or higher for at least three hours. About 26 more days a season had lighter smoke.
Snow
83 inof snow per winter (HRRR estimate)
NOAA's HRRR model puts Tamolitch Blue Pool at about 83 inches of snow a winter, falling on about 36 days. That is the average of the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 winters.
Seasons at Tamolitch Blue Pool
- Warm seasonJun 25 – Sep 24 · highs 72°F+
The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jun 25 to Sep 24, when the average high is 72°F or warmer. Highs peak around Jul 8 at about 81°F.
- Cool seasonNov 26 – Feb 24 · highs 46°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 26 to Feb 24, when the average high is 46°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 29°F.
- Freezing nightsNov 24 – Mar 31 · lows 32°F or colder
Average lows at Tamolitch Blue Pool are at or below freezing from Nov 24 to Mar 31.
- Wet seasonOct 11 – May 2 · 82% of the year's precipitation
The wet season runs from Oct 11 to May 2, when a day has at least a 45% chance of measurable precipitation. That stretch brings 82% of the year's precipitation.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of precipitation by Oct 5 and half of its annual total by Jan 23.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Tamolitch Blue Pool averaged 3 days a year at 90°F or hotter and 71 nights a year at or below freezing. It averaged 30 days a year with at least half an inch of precipitation and 0 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 53 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Aug 11, 2025 (94°F) and the coldest night was Feb 11, 2025 (12°F). The wettest day was Dec 18, 2025 (5.19 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 43 mph on Oct 25, 2025.
- 3days at 90°F or hotter
- 71nights at or below freezing
- 30days with ½ in. of precipitation or more
- 0afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 53mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day94°FAug 11, 2025
- Coldest night12°FFeb 11, 2025
- Wettest day5.19 inDec 18, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust43 mphOct 25, 2025
What shapes Tamolitch Blue Pool's weather
The pool's color and temperature have nothing to do with the air above it. A lava flow from Belknap Crater about 1,600 years ago buried this stretch of the river, and the water filters through porous rock before rising into the basin. It comes up cold and clear all year, so the pool stays the same frigid temperature on a hot August afternoon as in January.
The canyon walls and tall forest keep the trail sheltered. There is little wind, and fog or low cloud often hangs in the valley on winter mornings and can linger all day. Summer days are warm and usually clear, and the basin gets its most vivid color when the midday sun is high enough to light the water directly.
Tamolitch Falls, at the head of the pool, changes with the season even though the pool does not. The falls are dry most of the time and usually run only in spring, or in wet winters when the river floods over the lava bed. The springs feeding the pool keep it full either way.
Tips for visiting Tamolitch Blue Pool
Don't jump in
The water averages 37°F, the cliffs are 10 to 60 feet high, and people have been severely injured or killed jumping. Phone reception is minimal and help can take hours to arrive.
Arrive early and park legally
Do not park along Highway 126 or in front of utility facilities. Come early or on a weekday in summer.
Wear sturdy shoes
The 2.1-mile trail from Trail Bridge Reservoir is rough and rocky over old lava, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Pack out your trash
There is no fee, but there is also no water, picnic tables or garbage service. The site is open for day use from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Check trail conditions in winter
Forest roads here aren't maintained for snow and ice. Call the McKenzie River Ranger Station for trail conditions before a winter trip.
Tamolitch Blue Pool through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring is wet and green, and it is the season when the falls above the pool are most likely to flow.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is warm, mostly dry and the busiest season. The lot fills on weekends, and the pool stays ice-cold.
- Fall (September–November)
- Fall is quieter, with cooler days and changing leaves along the river. Rain returns in October and builds through November.
- Winter (December–February)
- Winter is wet and cold, with rain, snow in colder spells, and forest roads that aren't maintained for snow and ice. The pool stays clear and full.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Hiking: The hike is about 4.2 miles round trip with about 350 feet of gain. It is good in any dry spell, and the forest shade keeps it comfortable in summer.
- Mountain biking: Riders share the McKenzie River Trail. Bikers should yield to hikers and use the bypass trail around the pool. Wet lava is slick after rain.
- Photography: The river bubbles up into a crystal-clear pool, and its color is strongest when midday sun lights the water. Overcast days give softer light on the cliffs and forest.
Official sources and current conditions
- Willamette National Forest: Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool)
- Willamette National Forest: McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
- NWS forecast for Tamolitch
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperature, precipitation, fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 44 | 43.2° / 32.5° | 3.5h | 7d | 9.28" | 4 |
| December 2024 | 43 | 42.4° / 32.3° | 3.3h | 8d | 11.25" | 0 |
| January 2025 | 57 | 43.7° / 30.5° | 5.5h | 4d | 5.01" | 7 |
| February 2025 | 50 | 40.3° / 27.1° | 4.3h | 5d | 7.54" | 4 |
| March 2025 | 55 | 45.9° / 32.7° | 5.5h | 6d | 9.47" | 8 |
| April 2025 | 80 | 54.5° / 35.9° | 9.4h | 4d | 1.53" | 20 |
| May 2025 | 81 | 60.1° / 40.8° | 9.8h | 6d | 1.14" | 21 |
| June 2025 | 94 | 71.2° / 46.5° | 12h | 0d | 0.72" | 27 |
| July 2025 | 97 | 79.2° / 53.5° | 12.6h | 0d | 0.01" | 31 |
| August 2025 | 95 | 79.9° / 55.4° | 11.1h | 1d | 0.15" | 30 |
| September 2025 | 89 | 74.9° / 51.2° | 9h | 1d | 0.97" | 24 |
| October 2025 | 72 | 55.1° / 39.5° | 6.7h | 1d | 3.94" | 19 |
| November 2025 | 63 | 50.9° / 38.5° | 5h | 3d | 3.5" | 8 |
| December 2025 | 45 | 45.6° / 35.9° | 2.7h | 8d | 16.02" | 5 |
| January 2026 | 66 | 46.8° / 35.2° | 5.6h | 3d | 2.48" | 9 |
| February 2026 | 61 | 46.6° / 32.9° | 5.5h | 5d | 5.14" | 8 |
| March 2026 | 66 | 50.9° / 36.3° | 6.8h | 7d | 5.31" | 14 |
| April 2026 | 74 | 53.8° / 36.5° | 8.9h | 7d | 3.86" | 18 |
| May 2026 | 88 | 63.7° / 42.2° | 11.2h | 2d | 1.83" | 26 |
| June 2026 | 87 | 68° / 47° | 10.7h | 3d | 2.05" | 24 |
| July 2026 | 98 | 76.9° / 51.6° | 12.5h | 0d | 0.26" | 31 |
| August 2026 | 96 | 79.1° / 52.4° | 11.6h | 0d | 0.01" | 31 |
| September 2026 | 89 | 65.2° / 45.7° | 8.9h | 1d | 1.77" | 23 |
| October 2026 | 82 | 62.5° / 42.6° | 7.6h | 2d | 1.35" | 22 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Tamolitch Blue Pool climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Tamolitch Blue Pool, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Tamolitch Blue Pool. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Snow Depth by Season
0″ on the ground as of Nov 13, compared with an average of 0″ on that date.
Now
0″
Typical peak
24″
Deepest
45″
2015–16
About this chart and each season's peak
Each gray line is one winter at Tamolitch Blue Pool (2,461 ft), from August through July. The dashed line is the average for each date, and the blue line is this season. Depths come from NOAA's daily SNODAS snow analysis, adjusted for the elevation of this spot, and are updated through Nov 13, 2026.
| Season | Peak depth | Peak date | Days with 1″+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | 6.6″ | Feb 18 | 18 |
| 2024–25 | 13″ | Feb 15 | 82 |
| 2023–24 | 35″ | Jan 14 | 75 |
| 2022–23 | 33″ | Apr 4 | 144 |
| 2021–22 | 33″ | Jan 5 | 104 |
| 2020–21 | 18″ | Feb 28 | 72 |
| 2019–20 | 28″ | Jan 18 | 71 |
| 2018–19 | 34″ | Feb 26 | 71 |
| 2017–18 | 36″ | Feb 26 | 75 |
| 2016–17 | 43″ | Jan 12 | 104 |
| 2015–16 | 45″ | Dec 24 | 76 |
| 2014–15 | 11″ | Dec 30 | 20 |
| 2013–14 | 24″ | Feb 9 | 41 |
| 2012–13 | 19″ | Jan 29 | 73 |
| 2011–12 | 18″ | Jan 18 | 32 |
| 2010–11 | 16″ | Nov 23 | 66 |
| 2009–10 | 2.8″ | Jan 1 | 9 |
| 2008–09 | 38″ | Dec 23 | 65 |
| 2007–08 | 38″ | Jan 31 | 119 |
| 2006–07 | 11″ | Nov 29 | 37 |
| 2005–06 | 6.5″ | Mar 11 | 31 |
| 2004–05 | 4.7″ | Dec 7 | 18 |
| 2003–04 | 32″ | Jan 7 | 105 |
Hourly Temperature, Wind, and Cloud Cover Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2016-05-01 to 2026-05-01
- Temperature: At Tamolitch Blue Pool, the warmest typical hour is 3 PM in August (78°F). The coldest is 7 AM in February (30°F).
- Wind: Tamolitch Blue Pool has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 6 mph year-round, and August is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 7 mph.
- Cloud Cover: July middays are the clearest at Tamolitch Blue Pool (5% average cloud cover), and February middays are the cloudiest (36%).
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Tamolitch Blue Pool
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Tamolitch Blue Pool changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Tamolitch Blue Pool through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Tamolitch Blue Pool for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Tamolitch Blue Pool
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Tamolitch Blue Pool averaged a high of 63°F, 7°F warmer than October 2025 (55°F).
Location Details
Tamolitch Blue Pool weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Tamolitch Blue Pool
What is the weather like at Tamolitch Blue Pool today?
It's 46°F at Tamolitch Blue Pool right now, with a comfort score of 51 (fair). Today's forecast high at Tamolitch Blue Pool is 55°F, 8°F above the mid November normal of 47°F. The best window tomorrow is 9 AM to noon, at about 46°F with a 5 mph wind (comfort 61).
What is the best month to visit Tamolitch Blue Pool?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and precipitation odds, the most comfortable months at Tamolitch Blue Pool are July, August, and September. The best hours are usually 10 AM to 1 PM in July, 10 AM to 1 PM in August, and 1 PM to 4 PM in September. The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jun 25 to Sep 24, when the average high is 72°F or warmer. Highs peak around Jul 8 at about 81°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Tamolitch Blue Pool?
July is the warmest month at Tamolitch Blue Pool, with an average high of 81°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 29°F. Average lows at Tamolitch Blue Pool are at or below freezing from Nov 24 to Mar 31.
When does the fog burn off at Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Fog or low cloud covers Tamolitch Blue Pool in 31% of 8 AM hours in February, the foggiest month. It thins slowly and often lasts into the early afternoon. August mornings are the least foggy (3%).
Does it snow at Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Yes, regularly through the winter. NOAA's HRRR model puts Tamolitch Blue Pool at about 83 inches of snow a winter, falling on about 36 days. That is the average of the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 winters.
How much rain and snow does Tamolitch Blue Pool get?
December is the wettest month (12.5 in.), out of about 73.5 in. a year. The wet season runs from Oct 11 to May 2, when a day has at least a 45% chance of measurable precipitation. That stretch brings 82% of the year's precipitation.
How does Tamolitch Blue Pool weather compare with Big Lake / Hoodoo Area?
Big Lake / Hoodoo Area sits 2,279 ft higher, 7.9 miles away. Its summer highs average 5°F cooler and its winter lows 4°F colder than Tamolitch Blue Pool.
How smoky does Tamolitch Blue Pool get in fire season?
NOAA's HRRR-Smoke model gives the area around Tamolitch Blue Pool an average of 12 smoky days a fire season from 2021 to 2025. On each of those days, smoke held the air quality index at about 75 or higher for at least three hours. About 26 more days a season had lighter smoke.
Why is Tamolitch Pool so blue?
A lava flow from Belknap Crater about 1,600 years ago buried a 3-mile stretch of the McKenzie River. The river flows beneath the lava and seeps back up through porous rock into the basin, producing very clear, cold water that looks turquoise against the surrounding cliffs.
Can you swim at Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Jumping in isn't against the rules, but the Forest Service warns that people have been severely injured or killed doing it. The water averages about 37°F, the cliffs are 10 to 60 feet high, and cell reception is minimal, so rescue can take hours.
What kind of place is Tamolitch Blue Pool?
Tamolitch Blue Pool is a cliff-ringed basin on the upper McKenzie River. Here the river, after flowing about three miles underground beneath a lava flow, wells back up into a clear turquoise pool. It sits on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail in the Willamette National Forest, about 2 miles upstream from the Trail Bridge Reservoir trailhead.
What is Tamolitch Blue Pool weather like in November?
November at Tamolitch Blue Pool averages a high of 47°F and a low of 32°F, with 10.5 in. of precipitation over about 19 wet days. About 20% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 6 mph.
More about Tamolitch Blue Pool weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from May 2016 to May 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA HRRR analyses, including its hourly precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- Willamette National Forest, Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) #3507 (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Willamette National Forest, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Oregon Hikers Field Guide, Tamolitch Blue Pool Trailhead (accessed 2026-10-29)
Rendered 2026-11-14T01:06:23.962Z.