About this spot
Tamolitch Pool sits to the east of Springfield. The pool displays its distinctive turquoise hue naturally—this is not a photographic effect. A waterfall feeds into this location, but it flows underground beneath a lava formation. This geological phenomenon, where water vanishes under the lava, mirrors the setup near Natural Bridge close to Diamond Lake. Coordinates: N44º 18.735?, W122º 01.637?. Elevation: 2416 feet above sea level. To reach the site, exit I-5 onto I-105 heading east toward Springfield. Turn left at the second traffic light onto Hwy 126, noting the milepost markers as you travel east. Continue past McKenzie Bridge; you'll find the junction with Hwy 242 near milepost 54. As you proceed on Hwy 126, the mileposts reset at 19 and decrease from that point. Between mileposts 11 and 10, turn left at the sign for Trail Bridge Campground. Take the access road a short distance until you cross a bridge, then look for a marker labeled '655' on the right side. Follow this road for roughly half a mile and locate parking for about three vehicles on the left. The trail entrance is across the road, marked by a wooden sign with "Tamolitch" written by hand. Walk alongside the McKenzie River on your right for approximately 2 miles. No amenities are available at the site. An alternate trailhead exists at Koosah Falls, though this route adds roughly 3 miles to the total round-trip distance.