Looking for other fun adventures near McKay Falls?
Head to Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where you can hike the Big Obsidian Flow, kayak to hot springs on Paulina Lake, or bike from Lava Lands to Benham Falls.
LOCATION
This adventure starts at the Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead located next to McKay Crossing Campground. To reach McKay Crossing, head south from Bend, Oregon on Highway 97. About 24 miles south of Bend, follow the sign for Newberry National Volcanic Monument and turn left onto Paulina Lake Road. Follow Paulina Lake Road for three miles, then turn left onto National Forest Road 2120, following the sign for McKay Crossing Campground. Continue for 2.5 miles to the campground, then cross the bridge to reach the trailhead parking.
LENGTH
- 3 miles out and back to the natural waterslide from the Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead
- ~0.5 miles out and back to the base of McKay Falls from the Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead
An important word about safety: There are always risks associated with river swimming. Just because this was a safe experience for my family during our visit doesn’t mean it will be for you. The water level was low during our visit, but this changes dramatically throughout the year. Always assess the water for currents or any potential obstacles before you get in, and keep a close watch on children.
DIFFICULTY
Easy/Moderate — This section of the Peter Skene Ogden Trail is easy, leading gradually uphill on a sandy dirt trail. Climbing down to both the natural waterslide and McKay Falls involves some scrambling over large rocks and loose dirt. For those not up for a scramble, stick with the trail and enjoy the beautiful views of Paulina Creek.
WE WERE HERE
August, 2025
- 2 hours out and back hiking from McKay Crossing to the waterslide, including half an hour at the slide
- 2 hours playing in the creek and swimming at McKay Falls on a separate visit
CURRENT INFO
Information and maps the full 8.4-mile Peter Skene Ogden Trail are available on AllTrails. For information about McKay Crossing Campground and to make reservations, go to Recreation.gov.
SWIM: What to Expect at McKay Falls
To reach the swimming hole at the base of McKay Falls on Paulina Creek, you must climb down a short but steep dusty path. I recommend sturdy footgear, as it can be slippery. The path ends in a shallow pool. If you want to go further, be prepared to wade. The view of the falls is mostly obstructed from this vantage point, so I don’t recommend climbing down unless you plan to swim. Enjoy the view from the top instead.
After wading across the first pool, you’ll have a great view of McKay Falls. Now it’s time to climb some rocks! Be prepared to use one or both hands as you navigate around the rock wall at the edge of the pool. If you want to get close to the waterfall, you’ll need to climb on or around even more rocks. Rocky ledges surrounding the pool offer a place to sit and stash your stuff.
The water at McKay Falls is cold and refreshing. The creekbed is rocky, but there’s a little mud, which gets stirred up by the powerful waterfall. This means the water isn’t quite as clear as it is further upstream, but it’s not murky, either. The pool below the falls was around three feet deep when we were there, but this can vary. Always use caution and check for safety hazards before you enter the water. Keep a close eye on young children.
Although the pool isn’t quite big enough for swimming, you can get a few strokes in, and it’s a great place to relax on a hot day. For a real thrill, dunk your head under the spray of the waterfall for a thunderous massage. There’s nothing quite like it!
SWIM: WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NATURAL WATERSLIDE
The natural waterslide on Paulina Creek is located 1.5 miles from the Peter Skene Odgen Trailhead at McKay Crossing. While the hike is easy, you’ll need to climb down a large boulder to reach the waterslide. I recommend good footgear with a solid grip. Water shoes or sandals are ideal.
Paulina Creek runs cold and clear, and the water is invigorating on a hot day. Calm, shallow pools located below the waterslide are a good place to sit and soak. If you can manage to bring your gear down, this is a lovely spot for a picnic.
The pool at the base of the slide was around three feet deep on our visit, but that will vary. The pull of the current can be fairly strong here, so adults should be prepared to help children return to shore, and young children should wear a life vest. Always use caution and check for hazards before you slide. Do not slide if the current is too swift.
One important tip for the waterslide: aim for the middle! This will keep you headed straight down the slide before landing in a shallow pool of frothing water. Typically, you’ll land with your head above water, but one time I ended up fully submerged. Despite my unexpected dunking, it was a lot of fun. Sit back, slide, and enjoy the ride!
GOOD TO KNOW
- Parking is free at the Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead. There isn’t room for many cars, but it was uncrowded on our visit.
- The trailhead is located down a gravel road. There was some washboarding on the road when we drove it, but nothing too bad. Expect mud following rainy weather.
- Vault toilets are available at McKay Crossing Campground.
- Mountain bikes are allowed on the Peter Skene Ogden Trail, but only when riding uphill. This means you can bike to the waterslide and Paulina Lake from McKay Crossing, but you can’t bike in the opposite direction. Since the narrow trail is shared with hikers, this ensures a safe experience for everyone. Even with this restriction, my older son loved riding his bike out to the waterslide. He walked or rode slowly on the return trip.
- Pets on leash are welcome.
- The Peter Skene Ogden Trail stretches a total of 8.4 miles. The trailhead at McKay Crossing is in the middle section of the trail. There are also trailheads located at Ogden Group Camp to the west and near Paulina Lake Lodge to the east.
- Bring water, shade hats, sunscreen, and bug spray in summer. The Peter Skene Ogden Trail offers some shade, but is very open at times. The swimming holes are less protected, especially at midday. We didn’t have issues with bugs, but it pays to be prepared.
- Water shoes or sandals with grip are highly recommend. The creekbed is rocky, and can be slippery and hard on the feet.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
HIGHLIGHTS
What better way to cool off on a hot day in Central Oregon than a natural waterslide or a bracing dunk under a waterfall? No need to choose; at McKay Crossing, you can do both! For those who prefer to stay dry, the trail to the waterslide is lovely, and you’ll glimpse another unnamed waterfall along the way. Tucked away down a dirt road just outside of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, this stretch of Paulina Creek is a hidden delight.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
A visit to McKay Crossing is like a real life “Choose Your Own Adventure”. Do you want to play in the shallows of Paulina Creek near the bridge? Wade through a rocky pool and stick your head under a waterfall? How about an easy hike to a natural waterslide? Or maybe all three?
For our kids, the natural waterslide on Paulina Creek was one of the highlights of our weeklong trip to Central Oregon. They could have easily stayed longer had we arrived earlier in the day. Our younger son also loved swimming in the pool below McKay Falls. Both are excellent options for kids looking for a little adventure. Keep in mind that both involve clambering over large rocks, wading through moving water, and maneuvering steep and potentially slippery terrain. Adult supervision is essential, and as always, check for safety hazards before entering the water.
For younger kids, the shallow area of Paulina Creek near the bridge at McKay Crossing is the perfect place to play on a hot summer day. The current is gentle, and there are no steep slopes or boulders to navigate. While the kids play, the adults can dip their feet in and relax at the water’s edge. It’s a little slice of summer bliss for all ages.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
McKay Crossing lies just outside Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where you’ll find a wealth of other natural wonders to explore. Head to Paulina Lake, where you can hike or paddle to hot springs, marvel at the Big Obsidian Flow, and admire the view from atop Paulina Peak. Avid hikers can hike the Peter Skene Ogden Trail from McKay Crossing all the way to Paulina Lake. It’s 5.5 miles one way, so be prepared for a long trek out and back, or arrange for a shuttle if you have multiple cars.
If you want more time to explore Paulina Creek and the Peter Skene Ogden Trail, consider staying overnight at McKay Crossing Campground. Keep in mind this is a primitive campground with vault toilets only. When we visited in the summer of 2025, drinking water was not available.
If you prefer a camping experience with a few more amenities, we highly recommend LaPine State Park Campground. It’s a 20-minute drive northwest of McKay Crossing, and a great home base for exploring, with access to the Deschutes River and plentiful hiking and biking trails. The Fall River Falls loop is good introduction to the park.
Further north along Highway 97, the Lava Lands Visitor Center showcases another section of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Go for a short hike on the Trail of the Molten Land, or bike the Sun-Lava Trail to Benham Falls. The visitor center hosts ranger talks and a Junior Ranger program. In nearby Sunriver, Century Commons Taps & Trucks is a great place to stop for food and drinks.
To the north of Lava Lands, the High Desert Museum is another worthy stop. Allow several hours to visit this fascinating museum with a wide range of indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Our Experience: McKay Falls
We didn’t know quite what to expect when we pulled into McKay Crossing Campground. The map indicated there was a waterfall nearby, and we had also heard of a natural waterslide located down a 1.5-mile trail. Since it was late in the afternoon, we weren’t sure if we had time for a hike, but perhaps the waterfall would be worth a look.
Upon arrival, we pulled into a vacant campsite near a bridge crossing Paulina Creek. I later discovered that the trailhead for the Peter Skene Ogden Trail lay just beyond the bridge. There, you’ll find dedicated parking for hikers. The campground itself was small, with only a handful of occupied sites on a Sunday evening. Unsurprisingly, most of the prime riverfront sites were full.
A small sign indicated the waterfall was only 500 feet away, so we headed down the dusty trail through the campground. We soon caught a glimpse of the lovely McKay Falls, somewhat obscured by a small fir tree. A few other visitors were lounging on the rocks below the falls or swimming in the inviting pool.
Eager to see if we could get a better view of the falls, we made our way down the trail. The loose dirt slipped under my sandals, and I grabbed ahold of some rocks to steady myself. But instead of finding a better view at the bottom, I was confronted by a shallow pool of water. If we wanted to go any further, we would have to get wet.
None of us were prepared to get in the water at this point, so we trudged back up the hill. The kids changed into swimsuits and we decided to hang out in the shallow creek near the bridge. It was a beautiful place to relax, but in the back of my mind McKay Falls was calling. So when our friends decided to head back to our campsites at LaPine State Park and Michael offered to stay longer and take our younger son to the waterfall, I was happy to join them.
Now ready for a swim, the three of us made our way back down the steep path to McKay Falls. We waded through the pool at the base of the trail, then clambered over rocks until we finally reached the falls.
Apparently, this is a romantic spot, as there were a few young couples cozying up on the shore. No matter, there was space enough for us to enjoy the refreshing water. Nine-year-old T had an absolute blast — literally, at times, as he stood under the cascading water and let it pummel him. I even gave it a try, letting the cold water rain over me as McKay Falls thundered in my ears.
The time passed quickly, and I realized we needed to head back and join the rest of the crew for dinner. One by one, Michael, T, and I made our way around the rocks as we left McKay Falls. We crossed the shallow pool to meet the trail, and once more climbed the dusty path to the campground.
Spirits were high as we made our way back to the car. We all agreed our time at the waterfall was well worth the challenge of getting there, and T was eager to visit again. “Maybe we can,” I told him, thinking we might be able to squeeze in another visit over the next few days. Our experience at McKay Falls had also increased my desire to check out the natural waterslide that lay further upstream. With any luck, we would be back…
Our Experience: The Natural Waterslide
Despite my desire to visit the natural waterslide near McKay Crossing, I wasn’t sure if we’d have the time. There are just so many places to explore in Central Oregon! Finally, on our last full day at LaPine State Park, the opportunity arose in the late afternoon. After a visit to Lava Lands in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, the kids and I drove south to the Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead at McKay Crossing.
Michael had spent the day hiking elsewhere with a friend, and they made it to the trailhead before we did. Knowing that time was short, the kids and I changed into our swimsuits before we hit the trail. Fourteen-year-old J decided to ride his mountain bike, leaving T and me to walk the trail together.
The trail initially led away from Paulina Creek through ponderosa pine forest, but soon the creek came back into view. This stretch of the trail was especially beautiful, and I paused to admire a small waterfall rushing through the rocks. As we continued on, the trail opened up to blue skies dotted with puffy white clouds. Bright green manzanita lined the path.
Although it was only 1.5 miles to the waterslide, T was a tired and longed to reach our destination. When we spotted J’s mountain bike alongside the trail, we knew we’d arrived.
Michael and our friend, Dustin, were also there, although by now they were ready to make the return trip. Fortunately, Michael took us down to the slide to show us the best technique. Stick to the middle, where the water will propel you straight down the rock and into the bubbling pool below.
Initially, I was a bit hesitant, but as I watched Michael and the kids give it a go, my worries disappeared. It’s a short slide, but the experience was smooth and swift. Whoosh! After taking a seat on the rock and giving myself a quick push, I was soon bobbing in the water below. I expected the ride would be a bit rough, but that was not the case. The kids shouted out in glee as we each took our turn.
After each slide, we pulled ourselves out of the frothing water and stumbled to shore, where a steep dirt path led back up to the boulder overlooking the waterslide. The climb isn’t particularly easy, but it’s short, and the kids didn’t seem to mind. Beyond the waterslide, shallow pools edged with rocks offered an inviting place to relax in Paulina Creek. For those arriving earlier in the day, it’s a prime spot to sit and stay for awhile.
For us, however, it was soon time to go. Of course, T begged for “one more time”, and how could I deny him? We toweled off and J headed back with his bike (I reminded him to walk it, but allowed he could try riding very slowly considering how few people were on the trail), while T and I followed behind him.
Once back at the car, we changed clothes quickly and began the drive to Bend, where we planned to meet our friends for dinner. Tired but happy, the kids raved about the experience. When it comes to summer fun, it’s hard to beat swimming under a waterfall and slipping down a natural waterslide.
