Rainbow
to McKenzie Bridge
Milepost 47.1: McKenzie River Drive travels along the north bank of the river through the community of Rainbow. A historic resort, once a stage stop for travelers, is located here. It is also the home of the Belknap covered bridge, originally built in 1890 and rebuilt four times since then. It was completely reconstructed after it was washed out in the 1964 flood. Some of the Belknap family settled in this area, long after Rollin Belknap bought Belknap Springs around 1871. King Castle Trail can be accessed from King Road (across the covered bridge). It's a steep 2 mile climb with many switch-backs, but well worth the effort. It leads to the top of Castle Rock (a former fire lookout) and a fantastic overview of the valley. The community of Rainbow is comprised of a resort, a restaurant, 2 RV parks, a motel, a country store (last chance to buy gasoline for 60 miles), a community center, a conference center and basketball
training academy, a church, and a golf course(fantastic view of the Three Sisters Mountains from the greens).
MP 50.9: McKenzie Bridge Campground, Forest Service fee.
MP 51.1: McKenzie Bridge was first called Strawberry Prairie by the early pioneers because of the profusion of wild berries found here. A primitive bridge built by John Craig resulted in toll fees. The first store in this area was located on the north end of this bridge and was operated by Lew Powers. A historic resort/restaurant is located here, originally built in 1886. Horse Creek Road on the south side of the highway leads up into Wapiti country (an Indian word meaning elk). Hiking trails can be accessed from this road as well as some magnificent views of the "High Country." The community of McKenzie Bridge includes a country store, numerous resorts a B&B, two churches, retreat center, fire station, and two river guides.
