How to Not Die at Blue Pool (Tamolitch) Oregon 

I swam at the pool 3 years ago and it is s cold but it was the 4th of July and I would do it again. Fun with family 2 mile hike so worth it. Be safe. Hike in and no diving. It is so worth it !!

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The prep list is awesome! Having the things you need and not using them is so much better than not having them and needing them desperately!

there is an old saying that I tend to live by: It's better to have it (any object) and not need it, then it is to need it and not have it.

There is an old saying in my business: "Security is too much, until it is not enough..." - I'd say that the same applies to bringing the right gear along to cover most contingencies out in the woods ;>) Ignore the naysayers... the graveyards are full of their kind...

Then you have some people doing the polar plunges that seek this kind of water.

Thank you. It is. PSA inspired by all the rescues here lately.

Thanks ZP. I was motivated when newspapers were reporting of 10 accidents in a single summer there.

I've done full immersion in water probably only slightly warmer, and it's the oddest sensation. It feels like your life is being pulled out of you. I didn't stay more than a second.

Thanks Scott. It is a popular one for our state. Easy hike and all that but people get into trouble anyways.

Thanks for checking this out. Biking the McKenzie trail would make a great video! My mtn bike has been broken for a year now.

@@MattCookOregon It was probably one of my all time favorite mountain bike rides! And would definitely make a great video. I would have to fix mine up too if I wanted to make any biking videos though, I've been focused on adventuring on foot and skis lately. Looks like it would easily fit well into your content though!

Well that was uplifting- not! Didn’t watch the whole video. 🥱

@@Nwladylaura369 🤔

@@Nwladylaura369 I liked it to the end

Thank you. Yep actually most of this was filmed on the first day of that new mtn bike trail. Usually I would get a shot of that, but I had a different focus in this video than my usual.

Thank you very much! Hope you enjoy some more of the videos.

For sure. The beauty makes many forget about their safety. That is why I took a different direction with the information.

My son recently moved from Portland to The Dalles. He just loves that area of OR.

Thanks Antonio! I am trying to be more responsible with media. Hope this helps someone.

Agreed. We can all make decisions based on our own experience levels, but none of the suggestions were unreasonable. One thing I'm grateful for, is seeing the trail and cliffs! I would have brought my dogs, but my puppy could def get into trouble. Blindly heading down the trail would have been a very stressful mistake.

Thank you Oregon Mike. Your support and good vibes are a big help. Who knows maybe this video saves a life. The educational aspect is growing with each video. Peace and love.

@@MattCookOregon Outstanding Matt, Right back at Ya!

Thanks Jennifer! I keep hearing about rescues here and wanted to help.

@@MattCookOregon I’m sure your video will help get the word out! Excellent explanation of the 10 essentials and why they are needed. Its so important to have them, either to help yourself, or someone else! 👍👍👍

Thank you. I am very surprised you haven't been.

Thanks Kathy. I had a big theme of safety as this spot is one of the state's most common emergency rescue calls. This would be a good one to visit when in Oregon.

Thank you so much! I don't even know whats next. Painted hills maybe.

@@MattCookOregon I WANT TO GO!! AGAIN !! I will be the camp cook !! Call me !

Thank you Blue Elephant!

Thank you Pam. You are the best. Did you buy that Jungle Jay hat?

@@MattCookOregon naa did not have the money

Thanks Rob. I really did like playing into that contrast of beauty and danger.

Thank you!

Awesome thank you. I really like finding smaller creators. The bigger ones are too focused on money for me. I did try to have a positive impact on Blue Pool with this video. Many complain that social media ruined this place. I think social media could have a much better impact with a little education added in.

Thanks man. Another spot ruined by Matt Cook Oregon!

Thank you! I usually don't get into safety as it isn't really my interest in videos. But this place is a hotspot for rescues.

Thank you. Very cool hope you enjoy. Try a weekday or morning otherwise it will be very crowded.

Thank you. Gotta see it some time. 6am on a weekday and you will have it to yourself.

Thank you. I think I found you when researching for this video. Still jealous of that a7iii lol.

@@MattCookOregon haha love your content man super informative! I might actually start vlogging with an iphone 12 mini and some moment lenses once I get my hands on that thing. The video quality is insaaane!

Yep often a couple places here with the same name. Like Clear Lake. I got at least a thousand views on Clear Lake from people looking for the one near Portland. Very good point on training. What is gear gonna do if you have no idea how to use it. Could be another good video.

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you. Hopefully you get to check it out. Sunny days get the best water colors.

Thanks so much. It is always fun for me to try something a little different.

One of my favorite dips is the pool halfway up South Sister. Feels so great on a hot day with lots of climbing/hiking.

Thank you. Thats a cool area too. I would love to do a video rafting the Rogue or doing the river trail.

Thanks so much! Oregon adventures is all I do so stay tuned. Some of my videos have been at the request of comments so let me know if you want to see anything specific.

Thank you. Go early and avoid the crowds!

Thank you John. It is nice to hear people are enjoying the videos. Also nice to see that a 3 year old video is still of value. I try to make these stand the test of time.

Thank you! I am on a journey to just keep getting better. Ones where I can do something a little different like this help the creativity flow.

Prepare and adapt, you gotta. Really I always think of Alaska as a much more wild place. I have only been once as a kid though.

It is so nice. I am glad some people didn't get scared by the video.

Thank you! I try to bring my own thing to youtube and have a lot of fun with that.

Nice. I like any part of that McKenzie River Trail.

Thank you very much. I was going to say on the other comment, I did do a blue pool video! Also did a very long one on Bohemia, and a shorter one on Thor's Well. Many places to do still as you say. Most my mining video plans were delayed due to the fires, which hit a lot of the good old mining sites, hopefully I can check some out soon and see the damage. My video uploads will be on hold for a month or two because I am working on another full length movie. I did one on Newberry last year, definitely check it out if you haven't. This year it will be an hour long doc about all of our lighthouses. I am very excited on this project and it should be out this summer.

Thank you very much! This channel is full of good destinations. It is also nice to learn a bit before going somewhere so you know what you are looking at.

Travel page

Thank you! always a cool thing. maybe Casey ladel will finally notice me.

Thank you. I believe cotton kills was a slogan in climb school that always stuck with me. I am glad to read that someone confirms the safer approach. No shame in being overprepared but there can be shame in being under prepared.

Thank you! Good to play it safe.

Some people are built differently.

Yes the idea of wilderness is so glamorous. I may be a little guilty there at times in videos where I show how pretty it is and don't always talk about preparation and dangers. Thanks for a story from somewhere so far from me. Now I want to visit, its just like discovery channel right?

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching.

Make it happen!

It is a nice one. Somehow I made it look not crowded, which usually isn't accurate. I just dipped in Spring Creek which is same temp, though only 1 foot deep, felt like icing my foot which was nice.

Thank you. Hope you enjoy. Go on a nice sunny day for the best blue water colors.

Thanks so much Francine. I am glad to hear someone appreciating the contrast that I thought was so interesting. More videos coming.

Nice. Have you done the Dorena drop?

Thats how I felt in the upper Kalama. It will chill you to the bone on a 100° day. I don't get in it any more. Upper Lewis is pretty cold too. Cold water lake is pretty cool. We kayaked it last summer, but it never crossed my mind to get in the water. Its kind of scary. I would be paddling along and all the sudden see bubbles coming up from the bottom in various places. It brought to mind that lake that burped toxic gasses and killed every person and animal around it. It was a fun ride but I probably will not be going back out on it.

Yep. Wetsuit only for me.

Yeah get there early or pick some unpopular weather is the way.

It is nice. Mountain biking the river trail, that sounds like a good video.

Thank you. Glad you like it!

Ha I like that. I wasn't trying to scare people!

Thank you so much! The voice comment helps. I used to be very afraid to speak.

Thank you!

Thank you! With this new generation we got to get weird for anyone to remember anything. Maybe a big crash test dummy hanging from a tree at the trailhead with some warning signs!

@@MattCookOregon Die-hard adventurists may try to prove the dummy wrong... funny, but... a nice warning post is appropriate...

Glad you enjoyed! It is a relaxing visit. On a weekday. Weekends are a bit crowded.

Funny seeing you here! Always like 4 hours of footage for me. Thanks John.

Thank you. Hope you enjoy. Lots of people there. I tend to make things always look empty by going early during off seasons.

That is surprising. Time to go!

@@MattCookOregon 💯 agree

Thank you. Class? I have been seeing an increase in views from school websites due to all classes going online. That is awesome to see. Would love to hear more from teachers.

For sure I would include that in gps/maps. I do want to get a garmin device with gps and avalanche beacon.

Sounds like a good plan. We're having a lot of avalanche issues here in Colorado and 4 deaths, so the beacon is a good idea. I am older and constantly traveling in remote areas without cell service so having that Garmin is essential. We also carry all the items you mentioned in your video because of where we hike and explore. This was an important message that you gave to other hikers who may not carry these safety items. Let's hope they pay attention and take your advice!!!!!

It is a nice one. Like one of those beautiful poisonous frogs though!

@@MattCookOregon You are lucky to be so close. I live in Maryland. I drive out twice a year

Thanks. You bet!

Welcome. I swam in Clear Lake and that was just about as cold. I wouldn't do it without a wet suit.

@@MattCookOregon lolol yas!!! My family took me there as a kid, SO COLD!! so so pretty tho. What a pretty pocket of the world we live in💛💪

Yep we are all about the nature eye candy in Oregon. I am sure they enjoyed drinking from it. Wonder if they cliff jumped too haha.

They're still here and I'm sure they treasure it as they treasured all of their land and the wildlife.

Thanks Steve!

Thank you. I work with a couple forestry companies and do drone videos for them. If you ever need one hit me up.

Thanks dad!

Thank you!!!

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

Haha tha latter McKenzie river is so clear everywhere

Yeah I think it goes to normal river color pretty quick. There is another clear pool miles up the river, so it gets blue there, then loses the blue when it flows, then gets blue again after going underground.

Some people are so not in their right mind, I would never swim or jump into a place like this.Thank God I don't swim right mind would ever jump or swim in this place. Thank God I don'

Thank you very much. List the 10 essentials? Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger Headlamp: plus extra batteries Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed) Knife plus a gear repair kit Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy) Extra food Extra water Extra clothes

I appreciate that someone is taking this seriously! Some of these comments are crazier than the people that jump in haha.

@@MattCookOregon it’s an area that people take for granted, it’s beautiful but deadly. Definitely not the place to party but people do. I appreciate your warning to the public. Had a good friend her brother is paralyzed from the chest down after his jump into the blue pool, he coded several times. Lucky to be alive. The cost for his helicopter ride was triple digits.

Thank you! Feels great to possibly keep people safe.

Thank you. I will have to try that. I don't get to Hood that often so haven't explored much there.

I have ran into quite a few people out there using ham radios. It seems like a fun hobby in itself. I saw a guy on top of a peak, communicating with someone on top of another very far away peak.

@@MattCookOregon - Hi Matt - It is fun! I highly recommend it to all!

Thanks Chewy.

Thank you! She is a good buddy and appears in most videos.

Thank you very much! The drone is DJI spark. A very cheap and small drone. If I got a new one I would go with DJI mavic air 2. But I don't drone all that much to justify buying another. So many places I would love to fly are illegal. So I mostly just fly from the parking lot to get a big landscape shot.

There are always going to be people getting into trouble in the water. Number one prevention method is good parenting!

@@MattCookOregon that's a fact we had a toddler in a life jacket float down the river 2 years back that parents thought the life jacket would keep the kid safe but the current cared the poor kid to it's death then last summer someone caught the forest on fire with thair camp fire .comin science is a dieing thing these days .

Thank you. Common sense to one person can be nonsense to another. I try to make videos have some value for both the experts and the novices. If anything people can just enjoy the pretty sights.

Thank you. It is a risk we all take entering the natural world. I think its much less of a risk than staying in our populated places.

Thank you. I actually did! but it's old and maybe bad. check it out and let me know what you think. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tM-jnhxJC4g.html

I should have done my research a little better 😅 old or not, that's awesome! I wish I could post photos on here, I would show you some photos of their Farm they had with the pillars in the background faintly! They posed the entire logging crew in it, farm animals and all. The Demaris and Birdsong families ran a mill on Mill creek. The families worked very close together running this mill and eventually two birdsong girls married two of the Demaris boys, making my great great- grandparents one of the couples. Mill Creek to my understanding was the first sawmill in that area and produced the wood that built many of the first homesteads in the ochocos. It's too bad the Old Homestead that they built isn't there anymore. I'm here in Corvallis but hoping to one day make a trip over there to explore! Thanks for the video!

Ya know sometimes young people just have to try stupid things and find out. Heck I'm not even young and I tried swimming in that lake on top of south sister recently haha.

It basically is a PSA and common sense! But much needed with how much trouble people get into.

That is awesome they are finally recommending me more. Maybe you like clear blue water, or not dying.

That is the way to go. Worst case you get some extra workout from the weight. I am glad you enjoyed my wolf friend. She appears in almost every video.

That is probably best for everyone.

@@MattCookOregon I so agree.

Thank you Jim. No probably best to keep the drinks at home eh.

Thank you Goose!

I bet that was rad. I am hoping this video helps as rescue crews get called there way too much.

I don't know if you will see this Rob, but what would you recommend as a better place to cliff dive?

@@jeremyn4397 I saw it. Steelhead Falls is alright, also been jumping off a bridge in Bend Oregon

Thank you. That is interesting about masks adding some value. Most my videos in the last year have been me alone in the outdoors, so no mask.

Good call. I guess that isn't part of the 10 essentials? Unless you include that in first aid. I actually have two! One built into my backpack, and one part of a thermometer/compass item.

@@MattCookOregon Thanks, people often die close to trails but nobody can hear them as the voice quickly gives out.! Otherwise, its a great list. Related to topic: I keep a couple of self-striking road flares in my car. They burn bright red at 1500 degrees and can start a fire even in the rain. Oh, and Baby-wipes because TP just does not hold up outdoors.

I wanted to put out some responsible info with a blue pool video, as most videos are just people jumping off the cliffs. This place has a serious problem. Flares are solid. I had noticed mine was like 10 years expired so I threw it in the fire recently (it seemed to still work). I have to go re up on those.

I think because whistles are only required for boaters, never thought about hikers either. I kayak and I have a whistle in my vest along with everything I would need to survive a night.

Very true. Jump in the water sounds like an easy idea but people need to think about these things a little. Our rivers have just as many dangers too. Personally I never float unless I know the river like the back of my hand or I am with a guide. I might make a river safety video at some point.