There’s a Hmong saying passed down through generations:

A “green” lake, pool, or pond that remains debris-free year-round is home to a dragon—an ancient guardian that watches over the waters, keeps them clean, and warns against swimming in its sacred domain. I grew up hearing this. It’s more than folklore—it’s a reminder to respect nature’s mysteries. And when we visited Oregon’s Tamolitch Blue Pool, that saying came rushing back.

With our own eyes, we saw a pool so clear it looked unreal. No debris. No cloudiness. Just a deep blue-green hue shimmering like a gemstone. The basalt rocks surrounding it added to the mystique, like the dragon’s protective scales.

Since that visit, I’ve thought more deeply about the Hmong wisdom and how it might connect to the Blue Pool. My personal research led me to understand the science behind its clarity—and it’s just as awe-inspiring:

🌊 Why the Blue Pool Stays Pristine

🌋 Filtered by Lava Tubes
The McKenzie River flows underground through porous basalt tubes formed by a 1,600-year-old eruption from Belknap Crater. These natural filters remove sediment and debris before the water resurfaces at the pool.

❄️ Cold, Sterile Waters
With temperatures hovering around 37–40°F (2.8–4.4°C), the pool is too cold for algae, fish, or microorganisms to thrive—leaving the water crystal clear and biologically quiet.

🚫 No Surface Flow
Tamolitch Falls, which once fed the pool from above, was diverted by a hydroelectric dam in 1963. Now, water enters from below, eliminating surface runoff that would carry leaves, soil, or other debris.

🌀 Constant Refreshing
The underground flow keeps the water circulating and replenished, preventing stagnation and buildup over time.

Now, I can’t say for certain whether a dragon lives in the Blue Pool. But I can say this: unless you’re an exceptionally strong swimmer, I wouldn’t recommend jumping off the cliff into its icy depths—like the individual we witnessed. Anything can happen in water that cold and deep.

🧭 Final Thoughts

We can’t speak for other dark pools around the world—each holds its own story, its own legend. But one thing we’ve come to believe is this: nature has a way of weaving myth and science, mystery and clarity, into a single breathtaking truth. Whether it’s a dragon guarding the waters or lava tubes quietly doing the cleaning, the result is the same—pure awe.

Thank you for exploring life with us through our lens. We hope to inspire you to venture out with your loved ones and create your own unforgettable expeditions. Until then, please like and share our adventures with your friends and family. Stay tuned for more—and stay safe out there, folks.

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