Proxy Falls
Proxy Falls is a beautiful easy hike off of McKenzie scenic highway 242 which is only open for a few months out of the year (usually mid-June to early November, but it depends on snowfall). To see if the highway to the trailhead is open, click here.
The first .5 miles of the trail are a bit rocky because you are walking through a lava flow, but then it levels off and meanders through the forest as you get closer to the falls. |
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(Lower Proxy Falls 226 ft.)
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Before hiking down to Lower Proxy Falls, there is a lookout point from the top of the trail where you can see the lower falls quite nicely. If you have small children, you may not want to go down to the bottom of the falls, as the path is extremely steep and eroded. But if you do decide to go down, it is completely worth it. You can really appreciate the height of the falls (100 ft.) from the bottom. The cool spray from the water is fantastically refreshing in the summer!
(Upper Proxy Falls 129 ft.)
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If you are already down at the bottom of Lower Proxy Falls, you will see a small trail leading away from the falls to the left. This is definitely the less used trail, but it makes for a convenient escape back to the main trail, so that you don't have to climb back up the steep eroded mess and battle all of the people that are trying to scramble down.
A little ways down this side trail, you will see it split. One way climbs up an extremely steep hill (do not go that way, it doesn’t actually lead anywhere), and the trail to the left will take you up a few feet until you're back on the main trail. From here it is only a few hundred yards to Upper Proxy Falls, which spills down into a grotto. Because of all the trees that grow in the grotto, the falls are extremely hard to see, however if you climb up a small hill directly across from the falls, you can get a good picture of it. |
(Upper Proxy Falls grotto)
Overall, this is a wonderful "stretch your legs" type of hike, nothing too strenuous, I even wore Birkenstock sandals and was totally comfortable. I definitely recommend checking this out if you are on your way to Bend from Eugene, especially because it is closed for more than 6 months out of the year.
Approximate hike time: 45 minutes
Suggested seasons: Summer, fall
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: The trail head is located right on the McKenzie Highway 242 between McKenzie Bridge and Sisters. At the hiker symbol sign between mileposts 64 and 65, you can park along the road.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
Suggested seasons: Summer, fall
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: The trail head is located right on the McKenzie Highway 242 between McKenzie Bridge and Sisters. At the hiker symbol sign between mileposts 64 and 65, you can park along the road.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
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