Sahalie/Koosah Falls loop
On the McKenzie River trail, there is a short 2.8 mile loop that you can hike where you can see Sahalie and Koosah Falls and avoid the crowds that hang out at the waterfall viewing platforms. Even though most descriptions of this loop will start you at the Sahalie Falls parking lot, I don’t recommend parking there since it is an extremely popular destination and the parking lot it almost always full, and people then try to park on the side of the highway! Instead, head quarter of a mile south on highway 126 and turn at the sign for Koosah Falls and park here. This parking lot is farther off the highway, so less people park here.
(Koosah Falls 64 ft.)
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The lookout platform to Koosah Falls leads down to a path where you will then follow the Waterfall Trail up stream. There are some stunning views of the McKenzie River along this section of the trail. After going up some wooden stairs, you will come to the Sahalie Falls lookout platform. Here there are usually a lot of people milling about. From here, just head up the hill, where you will find another lookout spot on top of the waterfall looking down at the 73 ft. drop.
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(view up the McKenzie River)
After this viewpoint, most people head back to their cars, so the loop hike is not as busy as one might think. After hiking half a mile, you will come to a bridge. The trail you are on continues all the way to Clear Lake (1.5 miles) so if you would like to venture that way you can. There is designated camping at Cold Water Springs Campground, if you are looking to camp.
(Waterfall Trail)
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(Sahalie Falls 73 ft.)
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Once you cross the bridge you will be on the other side of the McKenzie River and now heading down stream. You are now on the McKenzie River Trail, which is a very popular mountain biking route that follows the river for 24+ miles. Due to it being a heavily used mountain bike trail, the trail is very well maintained. This section is 1.3 miles and it is definitely the most beautiful part of the loop. |
Getting to see the two waterfalls from angles that not everybody sees is really cool, and there are quite a few little outcrops where one can safely get right next to the river to get that spectacular view and photograph!
(Sahalie Falls)
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(Koosah Falls)
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When you get down to Carmen Reservoir, you will get off the McKenzie River Trial and head across the gravel parking area. You will have to cross a bridge to get to the other side of the river where you will find the Waterfall Trail again. There is a deceiving little trail that goes into the woods right before the bridge, but keep in mind you will want to be on the other side of the river to get back to your car. The trail does trend uphill a bit on the way back, but to get back to the Koosah Falls parking lot it is only another .9 miles.
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Overall, this is the perfect hike for those who cannot do long treks, and for those with children who prefer not to hike more than 3 miles. Due to the hike being a loop, it does keep things interesting and kids won’t get bored as easily. This is also a great hike to do in the early winter because the elevation is low here and there is rarely snow. The trail is very well maintained and easy to walk on (you do not need special hiking boots for this hike, tennis shoes are totally fine).
Approximate hike time: 1 hour w/ an average speed of 2.8 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, early winter
(Best time to go is early spring, March, April and early May when the waterfalls are flowing heavy).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: 19 miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge or 5.2 miles south of the Hwy 20 junction near mile post 5, turn into the Sahalie parking lot. This parking lot is usually full, so you can head south on the Hwy to the Koosah Falls parking lot where you can also start the loop.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, early winter
(Best time to go is early spring, March, April and early May when the waterfalls are flowing heavy).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: 19 miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge or 5.2 miles south of the Hwy 20 junction near mile post 5, turn into the Sahalie parking lot. This parking lot is usually full, so you can head south on the Hwy to the Koosah Falls parking lot where you can also start the loop.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
*All photos 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.