Koosah is a Chinook Jargon word meaning "sky". Sahalie Falls is at this Trailhead. It is 64 feet high. Super slick in the rain, pretty technical for mt. Gorgeous waterfalls, easy hike, wooden stair cases, bring bug spray and you should be good. Muddy and we on the south side of the trail, but epic beauty! It is pretty neat down there though, so I think it's worth it. The parking area is located on the left. My biggest advice, especially if you plan to explore off trail, is to wear a … Wonderful outing- easy hike! Things You Don’t Want to Miss . If you keep on going down the trail a half mile down you will find Koosah falls. You can get right up close to Sahalie Falls and there’s an excellent little view point that overlooks Koosah Falls. The whole way was beautiful river views with mint blue water it was just stunning! To access Koosah Falls Day Use Area, from McKenzie Bridge travel east on Hwy 126 approximately 17.3 miles. Koosah Falls – McKenzie River Trail . At a Glance The trail is less than a mile and sticks to the banks of one of the wildest sections of this incredible river. There is also another trail that will take you to an incredible vista overlooking the Sahalie Falls amphitheater, a very unique viewpoint. Then the route descends past 70-foot Koosah Falls and returns along the river's far shore on the McKenzie River Trail. The trail that heads north will take you to Clear Lake. This one is too long and the falls are only a small part of it. Lovely. The trail is well marked. Our first day of hiking had included a stunning loop walk from the campground past Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Going counter clockwise around the loop worked out well because we got the breezier side as we were climbing back up to the trailhead. However, we did go on a busy and excellent weather holiday weekend which was a terrible idea, because it was ridiculous busy and the parking lot, which is already small, was insane. This hike is absolutely gorgeous- I can’t stress that enough!!!! It winds through beautiful old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, cedar, and the … Koosah Falls is only 0.5 miles below Sahalie and there are several view points along the trail, high above the river, on top of the steep canyon walls. Beautiful natural waterfall, part of the 3 mile waterfall loop trail with Sahalie Falls The falls are easy to see. I little icy but so beautiful! Trail definitely felt longer than 2.2 miles but it was relatively easy and in many ways felt to me like the perfect length for a relaxed-paced afternoon hike. 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. It was beautiful this weekend, recommend getting there early as there was a lot of people. Well maintained trail with various lookout points from which to admire Sahalie Falls and Koosah falls from all sorts of different angles. This loop trail passes by two waterfalls on the McKenzie River. Bring your mask, but you wont need it that much as there is plenty of places to pull off and check views while keeping socially distant as possible. Downside is you don't get that close to the falls like some other places. When you get to the reservoir, you have to cross a parking lot and a bridge across the creek (or vice versa) to find the rest of the trail, which isn’t very well marked. Some spots were a little slick but nothing too major. Follow the road right 150 yards to a trail sign, take the path into the woods 100 yards, and turn right on the McKenzie River Trail. One of the most beautiful waterfalls. Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass and West Cascades National Scenic Byways off Highway 126. Also not “moderate” I’d say easy.. some wooden stairs and rocks on the path but it’s pretty easy. Pictures and words cannot describe it. Can’t wait to come back and some point and do the whole trail. Koosah Falls. Trail was well maintained and had quite a bit of foot traffic. Photogenic Proxy Falls cascades 226 feet over moss covered basalt in twin streams. After you pass Koosah Falls the trail doesn't follow the McKenzie as closely any more, and you can appreciate the forest a bit. Trailhead: Koosah Falls turnoff on Highway 126. Very fun hike! We only did about half of the hike (opted not to do the whole loop because we had some older dogs with us). The second is the bottom and super easy to walk up. The falls and the river are amazing! The trail is very very steep though, so if you choose to go down there be really careful. Here is a view of Sahalie Falls from the McKenzie River Trail side of the falls. Lava issuing from the Sand Mountain area poured down the McKenzie River valley about 3,000 years ago in two separate flows, creating the benches over which two large waterfalls, Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls thunder. Continue down the trail, walking past the 70-foot Koosah Falls, and finish the first half of the loop at Carmen Reservoir. We tried to come a couple of months ago and couldn’t find a place to park. Hike Description . Not even 100 steps away, Sahalie Falls is a powerful force with the most beautiful blue water. Loved it! Proxy Falls. An easy family-friendly 2.6 mile (4.1843 km) loop trail connects Koosah and Sahalie Falls. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. My 4 and 5 year old boys loved it! I definitely wouldn't call this moderate, but it's amazing, fun, and so beautiful! Great trail! Add on Koosah and Sahlie Falls. Overall, beautiful hike! The McKenzie river just GUSHES beside you crystal blue. We did the Sahalie - Koosah Falls Loop, good hike with great views of the falls. It follows the McKenzie River as it flows over two spectacular waterfalls and cascades into whitewater. Why you should go: See these two powerful waterfalls from both sides of the river, and from vantage points both above and below the falls. This is the point where most people stop and turn around, but we decided to make it a loop and walk downstream to the bridge over the river at the inlet of Carmen Reservoir. It is hard to beat these beautiful falls. Gorgeous! It’s such a short trek to the base that you can hear this one roar from the parking lot! The hike from the parking area at sahalie to the blue pool and back was closer to 12 miles. Started at the Clear Lake Resort. Trail is well maintained but signage is missing. This is a must see item on your visit to the area. At the viewpoint of Koosah Falls, there is a spur trail that will lead you down to the river bank, from here you’ll get a secret view of another waterfall that’s located just above Koosah. I’m so glad we came back. From the beginning of the Sahalie and Koosah Falls trail, Sahalie Falls will be your first stop. To access Sahalie Falls Day Use Area, proceed another 1/2 mile north of the Koosah Falls turnoff on Hwy 126. Guardrails are being renovated and signage may come soon. Amazing! Sahalie falls is closed mon-thurs from August 10-20. Hotels near Proxy Falls; Hotels near Hoodoo Ski Area; Hotels near Peterson Ridge Trail; Hotels near The Stitchin' Post; Near Airports. Difficulty: An easy, 2.6-mile loop passes Sahalie and Koosah Falls, with 400 feet of … Hotels near (RDM) Roberts Field; All things to do in Sisters; Things to do near Sahalie and Koosah Falls. I’m just trying to save others the frustration of traveling there to find out it’s closed. In another 0.4 mile you’ll meet a gravel road beside Carmen Reservoir. This is your chance to get up close and personal with Mother Nature! The water is so clear it’s gorgeous!!! Perfect for small kiddos!! Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail is a 3.5 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cascadia, Oregon that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. I would definitely recommend this hike. Cross over the McKenzie River on this bridge. I know the trail is marked moderate, but so long as you can do a few steps, l would call it easy. Area closed due to Mount Jefferson Whitewater Wildfire near by! 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 0.9 miles. It is a beautiful, easy hike. 5,847 were here. Koosah Falls Trail is a 1.3 kilometer out and back trail located near Cascadia, Oregon that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. You access this trail where Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls mark the end of two flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River area over 3,000 years ago. (541) 225-6300. The Waterfalls Loop Trail can also be accessed from the parking areas of Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls Viewpoints. Hike the short trail between Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls to appreciate the comparisons for yourself. I drove 2 hours today to see trail closed Well maintained and beautiful! It is 73 foot tall falls. Love all the pick as you go and make an adventure trail system. Stunning, even in August when there hasn’t been a lot of rain. We started it at Sahalie Falls parking lot. A beautiful, short walk down and uphill. Gorgeous falls and a great short hike to Sahalie! Only a couple downed trees, otherwise the trail(s) were in great condition. We walked as far as we could and eventually hit a reservoir so we had to turn around and go back the way we came! The trail heads south toward Koosah Falls just behind the Sahalie Falls viewing area. It … Although one could drive up to the Sahalie Falls parking area, it is … Sahalie and Koosah Falls are on the McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. This very small reservoir (32 acres) is located at 3000 feet in elevation. biking. Keep right at all junctions after Koosah Falls. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Even started snowing while we were there. Clear Lake; Nature & Parks in Sisters. About the Hike: Start at 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls, a raging cataract that pounds the river into rainbowed mist. Water is quite blue. Sahalie – Koosah Falls Loop. 500 ft up the trail from Koosah Falls (towards Sahalie Falls) you'll find the minor falls I dubbed 'Upper Koosah': Continuing farther up this path you will encounter Lower Sahalie Falls, eventually reaching Sahalie Falls. These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River 3,000 years ago. Sahalie Falls viewpoint is fully accessible. Highly recommend! Easy paved walk with stairs down to the overlook but I'd recommend getting much closer to the falls. It is typically crowded, but that is to be expected considering these falls are very accessible and picturesque. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. McKenzie River National Recreational Trail [CLOSED], Browder Ridge Trail to Heart Lake [CLOSED], Hackleman Creek Old-Growth Trail [CLOSED], Mckenzie Lava Flow And George Lake Trail [CLOSED], Tamolitch Blue Pool via McKenzie River Trail, McKenzie River National Recreational Trail: Clear Lake to Trail Bridge, Tamolitch McKenzie River Trail to Coldwater Cove, Mount Washington Via Pacific Crest Trail [CLOSED], Sahalie Falls, Koosah, and Tamolich Falls via McKenzie River Trail, Santiam Wagon Road Trail from McKenzie Highway. Of note, according to the signage at the trailhead, the loop is 3 miles. A short loop trail just over 1 mile affords viewpoints of upper and lower Proxy Falls. The trail is groomed, wide, and well marked. Koosah and Sahalie Falls are located along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains. This route heads upstream past even better viewpoints of Koosah and Sahalie Falls. Saw the two water falls, rapids and clear lake! Here is a view of Koosah from the McKenzie River Trail side of the falls. Hike around the falls on the Waterfalls Loop Trail. We hiked this in mid September 2017 and met a few mountail bikers and hikers on the trail but not many. The Waterfalls Loop Trail, part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, connects the two waterfalls and offers up close views of the wild McKenzie River.. Gorgeous waterfalls and lake with the clearest bluest water. The loop trail connects the two waterfalls and the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, and offers up close views of the wild McKenzie River. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/koosah-and-sahalie-falls-trail Trail Highlights . Ride through dramatic lava fields, along side a crystal river and lakes so clean you can see over 100 feet to … Note that on Mondays and Thursdays through August the loop is closed for repairs. We walked it all very well yesterday, not many people, almost all of them wearing the mask, although we arrived after noon, we found parking, then waterfalls, beautiful views, incredible many snakes, the super blue water, I loved this trail !! Explore Koosah Falls. Cloudy, but very comfortable hike with lots of clear blue and green water on the McKenzie River and at Clear Lake. Turn north back up river to continue the loop. The Waterfalls Loop Trail hike along the McKenzie River to Sahalie and Koosah Falls is about 3 miles long, and is available to hikers and mountain bikers. We got there by 10 and didn’t have a problem. A 2.6-mile loop trail connects the two falls in the McKenzie River National Forest. The hike borders the McKenzie River through towering forest. You will see Koosah Falls quickly, only a quarter mile after joining the McKenzie River Trail, and 73 foot tall Sahalie Falls will come into view a half mile later. Sahalie and Koosah Falls are two of the most stunning waterfalls on the McKenzie River and are very close to the Blue Pool, plus both have their parking lots. The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs. This section of trail contains the majority of the climbing along the hike, gaining 500 feet in about a mile. Turn left at the Ice Cap Campground/Koosah Falls sign. Clear Lake – McKenzie River Trail . Koosah falls is about 70 feet high and is known as a block fall because it descends from a wide breadth of a stream. Beautiful! You can make a loop by connecting with the McKenzie River Trail. Only non-motorized boats are allowed. The trail toward the falls is steep and slippery in places, especially if you take the short spur to the base of the waterfall. Good stop to get out and stretch your legs, check it out! There are restrooms as well. Short and sweet! Lots of free parking located here. Great hike around Clear Lake with a side trip to Sahalie and Kahoosh Falls. This route combines two loops into a figure 8. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. A little crowded, but otherwise a well maintained beautiful trail, Beautiful with the exception that they have closed the loop on Monday’s. Would consider this an easy hike. Trail is well maintained, not very wide but runs along the river the whole time on both sides. 7. When you park the fall is like a 5 minute walk. Relatively easy trail with quite a few people. Apart of the Sahalie falls trailhead loop~ beautiful and ever-clear water. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. Friends biking the McKenzie River Trail . Trail Description: This trail is part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Find info on Sahalie and Koosah Falls Viewpoints and the Waterfall Loop Trail here, if you’re up for a short hike, follow the trail linking the two falls. The small parking lot was pretty full when we got there but there are a few different potential access points where you could start the loop. https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/ Sahalie above it is a segmented waterfall because it diverges into 2 or 3 parts as it falls. So I recommend the hike, but don't go on a long holiday weekend. The trail is also very well maintained and not super strenuous. Interpretive signs at the Sahalie Falls Trailhead considerably exaggerate the height of both falls at 120 feet and 90 feet respectively. 17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge. Luckily our phone sent an emergency alert to leave the area immediately. The trail passes through an old growth conifer forest as it reaches the Sahalie Falls viewpoint, then continues south to the Koosah Falls viewpoint before reaching its southern end where it rejoins the McKenzie River Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/koosah-falls-trail Only saw a couple others on the trail. The only thing I will point out is that this trail didn’t seem to be a loop. The trail to Koosah Falls in this direction is much closer to the river, with spectacular views along the way, and many opportunities to explore off trail. McKenzie River National Recreational Trail [CLOSED], Browder Ridge Trail to Heart Lake [CLOSED], Hackleman Creek Old-Growth Trail [CLOSED], Mckenzie Lava Flow And George Lake Trail [CLOSED], Tamolitch Blue Pool via McKenzie River Trail, McKenzie River National Recreational Trail: Clear Lake to Trail Bridge, Tamolitch McKenzie River Trail to Coldwater Cove, Mount Washington Via Pacific Crest Trail [CLOSED], Sahalie Falls, Koosah, and Tamolich Falls via McKenzie River Trail, Santiam Wagon Road Trail from McKenzie Highway. I was able to walk sections and what I saw was beautiful. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Luckily, if you’re short on time, you can likely still squeeze in seeing some of the other beauty spots in the area. I would recommend a different trail in this area for falls. On the other side make sure you take the trail south. Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located on the old "Clear Lake Cutoff" section of Highway 126. 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