Hike to Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Details
Distance
2.6 miles
Route Type
Loop
Added by Eric Johnson
This hike is quick, easy, and accessible. You'll get some of the most beautiful and diverse views of the McKenzie River. There are tons of unexpected gems packed into this 2.6 mile loop!
This loop might be on the shorter side, but the hike is more than worth it for the scenery. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. Continue down the trail, walking past the 70-foot Koosah Falls, and finish the first half of the loop at Carmen Reservoir. As you turn back along the other side of the river, take in the views of the surrounding old growth forest. You'll cross over a tree bridge to finish your trek across the river and back to the trailhead.
Note: you'll come across a fair number of pathways leading off of the marked trail. Take them! You'll find some amazing, little-known lookout points.
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Reviews
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Lots to explore!
These are one of my favorite hikes! Both falls are neat. The hike itself is pretty easy and fun! There’s so much to explore and see. The trail is alongside the river so you could even hike some of it along the river. I would say it’s of the more fun hikes around and refreshing.
5.0
Beautiful Scenic Hike
This is a beautiful and scenic hike. It’s as breathtaking in the winter as it is during the summer. It’s a very short walk to the main falls, where you can take photo after photo, and than just a 30 minute stroll down to the lower falls. This hike is a must every year and totally worth the drive!!
5.0
Refreshing
You can get very close to the base on both waterfalls and they are booming right now. Absolutely breath taking pleasant hike, easy for all ages
5.0
Extremely Refreshing
This is a walk for all ages with beautiful photo opportunities; two falls, forest, blue waters, misty sun streaked scenery! Truly a mental and physical retreat!
5.0
Beautiful!
I spent about an hour rambling around these falls last summer. Cool, moody and quite beautiful.
5.0
Two Beautiful Falls For The Price Of One.
Easy well maintained trail along the McKenzie River with access to both falls... A must see!
5.0
Stunning blue river surrounded by lush green forest.
This hike is vibrant with color. This hike is absolutely scenic. The loop takes you past two major falls, but several smaller cascades and the pools are a beautiful blue color. The area was quite crowded, but it is a place worth visiting.
5.0
Beautiful falls!
While the falls themselves are beautiful, some of my favorite parts of this experience were views of the rushing blue waters along the trail. There were several points along the trail where you could wander off to get a better glimpse. I will note, however, that at Sahalie Falls there is a sign prohibiting visitors from venturing down to the base of the falls, but several people ignored this sign to get a better picture. Don't be like them - read and obey any posted signs!
4.0
please be respectful to the trails
This is a beautiful hike with access to amazing waterfalls and pools. As it is so popular, I was only disappointed at seeing litter and many people disregarding the closed areas to walk off trails to get closer to the falls, including a group of young adults who tracked down a slope despite the posted signs to restrict access. This during a time when many rangers were distracted by dealing with the recent forest fires. So very sad when parks like these are created for all of us to enjoy with the trust we will take good care of it when we visit.
4.0
Easy Hike, Epic Falls
The Mckenzie is as blue as any River I've seen and the green of the surrounding trees & moss is quite remarkable. The trail may be short but the falls are epic and make for a great pit stop when traveling the McKenzie Highway.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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Hike around Clear Lake
Mountain Bike the McKenzie River Trail
Camp at Big Lake
Snowshoe to the Mountain View Shelter
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