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Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop

Sisters, Oregon

4.8/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

2.42 miles

Elevation Gain

545 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Eric Johnson

Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop is a quick and easy hike. 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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Reviews

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.

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!

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.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Koosah Falls Trail

Hike around Clear Lake

Mountain Bike the McKenzie River Trail

Tamolitch Blue Pool

Camp at Big Lake

Snowshoe to the Mountain View Shelter