Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop
Sisters, Oregon
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.
Pair This with Proxy Falls
Just a short drive away, Proxy Falls offers a completely different waterfall experience with its dual cascades plunging 226 feet over unique basalt formations. The easy 2-mile round-trip trail makes it perfect for pairing with this hike—you can visit both waterfalls in a single day. Proxy Falls is especially magical in morning or afternoon light when sun rays illuminate the misty spray, creating outstanding photo opportunities. It's one of the most accessible yet stunning waterfalls along the McKenzie Pass corridor.
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Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Reviews
Easy well maintained trail along the McKenzie River with access to both falls... A must see!
5.0
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
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
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
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
This is a great short hike past 2 waterfalls. If the Sahalie Falls Parking lot is full, you can drive down to the Koosah Falls Trailhead. Watch out for mountain bikers on the McKenzie River trail, as it's a very popular spot.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Koosah Falls Trail
Clear Lake Loop
Isaac Nickerson Loop Trail
McKenzie River Trail
Tamolitch Blue Pool
Camp at Big Lake
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