The trail maintains a gradual downhill track through old growth conifer trees as it winds along the edge of the McKenzie River and crosses the river on a footbridge just before Clear Lake. Here’s a quick way to impress out-of-state friends with Oregon’s roaring rivers, waterfalls, and old-growth forests: Take them on the waterfall loop around the McKenzie River’s two grandest cascades. In October 2012 a McKenzie River Geo Caching Tour was created - highlighting 36 notable scenic locations in the area. This very impressive waterfall is the most famous of the three falls along the McKenzie River Trail. “ What I enjoy the most is trail bike are forbidden and you can walk, stop, and view nature at its best. Across the river, the trail continues upstream following the south bank. Get a quick introduction to Oregon's roaring rivers, waterfalls, and old-growth forests with a loop trail around the McKenzie River's two grandest waterfalls. Two of the booming waterfalls of the McKenzie River are sometimes covered in snow by late November, which turns this into a snowy waterfall expedition. Don’t miss these icons of the river. The hike borders the McKenzie River through towering forest. It is possible to start Clear Lake Loop from a couple different places. Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park. 12 reviews of McKenzie River Trail "We got to hike the Koosah Falls to Sahalie Falls with a little one. Many people who are taking this longer hike will stop off to see these impressive falls along the way. Area. Carmen Reservoir Loop via Waterfalls Loop Trail #3503 and McKenzie River Trail. Although the water used to flow to the Oregon Tamolitch pool from a waterfall, it now flows from underground, through lava fields — creating the blue color. Some notable hiking trails include Proxy Falls Loop Trail, Clear Lake Trail, the Waterfalls Loop Trail (part of the McKenzie River Trail) and Tidbits Trail. This loop might be on the shorter side, but the hike is more than worth it for the scenery. This is an unnamed cascade on the Waterfalls Loop Trail along the McKenzie River. - Waterfall Loop Trail - 3 miles around both sides of Sahalie and Koosah Falls (part of McKenzie River Trail) - Blue Pool Trail - 2 miles to Tamolitch Blue Pool (you got to see it to believe it.) An easy family-friendly 2.6 mile (4.1843 km) loop trail connects Koosah and Sahalie Falls. You will travel through lava flows, past waterfalls and lakes and have outstanding views of the snow covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains. Why you should go: Walk over, under, and around ten different waterfalls in … The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs. Continue down the trail, walking past the 70-foot Koosah Falls, and finish the first half of the loop at Carmen Reservoir. With gorgeous and unique views of Oregon, this ride is sure to be different from anything you’ve done before. The Trail of Ten Falls is one of the best … © 2020 McKenzieRiverTrail.com All rights reserved. You can access this trail from the Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls viewing points and make a loop of it from there. From Black Butte Ranch: Head west 18 miles on Hwy 20. Both falls are located along McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains. Some of the most rewarding sections of this hike are along ice-blue sections of the McKenzie, where tumbling cascades drop through a dark and mossy forest corridor. McKenzie River Trail Waterfalls, Oregon Sahalie Falls is the tallest of the three major falls along the McKenzie River Trail. In another half-mile the river pours off another cliff, forming the 70-foot Koosah Falls. More photos of the waterfalls and river here: McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway – if you are a serious cycler, this 38 mile, extremely difficult ride might be for you. link Copy Link. Sahalie Falls is by far my favorite waterfall in Oregon. The trail along the McKenzie River is very beautiful, and you will some very lush, almost rain forest like vegetation while you are hiking, and in many places the trees and rocks are covered in moss. About the Hike: Start at 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls, a raging cataract that pounds the river into rainbowed mist. Then the route descends past 70-foot Koosah Falls and returns along the river's far shore on the McKenzie River Trail. McKenzie River Waterfalls. These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River … It is a beautiful hike all the way through, with waterfalls, crystal water and a clear trail for hiking or biking. 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 … Sahalie and Koosah Falls are located along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountain wilderness only a 45 mile drive from our resort. Called the Waterfall Trail, it was an easy 3-mile trek that included a small section of the McKenzie River Trail. On this loop you can see Sahalie and Koosah Falls and avoid the crowds that only hang out at the waterfall viewing platforms. The 5-mile loop hike combines Clear Lake Trail with McKenzie River Trail and has 75 feet of rolling elevation change. The falls, which plunges nearly 100 feet, was featured in the Disney Movie Homeward Bound. Site by Watkins, James and Associates. It can be accessed at several points, but the parking area for Sahalie Falls has restrooms & a viewing platform. 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. Koosah Falls drops approximately 70 feet (21 m) into a deep pool. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. The waterfall now only flows over the waterfall ledge … The Waterfall Loop Trail is part of the 26 mile long McKenzie River trail. Once sufficiently damp and awed, embark on the hike by turning left, following the direction on a sign marked “Waterfall Trail.” You’ll head downstream through a forest of red cedar and Douglas fir, with the flow of the McKenzie River in sight. Nearby Hotels. Washington, and crosses a bridge over the McKenzie River.. The McKenzie River Waterfalls Loop Trail offers a family-friendly 3-mile circuit featuring beautiful forests & views of both Sahalie & Koosah Falls. The main St. Mary’s Trail continues to the right, while the side trail leading to the falls … Beginning at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 starts in an old lava flow, originating from Mt. Carmen Reservoir Loop via Waterfalls Loop Trail #3503 and McKenzie River Trail . Other highlights include the Dee Wright Observatory, Lava River Interpretive Trail, Proxy Falls, the Wild & Scenic McKenzie River, Sahalie & Koosah Falls, Clear Lake and Suttle Lake. The Waterfalls Loop Trail takes you to both waterfalls and then connects with the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail on the west bank for a quiet return away from the crowds. The hike starts at 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls, a raging cataract that pounds the river into rainbowed mist. 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. We also visited Clear Lake after. Instead, my plan was to hike the Waterfalls Loop Trail, which incorporates a section of the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) but is on the east bank of the river and is restricted to foot traffic. McKenzie River Trail. Authentic Mckenzie River Drift Boat trip – navigate the upper … The area also features 3 scenic highways - The Old McKenzie Hwy (Hwy 242), The McKenzie Highway (Hwy 126) and The Aufderheide (Hwy 19). based on 41 tracks & routes | | EASY #31 hike out of 227 in Willamette National Forest | EASY. Another annual or bi-annual trail for us is the 3-4 mile Waterfall Loop Trail portion of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail (click on the links for maps and more info). Willamette Valley: McKenzie River Waterfalls Loop Trail (easy) On this family-friendly, 2.6-mile loop, walk through stands of old-growth Douglas fir and red cedar in the Willamette National Forest, while soaking up misty views of the roaring McKenzie River as it cascades down 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls and 70-foot-tall Koosah Falls. Follow the Waterfalls Trail and McKenzie River Trail on both sides of the river, using a bridge north of Sahalie Falls and Carmen Reservoir to connect the loop. A loop trail around Clear Lake weaves through resilient old growth forests and fields of volcanic rock, offering beautiful lake views around almost every turn. Tamolitch Blue Pool in Oregon. There is an access trail heading towards the waterfall (although it says "Do NOT Enter"). Cross over a particularly narrow ledge that requires a three-foot step up to reach, then come to a trail junction 1.5 miles from the start. The McKenzie River Trail This short but sweet waterfall loop trail is part of the 26 mile McKenzie River Trail. This hike is probably best on a nice sunny day during the early spring and summer before the weather warms up too much and the mosquitoes come out, or late summer or early fall after the mosquitoes are gone. Clear Lake Loop Trail 3507.2, McKenzie River Trail 3507. Trail of Ten Falls Loop. “ The Waterfall loop connects with the McKenzie River Trail making about a 2.5 mile hike that borders the river on both sides and gives multiple viewpoints for the waterfalls. 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