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Waterfalls Loop Trail
The Watefalls Loop Trail is about 3 miles long, and is available to hikers and mountain bikers. You access this trail were 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. The result of all this geologic activity is two spectacular waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between.
The hiking trail is rated moderate, however we hiked this trail a couple days after hiking from Todd Lake to the Green Lakes and back in the Three Sisters Wilderness, so compared to that hike we thought it was very easy. Drinking water is available at Ice Cap Campground.
The Waterfalls Loop Trail is part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail which is about 27 miles long and closely follows the McKenzie River, a scenic whitewater river originating in the high Cascade Mountains. The trail crosses over several tributaries of the McKenzie River via log bridges. The lower sections of the trail pass through 600 year old Douglas-fir forests, while upper sections of the trail pass spectacular waterfalls and lava flows.
Please remember bicyclists must dismount when traveling the distance between Koosah and Sahalie Waterfalls on the eastern side of the loop.
LOCATION: 17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge.
ACCESS: To access Koosah Falls Day Use Area, from McKenzie Bridge travel east on Hwy 126 approximately 17.3 miles (The area is located south of Santiam Pass along Highway 126). Turn left at the Ice Cap Campground/Koosah Falls sign. To access Sahalie Falls Day Use Area, proceed another 1/2 mile north of the Koosah Falls turnoff on Hwy 126. The parking area is located on the left.
ELEVATION: 3,100 and 3,000 feet
USE: Heavy
PERMITS: No passes required.
FACILITIES: NO water, vault toilet (Sahalie Falls only)
ACTIVITIES: viewpoint, hiking
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES: (Sahalie Falls only) vault restrooms, trail to viewpoint of waterfall, interpretive kiosk
Please note: The Northwest Forest Pass is required at some trailheads on National Forests in Oregon and Washington. These passes are distinct from the wilderness permits. Go to the Recreation Passes & Permits page for more information on the Northwest Forest Pass, including cost and how to get a pass.
Map of parking area and trailhead.
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Oregon Hiking Guide
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Oregon Coast & Coast Range | Northwest Oregon | Central Oregon Cascades | Southern Oregon | Eastern Oregon | Oregon Hiking Trails
Please note: The expanded Oregon hiking trail information is under construction. Links to descriptions of the trails listed on the links above should be completed by the end of July 2010. Thank you for your patience.
Oregon Hiking Trails
- Central Oregon Amateur Guide to Hiking Gives links to many Central Oregon hiking trails.
- Links and things to do on the Mckenzie River near Eugene, Sisters, and Bend Oregon Has many links on outdoor adventures in the Central Oregon area.
- Hiking in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho The public lands of Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho provide excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities, from high mountain peaks to desert canyons.
- LocalHikes.com Has great information on hiking trails near major U.S. cities, this link will take you to the Oregon section of their website.
- Day Trails.com Gives information on hiking and other outdoor activities in Oregon.
- TrailsNW.com Gives reviews and directions to several Oregon Hikes.
- Central Oregon Visitors Association Website gives directions to hikes in and near the Bend Oregon area.
- Slackpacker.com Provides organized access to informative Oregon hiking and backpacking websites.
If you find any of these links are no longer active, PLEASE email me and let me know so I can remove them!!
Hiking Books For Oregon
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For tips on how much WATER you need click above
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Any outdoor recreation can be potentially hazardous, and hiking is no exception. All participants must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety, exercise sound judgment, and be prepared for and seek advice on weather and trail conditions.
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