Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Sahalie and Koosah Falls
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5.0
282 reviews
Excellent
233
Very good
47
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
“...and I must go”
55 contributions
Aug 2020
We took our 4 kids ages 6-13 and our dog. The falls are a short walk. The views are beautiful. There are some places along the river where a picnic would have been nice. It’s nice and cool along the river. The views are gorgeous. We went on a week day and it wasn’t that busy. We went by on a weekend and it was packed. It was a lot of fun.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markie-mark
San Diego, CA40 contributions
Jul 2021
Some really breath-taking scenery. The hike between the 2 falls is easy to moderate, and is mostly shaded from the majestic forest along the river. The parking is easy, although there is only room for about a dozen or so cars. The upper falls are a very short walk from the parking lot. The strip of river between the two falls is beautiful as well. The trails are very well maintained.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KDThygerson
Etna, WY12 contributions
Mar 2021
We road-tripped through Oregon for spring break, looing for outdoor activities for the family. We hiked a total of 4 waterfalls, and while all were beautiful, this one was our favorite! It's a few steps from the parking lot to see the falls, but there is also a beautiful, fairly easy loop trail where you cross the water and view two other falls. Highly recommend this hike!
(in late March, there was still snow covering most of the trail, but we were fine in regular coats and tennis shoes, we could walk on top of the snow and the grades are not very steep.)
(in late March, there was still snow covering most of the trail, but we were fine in regular coats and tennis shoes, we could walk on top of the snow and the grades are not very steep.)
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mountainman827
Custer, SD1,328 contributions
Aug 2020
Amazing waterfalls. Short walk from parking lot to see 1 of them if you are short on time. 3 mile loop trail to see both from multiple directions. Walk mostly thru old growth trees, loved it.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have Camera, Will Travel
South Bend, IN3,714 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This is an excellent waterfall to see with little effort. It was still a bit smoky from a fire that had been a south of the area, so the whole place had a otherworldly look to it. It's beautiful and worth a detour to go and see it if you are in the area.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marymarkdav
Grants Pass, OR5 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
A great place to stretch your legs. These falls are loud and majestic. The trail follows the river so you get a roaring hike very up close to the raging river. Go all the way to the spillway to get the most of a great hike.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron M
Mobile, AL726 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Be aware that TripAdvisor as late as May 7th shows an address just west of Redmond that is very wrong. The falls are west of Sisters, west of where Hwy 22 takes off northbound. They are about 5 miles south of Hwy 20 on Hwy 126. Google Maps gets it right, but your cell service may not work that far out.
There is modest parking north at Sahalie, and less parking south at Koosah. Short walk with ramps to Sahalie, longer walk to Koosah. Most of the Koosah overlooks are overgrown but if you walk south a little more there's a small stone-framed rincon offering a good view.
Bathrooms at both parking areas which seem roomy enough for wheelchairs. No tables for picnics, and I don't know that I'd want to sit on anything in the area anyway, given the pervasive dampness and mud.
The local lush botany benefits from the wet, wet conditions. Trillium, iris and skunk cabbage in bloom.
I wish I'd seen one reviewers comments to park a bit further down at Ice Cap day-use area at the Carmen Reservoir. There's likely picnic tables there, and access to the other side of the river for a longer, more private and scenic short hike.
So, here's your gameplan: park first at Sahalie and get you fix of roaring water from many different view points. Skip Koosah for now and park down at Ice Cap. Walk up the west side of the river to see Koosah from the other side.
There is modest parking north at Sahalie, and less parking south at Koosah. Short walk with ramps to Sahalie, longer walk to Koosah. Most of the Koosah overlooks are overgrown but if you walk south a little more there's a small stone-framed rincon offering a good view.
Bathrooms at both parking areas which seem roomy enough for wheelchairs. No tables for picnics, and I don't know that I'd want to sit on anything in the area anyway, given the pervasive dampness and mud.
The local lush botany benefits from the wet, wet conditions. Trillium, iris and skunk cabbage in bloom.
I wish I'd seen one reviewers comments to park a bit further down at Ice Cap day-use area at the Carmen Reservoir. There's likely picnic tables there, and access to the other side of the river for a longer, more private and scenic short hike.
So, here's your gameplan: park first at Sahalie and get you fix of roaring water from many different view points. Skip Koosah for now and park down at Ice Cap. Walk up the west side of the river to see Koosah from the other side.
Written May 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libby O
Veneta, OR18 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
One of our family's favorite places to visit in the Willamette National Forest. Easy drive from Eugene and Springfield, with relaxing views of the McKenzie river along the way. Park at Carden reservoir, as the parking lot at Sahalie Falls is always packed and spilling out onto the road. Also, parking at Carmen Reservoir takes you to the beginning of the trailhead. I recommend starting on the main route, which is located across the bridge if you parked closer to the restroom, heading toward the main road. Going this way had a gradual incline, magnificent canopy of trees, and breathtaking views of rapids and both Koosah and Sahalie Falls. Travel past Sahalie Falls and follow the signs to the upper trail. You can enjoy the many pools along the river as you cross an interesting log bridge to the other side of the trail. This side is not as traveled as the other, has frequent mountain bikers, and can be narrow with uneven terrain. On the upside, the viewpoints are marvellous. This side of the tail is far less crowded and leads right back down to the parking lot at Carmen Reservoir. Overall, an easy hike.
Written March 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce B
Beaverton, OR304 contributions
Jul 2020
On Way to Sisters stopped by these two falls for photo taking. parking lot was packed at both but drive around a few laps and someone will leave and you'll get a spot. These are two jewels to see.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,120 contributions
Jul 2021
We used AllTrails to figure out the quickest route to Sahalie and Koosah Falls. We were staying in Bend and drove 1 hour to get here on Thursday, July 22 at around 8 am. I think we were the only car in the parking lot.
If you play your cards right and if you are not looking for a long hike but just to visit the falls, you can visit both by walking .8 miles round trip. Took us 35 minutes total.
Make sure you park at Sahalie Falls Parking Lot and walk to Koosah and back. We were on a tight schedule because we needed to go to Tamolitch Blue Pool, Proxy Falls and Cottage Grove the same day.
Trail was easy and quiet thru the forest. It was very enjoyable.
If you play your cards right and if you are not looking for a long hike but just to visit the falls, you can visit both by walking .8 miles round trip. Took us 35 minutes total.
Make sure you park at Sahalie Falls Parking Lot and walk to Koosah and back. We were on a tight schedule because we needed to go to Tamolitch Blue Pool, Proxy Falls and Cottage Grove the same day.
Trail was easy and quiet thru the forest. It was very enjoyable.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My parents are a little older and in poor health. Hiking/walking is not easy. Could they still get through this walk if slowly?
Written June 15, 2018
Sahalie falls is very close to the parking lot. Koosah is farther and if they can’t make it the whole way they will enjoy however far they can get. It’s beautiful!
Written June 15, 2018
Are the paths wide enough for a stroller?
Written June 4, 2018
Yes! There were several strollers when we were there!
Written June 4, 2018
Any advice as to landmarks to look out for or what exit off the highway you took to get here??
Written June 4, 2018
Are small dogs allowed on the trail if they are carried? Thank you
Written April 4, 2018
You don't even have to carry them if you don't want to. Just have them on a leash.
Written April 5, 2018
Can anyone help me with the location of the trailhead?
Written January 3, 2018
I think the address on this profile is wrong it leads to an equestrian faculty and it shows no water in the map. Can someone update the address?
Written May 30, 2016
The location of the icon on the map is indeed incorrect. I have submitted a correction.
Written June 7, 2016
Can anyone tell me if the Sahalie Falls on the McKenzie River Trail is different than the Sahalie Falls at Mt Hood?
Written February 14, 2015
They are both worth a visit, IMO. And, if you go to the Mt. Hood one, you can also take in Umbrella Falls via a nice trail or by road. If you visit in the summer, you'll see plenty of wildflowers as well.
Written February 14, 2015
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