Winter at Koosah Falls | A Stunning Frozen Wonderland in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest
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If you’re looking for a magical winter destination in Oregon, Koosah Falls is a place that truly comes alive in the colder months. Located along Highway 126 in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, Koosah Falls is one of two stunning waterfalls along the McKenzie River, along with its upstream neighbor, Sahalie Falls.
This 74-foot waterfall cascades over an ancient lava rock cliff into a deep blue pool, surrounded by towering old-growth trees. But in winter, the scene transforms into something even more breathtaking. Snow blankets the landscape, ice clings to the rocky cliffs, and the already spectacular McKenzie River appears even more vibrant against the stark white surroundings.
Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful winter escape, Koosah Falls is an unforgettable place to visit. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about exploring Koosah Falls in the snow, including how to get there, what to expect, and the best viewpoints to take in the frozen beauty of this incredible waterfall.
Getting to Koosah Falls in Winter
Koosah Falls is located along Highway 126 (the McKenzie Highway), about 60 miles east of Eugene, Oregon. In spring, summer, and fall, getting here is simple—there’s a dedicated parking area right next to the falls. But in winter, heavy snowfall can make access a bit more complicated.
If snow has fallen recently, the direct road to the Koosah Falls parking area is usually snowed in, making it impossible to drive unless you have a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle equipped for winter driving.
Luckily, there are two alternative ways to reach the falls if the main road is inaccessible:
Sahalie Falls Parking Area – Located just north of Koosah Falls, you may be able to park along the highway if there’s space. From there, you would have to hike down the McKenzie River to get to Koosah Falls.
National Forest Road 750 (Carmen Diversion Reservoir) – This is the best option if you want the quickest way to Koosah Falls. The road is marked with a “Carmen Diversion Reservoir” sign, and while the full road is closed to the public, there’s usually space to park near the gate without blocking access.
Once you’ve parked, you’ll need to walk along the highway for about 450 feet to reach the Koosah Falls road entrance. Fortunately, in winter, traffic along Highway 126 is minimal. If a car does approach, you can step safely into the snowbank until it passes.
Hiking to Koosah Falls in the Snow
The trail to Koosah Falls isn’t long, but hiking through the snow adds an extra level of difficulty. Once you reach the Koosah Falls road entrance, you’ll need to trek through the snow to reach the falls.
If the snow is fresh and less than a foot deep, waterproof hiking boots with good traction should be sufficient. But if there’s been heavier snowfall, I recommend bringing snowshoes or traction cleats to make the hike easier.
Even though walking through deep snow can be tiring, the experience is absolutely magical. The forest is silent except for the occasional rustling of branches weighed down by snow, and the only sounds are the soft crunch of the snow beneath your feet and the distant rumble of the McKenzie River.
After about 0.2 miles, you’ll reach a fork in the road. Stay to the right to continue toward Koosah Falls. From here, it’s just another 450 feet to the main viewing area.
Arriving at Koosah Falls
As you approach the snow-covered parking area, you’ll see an informational sign about the McKenzie River. Take a left here and continue along the trail.
Even before you reach the viewing platforms, you may catch glimpses of Koosah Falls through the trees. The combination of snow-covered evergreens, mist rising from the falls, and the vibrant blue McKenzie River is breathtaking.
At the end of this short trail section, you’ll find a bench (likely covered in snow) and a fork in the trail. Before heading to the best viewpoints, I recommend first taking a short detour to the top of Koosah Falls for a unique perspective.
Best Viewpoints of Koosah Falls in Winter
There are multiple places to view Koosah Falls, each offering a unique perspective of the waterfall and surrounding landscape.
1. The Overlook Above the Falls
From the fork in the trail, continue straight, and veer left, for a short walk to reach the top of Koosah Falls. This spot lets you see the powerful McKenzie River as it rushes toward the edge, just before plunging 74 feet into the canyon below.
While this isn’t the most scenic view of the falls, it’s still worth stopping here for a few moments to take in the sheer force of the water.
Later, after visiting the other viewing areas, you could return here and take the trail up to Sahalie Falls to extend your adventure.
2. The Main Viewing Platform
To get a closer and more direct view of Koosah Falls, retrace your steps from the overlook, and follow the staircase leading down to the the right to main viewing platform.
This overlook was once completely unobstructed, but over the years, trees have grown up in front of it, slightly blocking the view. Still, it’s an incredible spot to watch the waterfall’s power. There are benches here, which can be cleared of snow if you want to sit for a moment, rest, and enjoy the view.
3. The Best Viewpoint (Head-On View of Koosah Falls)
For one of the absolute best view of Koosah Falls, take the trail that goes up behind the benches and the main viewing platform, and continue straight for a couple of minutes. Soon, down to your right, you’ll see a narrow set of stairs leading down to a small viewing area.
Even though this is the smallest viewpoint, it offers the most breathtaking head-on view of the waterfall.
Standing here, you’ll feel like you’re at the back of an ancient amphitheater, carved by lava thousands of years ago. The deep blue waters plunge into the basin below, sending ripples of turquoise downstream. The mist rising from the falls, the snow-covered cliffs, and the frozen trees surrounding the basin create an absolutely mesmerizing scene.
Bonus Viewpoint Down by the River
If you want to explore one last hidden gem, head back up the stairs. You will see a sign that’s labeled “Waterfall Trail” and points in the directions of Sahalie Falls and Carmen Reservoir. Continue toward Carmen Reservoir. After a short walk, you’ll see a steep, unmarked trail spur leading down toward the river.
I want to stress that this section is optional and is left to your judgement. It is very steep and in some situations could be dangerous. If it was more icy then I would not attempt it. If you feel at all that it would be hard for you physically, or it just looks too dangerous then I do not encourage you to attempt it. The day that we were here, we were in about a foot of fresh powder, and were able to slowly wedge our feet into the snow, using the underlying steps made from roots and rocks from previous hikers, and at no time did it feel life threatening. So again, I leave the decision up to you and I take no responsibility for your decision.
However, if conditions allow and you feel confident, this spot offers one of the most spectacular views of Koosah Falls and the McKenzie River. It is as if God Himself created this viewing area specifically for the falls. Fallen trees frame the waterfall perfectly, and the brilliant blue waters weave around rocks and logs in the most stunning way. The views down the river through the canyon are also beautiful. It’s a truly amazing place for landscape photography, and is one of my absolute favorite locations in Oregon.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Koosah Falls in winter is an unforgettable experience. The waterfall itself is stunning, the McKenzie River’s blue waters are unreal, and the snow-covered forest adds to the magic. If you’re looking for one of the best winter hikes in Oregon, Koosah Falls is a must-see destination.
Happy exploring!
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Koosah Falls: Relaxing Nature Escape
Escape into the tranquil beauty of Koosah Falls in winter, where the soothing sounds of cascading water meet the peaceful silence of a snow-covered forest. Nestled in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, this 74-foot waterfall plunges over a lava-carved cliff into the stunning blue waters of the McKenzie River, creating a breathtaking scene of winter serenity.