Sahalie and Koosah Falls | Two Stunning Waterfalls along the Incredible McKenzie River
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Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hike Length: 1 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 144 ft.
- Hike Type: Out & Back
- Pass Required: None
- When to Visit: Year Round*
- Pets: Dogs on Leash
- Kids: Yes
- Facilities: Vault Toilets
*Always check weather and road conditions before visiting. Winter snow or Summer wildfires can greatly affect whether the location is accessible. See my Koosah Falls in Winter Location Guide for tips on winter visits.
Tucked deep within Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, along the scenic McKenzie River, Sahalie and Koosah Falls are two of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Each drops around 75 feet over ancient lava cliffs into vibrant, turquoise-blue pools surrounded by lush, moss-covered old growth forest. Between them flows one of the most impossibly blue rivers in Oregon — the kind of color that has to be seen to be believed.
Just 35 miles from Sisters or about 70 miles from Eugene, this area is easy to reach and feels like a world away from everything else. The short 1-mile trail that connects the two waterfalls is one of Oregon’s most rewarding hikes — and if you have more time, the full 2.4-mile loop offers even more opportunities to experience the McKenzie River’s incredible scenery.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a hiker looking for a peaceful walk, or just someone who loves the sound of rushing water, Sahalie and Koosah Falls never disappoint.
Getting There
Both waterfalls are located along McKenzie Highway (OR-126). They each have their own parking area, and you can start from either one.
Sahalie Falls has the larger lot, with room for about 20 cars plus extra roadside parking. There’s space for one or two RVs, two vault toilets, and an informational kiosk. Koosah Falls has a smaller lot with space for 8–10 cars, restrooms, a picnic table, and signage about the area.
If you find Sahalie’s lot too full, it’s often easier to park at Koosah and hike the trail in reverse — both options connect seamlessly.
Sahalie Falls
From the Sahalie parking area, a short paved trail leads just a couple hundred feet to the main viewpoint. You can take either the stairs or an accessible curved ramp that winds through the forest. Even before you arrive, you’ll likely feel the cool mist in the air.
And then, through the trees, the roar of Sahalie Falls appears — a powerful 75-foot cascade surging over a basalt cliff into a misty, mossy basin. The name “Sahalie” means “heaven” or “high” in Chinook Jargon, and it couldn’t be more fitting.
This whole area was shaped around 3,000 years ago when lava from the Sand Mountain eruption flowed through the McKenzie River valley, creating the basalt ledges and channels that the river still runs over today.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can follow short unmarked paths on either side of the viewpoint down toward the base of the falls. These are steep, rough, and slippery trails — so only attempt them if conditions are safe and you’re comfortable on rugged terrain. But if you do go down, the experience is incredible. The mist from the waterfall will soak you in seconds, and standing beneath that roaring curtain of water surrounded by lush moss is unforgettable.
Before continuing to Koosah Falls, take a few minutes to explore the upper section of Sahalie. A trail just to the left of the parking area climbs to a fenced overlook above the falls, where you can look down at the river as it rushes toward the edge. Behind that viewpoint, there’s also a calm, hidden cove where the water swirls quietly before plunging over the brink — a peaceful spot to pause and enjoy the softer side of this powerful river.
Trail to Koosah Falls
From the lower viewpoint at Sahalie, follow the stairs at the far end of the platform to begin the short 0.5-mile trail downstream toward Koosah Falls.
This stretch of trail is absolutely beautiful. It weaves through a forest of Douglas-fir and hemlock, following close beside the McKenzie River. You’ll find yourself stopping constantly — every turn reveals a new cascade, a sunlit section of forest, or a stretch of the river glowing blue through the trees.
Shortly down the trail, there’s a small clearing that juts out toward the river. From here, you can look upriver toward Sahalie Falls, see a smaller cascade in the distance, and even spot the mist rising through the forest. It’s one of the most picturesque river views in Oregon — just be cautious near the edge, as drop-offs can be steep.
Just before reaching Koosah Falls, there is a quite large unnamed cascade pouring over the edge — a waterfall in its own right. The water crashes into a narrow, carved-out channel where the color of the McKenzie turns a deep turquoise. It’s an incredible sight and a perfect spot to stop for photos.
Koosah Falls
Koosah Falls is just as impressive as its upstream neighbor. The first viewpoint places you right above the waterfall, where the river suddenly drops 75 feet into a deep blue basin below.
A short walk farther brings you to additional viewpoints, each with slightly different perspectives of the waterfall and the river below. The main viewpoint — reached by descending a set of stairs to the right — offers a head-on look at the falls framed by moss-covered cliffs, ferns, and volcanic rock.
During the spring and early summer, the falls form a wide, thunderous curtain of white water. In late summer and fall, the flow splits into two separate streams that tumble side-by-side over the dark basalt ledge — a sight that’s equally beautiful.
The name “Koosah” means “sky,” another Chinook Jargon word that fits perfectly with the open, airy canyon that surrounds it.
After you’ve soaked in the scene here, there’s one more viewpoint that’s easily accessible — and it might just have the best perspective of all. From the benches near the main overlook, take the trail that climbs up behind them. When you reach the top, continue straight for a few minutes until you see a narrow set of stairs leading down to a small viewpoint.
While it’s the smallest overlook along the trail, it offers one of the most spectacular views. From here, you get a perfect head-on vista straight up the canyon toward Koosah Falls. The surrounding cliffs form a natural amphitheater, carved from ancient lava over thousands of years. The deep blue waters plunge powerfully into the basin below, rippling out across the turquoise surface as the river winds its way downstream. It feels cinematic — like standing inside a natural cathedral built by time and water.
Hidden Viewpoints Along the River
If you’re comfortable with a bit more adventure, there are two lesser-known areas near Koosah Falls that offer some of the most stunning views in the entire area.
From the upper trail near the “Waterfall Trail” sign pointing toward Carmen Reservoir, walk for a few minutes and look for a steep side path that drops down toward the river. This descent can be tricky — it’s steep and sometimes slippery in spots, so only attempt it if you’re confident and conditions are safe. You do this at your own risk.
If you make it down, you’ll find a truly magical spot that feels like it was designed just for viewing the falls. Fallen trees perfectly frame Koosah Falls in the distance, the McKenzie River wraps around the rocky outcropping, and the water glows in brilliant shades of blue as it flows over vibrant green moss-covered rocks and logs. It feels as if God Himself created this exact viewpoint to showcase the beauty of the falls. The entire scene — from the roar of the water to the still pools and forest shadows — is absolutely mesmerizing.
Back on the main trail, continue just a few hundred feet farther, and you’ll find another spur trail that’s much easier to follow. It leads down to a rocky clearing at the river’s edge. From here, you’re surrounded by beauty in every direction — a basalt cliff in front of you, a smaller cascade to your right, and upriver views where the McKenzie flows down from the pool above. The way one tree bends out gracefully over the glowing blue water makes this view look almost otherworldly. It’s the perfect place to sit, breathe, and take in the tranquility of the river.
Final Thoughts
From here, you can either continue along the loop trail to return to Sahalie Falls or retrace your steps for the shorter way back. Either option is filled with beauty from start to finish.
The combination of the two waterfalls, the brilliant blue water of the McKenzie River, and the lush old-growth forest that surrounds it makes this one of Oregon’s most magical places. Every time I visit, I’m reminded of just how special this part of the Pacific Northwest truly is.
Sahalie and Koosah Falls together form one of Oregon’s most iconic natural scenes — powerful, serene, and endlessly photogenic. Whether you spend an hour here or a whole day, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Happy Exploring!
Planning a day trip to this area? Be sure to also check out Proxy Falls nearby if you have time!
Can’t visit anytime soon? Immerse yourself in the peaceful Relaxing Nature Escape video of Koosah Falls. Anytime, from anywhere.
Want to visit in the Winter? Check out the Koosah Falls Winter Location Guide for tips on parking and hiking in the snow. Or sit back and relax while enjoying the Winter at Koosah Falls Relaxing Nature Escape.
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Trailhead Location
Nearby Locations
Also See
Koosah Falls: Relaxing Nature Escape
Experience the vibrant beauty of Oregon’s Koosah Falls—where the vibrant blue waters of the McKenzie River plunge over a lava-carved cliff and flow through one of the most stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by old-growth, moss draped Douglas-fir and lush vegetation, this sun-kissed forest is alive with birdsong and the soothing rush of cascading water.