Both are incredibly beautiful and are running all year round. 3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D The terrain becomes increasingly challenging, especially when ridden OAB, as the trail traverses the hillside along the McKenzie River. 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. Just north of the turnoff to Carmen Reservoir, turn left at the Ice Cap Campground/Koosah Falls sign to access Koosah Falls. The falls, which plunges nearly 100 feet, was featured in the Disney Movie Homeward Bound. Follow Us . Camping on the McKenzie River. You can hike around the lake which is very beautiful (or rent row boats by the hour). Both falls are located along McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains. You can make a loop by connecting with the McKenzie River Trail. See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recreation/recarea/?recid=4480, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507, Current Fire CLOSURES: What's Open on the Willamette, COVID-19 Safety Closures and Restrictions, Carmen Diversion Reservoir closed through 2021, Trail Bridge, Lakes End Campgrounds and Smith Reservoir Closed Through 2021. Scrapbook Getaway ... Our guides and shuttle drivers know all the access points to the gorgeous McKenzie River Trail and other great trails in the area. 44125 North Santiam Highway SE 541-782-2283. .Top Ten Area Attractions, Area Waterfalls, Hiking, Copyright 2019 VisitMcKenzieRiver.com by Watkins, James & Assoc LLC | All Rights Reserved. The parking area is located on the left. Giant waterfalls will spray you with their refreshing mist and mesmerize you with their dramatic beauty. This is a hugely popular, longer hike at 27 miles that follows the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains, with the Blue Pool hike being just a small segment of this much longer trail. Be aware of slippery conditions. Drawing from an aquifer basin and connected to some of the clearest lakes in the nation, the McKenzie River winds through the base of the Cascade Mountains and forges over mossy cliffs to … About the Hike: Start at 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls, a raging cataract that pounds the river into rainbowed mist. It follows the McKenzie River as it flows over two spectacular waterfalls and cascades into whitewater. McKenzie River Trail; O’Leary Trail Loop; Shuttle Service; Gear. The McKenzie River Trail can be used for anything from short day-hikes to a weekend of backpacking. It’s an escape to an enchanted forest with its secret gardens, nature trails and private beach spots along the river. How to get there: From McKenzie Ranger River Station, take Highway 126 east 15-1/2 miles to Carmen Diversion Reservoir. The McKenzie River Trail stretches through the Willamette National Forest for 27 miles, offering shady surroundings, waterfalls, and scenic beauty all along the way. Waterfall Wonders Hike ; Events . The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) offers the quintessential Oregon trail-riding experience. A typical campground trail, the southern section is popular with hikers. Your privacy is important to us and we will never rent or sell your information. 57600 McKenzie Hwy Potable water available at Ice Cap Campground. The Waterfalls Loop Trail can also be accessed from the parking areas of Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls Viewpoints. You don't need to take the entire trail to visit Tamolitch Blue Pool, but you'll start at the trailhead. 503-854-3366, Sweet Home Ranger District Beginning at its northern junction with the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507,  Water Falls Loop Trail travels the east side of the McKenzie River bearing south. Ride the upper end for technical challenges; ride the lower part for flowing forest gliding. Ride the whole thing for the full package. Routes. Sahalie Falls is by far my favorite waterfall in Oregon. Bicyclists must dismount and walk bicycles on the east side of the loop between Koosah and Sahalie Falls Viewpoints. These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River … There is an access trail heading towards the waterfall (although it says "Do NOT Enter"). Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App! The trail passes through an old growth conifer forest as it reaches the Sahalie Falls viewpoint, then continues south to the Koosah Falls viewpoint before reaching its southern end where it rejoins the McKenzie River Trail. 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. The upper portion begins at Clear Lake. Parking lot is not maintained for snow and ice. 4431 Highway 20 The scenery is fantastic (see pictures). McKenzie River Trail Waterfalls, Oregon Sahalie Falls is the tallest of the three major falls along the McKenzie River Trail. These two falls were created due to the lava that poured down the McKenzie River Valley around 3000 years ago. The Waterfalls Loop Trail can also be accessed from the parking areas of Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls Viewpoints. The Trailbridge CG section is a cliffside traverse, requiring some technical skills and stamina. Golden and Silver Falls … 541-367-5168, McKenzie River Ranger District Detroit, OR 97342 The trail is a gradual downhill track that winds along the edge of the McKenzie River, passing underneath old growth conifers, through old lava flows, and past spectacular waterfalls. West Metolius River Trail The 5.4-mile hike follows the west bank of the Metolius River to incredible gushing springs and a fish hatchery. This video features dramatic drone footage of  Sahalie and Koosah Falls on the McKenzie River. FROM HWY 126 (MCKENZIE BRIDGE, OR): Travel east on Highway 126 to Carmen Reservoir. Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located on the old "Clear Lake Cutoff" section of Highway 126. The McKenzie River Trail is one that is near and dear to my heart. Sahalie and Koosah Falls are located along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountain wilderness only a 45 mile drive from our resort. Don't jump in from any cliff, it is deadly. Called the Waterfall Trail, it was an easy 3-mile trek that included a small section of the McKenzie River Trail. Mckenzie River Trail Trail map . Coordinates: 44.34075, -122.0026. We also visited Clear Lake after. McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 Sweet Home, OR 97386 Description The McKenzie River Trail is a spectacular 26 mile long trail that follows the McKenzie River from it’s headwaters (Clear Lake) in the Cascade Mountain range. The video taken early in the year – late winter, just before spring. These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River 3,000 years ago. Please do not park on the side of the highway. It follows the McKenzie River as it flows over two spectacular waterfalls and cascades into whitewater. 541-225-6300, Detroit Ranger District I LOVE their property. It is a beautiful hike all the way through, with waterfalls, crystal water and a clear trail for hiking or biking. The trail passes through an old growth conifer forest as it reaches the Sahalie Falls viewpoint, then continues south to the Koosah Falls viewpoint before reaching its southern end where it rejoins the McKenzie River Trail. Excellent Hiking and Trail Running This is a beautiful 26 mile stretch of trail that follows the McKenzie River. The 237-foot Pup Creek Falls on the Clackamas River Trail outside Estacada is closed and is within the burn area of the Riverside Fire. Comments: Bicyclists must dismount and walk bicycles on the east side of the loop between Koosah and Sahalie Falls Viewpoints. Sahalie and Koosah waterfalls boast a strong flow rate all year long. Lush 300 year old growth forest will enchant you. Although the scenery is amazing, the trail is quite technical in places (rocks, roots, lava rock) and we needed all of our 541-822-3381, Middle Fork Ranger District 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. This very impressive waterfall is the most famous of the three falls along the McKenzie River Trail. I like to think of the trail as 3 different sections. Trail Description: This trail is part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Although the Blue Pool hike is worth the trip alone, many people combine it with the McKenzie River Trail. We hiked some of it with family and did several runs ranging from 3-15 miles. This loop trail passes by two waterfalls on the McKenzie River. Trail of Ten Falls This 7.9-mile loop passes ten acclaimed waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park on a picturesque and exciting hike that actually goes behind four of the waterfalls. The river is also dotted with a few other unnamed waterfalls and cascades with no official viewpoints. Add to or improve this map // Share this map on your website ... if not impossible, to ride--especially when riding upstream. Koosah Falls is a great stop along The McKenzie River Trail Sahalie is a raging 100-foot waterfall, and Koosah is a beautiful 70-foot gushing waterfall. Washington, and crosses a bridge over the McKenzie River. Best hikes around the McKenzie River area and the foothills of the Three Sisters... Home *Store* About the author ... Rainbow Falls Overlook - easy (members only) Substitute Point - difficult ... McKenzie River Trail to Blue Pool - easy; Wildflower Hikes: Breathtaking Waterfalls A short drive up the river are two spectacular waterfalls with easy access and a fantastic hike along the McKenzie River trail between the two. Springfield. 46375 Highway 58 Welcome to the home of the McKenzie River Trail Run, Oregon’s oldest ultramarathon, run annually since 1988. The volcanic rock is pretty slick when wet. Water: Potable water available at Ice Cap Campground. Nearly 25 miles in length and slightly downhill (when ridden as a shuttle), the trail’s stats are a bit misleading. Read more. The trail crosses over several tributaries of the McKenzie River via log bridges. McKenzie River Trail – the full length of this trail is 26 miles and it was named the #1 Bike Trail in the United States! 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. Koosah is a Chinook word interpreted as meaning either “sky” or “shining,” and both apply when the falls are considered against Sahalie Falls farther upstream. Trail Description: This trail is part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. The diverse changes in the typography keeps it interesting. McKenzie River Waterfalls Brimming over with purity, this is the place to scout waterfalls. Don’t miss these icons of the river. The trail splits into two near the big waterfalls, and the north side is the better one for riding. Westfir, OR 97492 You can make a loop by connecting with the McKenzie River Trail. Follow us on Twitter, Supervisor's Office Velvø Touring Bike; Journal; PDF Map – downloadable PDF Map – downloadable Our Trusted Supporters . Find us on Facebook The McKenzie River Trail is one of the absolute best mountain bike trails in North America. From the bridge, we turned right and took a connector trail back to the parking lot. Although the hike was less than 2 hours from Bend, we made a weekend of wildflowers, waterfalls, and the McKenzie River by camping at Belknap Hot Springs Resort. 12 reviews of McKenzie River Trail "We got to hike the Koosah Falls to Sahalie Falls with a little one. Great question! OR 97477 Both the Waterfall Trail and McKenzie River Trail can be accessed from here at signs marking the trails. Read more. Elevation: Trail is at 2800 ft. elevation. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 Beginning at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507 starts in an old lava flow, originating from Mt. Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters provides shuttles for hikers and bikers on the McKenzie River Trail and O'Leary Trail, and they rent and repair bikes. Read more. ... Two of the booming waterfalls of the McKenzie River … It was about 1 mile from Carmen Reservoir to where the McKenzie River Trail crossed back over the river above Sahalie Falls. Koosah Falls is the second of the three falls the McKenzie River makes in the first few miles from its headwaters in Clear Lake. To start at Sahalie Falls, proceed another 1/2 mile north of the Koosah Falls turnoff on Highway 126. 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 McKenzie River is one of the coldest in the US. Resources . 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. Trail Highlights Ride through dramatic lava fields, along side a crystal river and lakes so clean you can see over 100 feet to the bottom! At Ice Cap Campground/Koosah Falls sign to access Koosah Falls on the east side of the turnoff to Reservoir! 3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D Springfield Travel east on Highway 126 the diverse changes in the first miles. 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