Last Updated on 5 January, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

The Pacific Northwest is the ultimate destination in the United States to see waterfalls. Their abundance, beauty, and awe-inspiring heights attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year.

Sahalie and Koosah Falls are two of the most captivating waterfalls in Central Oregon, measuring an impressive 70 and 75 feet, respectively. A 3.5-mile loop hike takes you to both waterfalls, with views of the plunging falls from the east and west sides of the McKenzie River.

Read on to learn the best way to experience Sahalie and Koosah Falls, and I will give you insider knowledge on this exciting adventure!

Sahalie And Koosah Falls Loop Trail: All You Need To Know

Hiking Sahalie and Koosah Falls is the easiest way to bag two of Oregon’s best waterfalls. Its location in the beautiful Willamette National Forest immerses you in towering Douglas firs, Oregon’s state tree!

Unlike some waterfalls in Oregon, Sahalie and Koosah never dry up, so you can witness these waterfalls any time of year. For the highest flow, aim for spring when the snowmelt increases the water flow.

If you’re ready to hike Sahalie and Koosah Falls, let’s go over where to park and what to expect. I’ll also share some insider information about the best way to hike the Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Trail!

Where To Park

You have two main parking options for hiking the Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Trail. Pit toilets are located in both areas, as are interpretive signs that teach about the history of the falls and surrounding geology.

Here are your two options for parking:

1. Sahalie Falls Viewpoint Parking: A decent-sized paved lot, but it fills up quickly on busy summer weekends.
2. Koosah Falls Parking (multiple options)
   1. Waterfalls Loop Trailhead (small pull-offs and roadside parking)
   2. Ice Cap Creek Campground (paved lot)
   3. NF-750 Parking (limited spaces, roadside pull-off)
   4. NF-750 Parking North (large gravel lot)

Note that parking in the winter can be challenging depending on the weather. The Sahalie Falls Viewpoint Parking is plowed sometimes, but not always. Your best bet would be to drive down Highway 126, see which roads are plowed, if any, and go from there.

The U.S. Forest Service does not recommend parking along Highway 126 to hike Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Visibility can be low during snow, and snowplows and other cars may have difficulty seeing your vehicle.

What To Expect

Researching the Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Trail will give you a few different perspectives on length and difficulty. I started at the Sahalie Falls Viewpoint Parking Lot and did the Loop Trail in its entirety. I clocked in 3.5 miles and 425 feet of elevation gain. 

As someone in decent hiking shape, I would rate the Sahalie and Koosah Falls hike as moderate. Some areas have steep elevation climbs, and the terrain can be challenging due to roots and rocks.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Length: 3.5 miles
• Hike Type: Loop
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate
• Trail Markings: Difficult to follow
• Terrain Type: Mostly packed dirt, with some paved areas near the viewpoints.
• Parking: Easy
• Recommended Shoes: Waterproof boots or trail shoes.

The trail is easy to follow but not well-marked. A few signs dot the area around the Carmen Reservoir that help point you in the right direction, but I had to reference an AllTrails map to get back on the trail after crossing the bridge at the southernmost tip of the loop (more on that later!).

Special Considerations For Koosah & Sahalie Falls Loop Trail

Some trails require specialized gear or knowledge to complete, while others have specific hazards to be aware of. Sahalie and Koosah Falls is a pretty standard hike. There are no extreme gear requirements for this adventure.

However, there are some things to be aware of about this beautiful trail:

• Hiking in winter: It’s recommended to wear snowshoes or skis to hike this trail in the winter.
• Slippery terrain: Due to the mist from the falls, a few spur trails on the McKenzie River’s western side can get slippery. Be careful, take your time, and watch your steps. A pair of waterproof boots or trail shoes is recommended for this hike. I love the On Cloudvista Trail Running Shoes because they’re lightweight and waterproof—perfect for PNW hiking!
• Steep ledges: Some parts of the trail give you access to cliff edges and overlooks. If you have kids or pets, keep them under close supervision in these areas.
• Photo Opportunities: Remember to bring your camera. The various viewpoints along both sides of the McKenzie River offer stunning views of the waterfalls. This is also a fantastic place to fly a drone for epic aerial shots!

Now, let’s move on to navigating this delightful trail in the Willamette wilderness!

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Hiking Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Step-By-Step Guide

Most of the trail is easy to follow, but there are a few tricky parts! We started from the Sahalie Falls Viewpoint Trailhead when we hiked this trail. If you start from a different trailhead or parking area, these steps may be out of order, but still apply to the hike!

1. From the parking lot, head toward the obvious trail on the northwestern side of the parking lot (away from the highway).

2. This trail will take you down to the Sahalie Falls Viewing Platform, with excellent views of the 75-foot waterfall!

3. I recommend heading south (downriver) from the viewing platform to start the loop. There are a few ways to jump on the trail, but no matter your choice, they all merge onto the Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Trail.

4. Follow the trail for 0.4 miles to the Koosah Falls viewpoint. This platform gives you a decent view of the 70-foot Koosah Falls. There are also a few benches to rest and absorb the nature around you.

5. A short distance after this viewing platform, you’ll follow steps that go down to a second viewpoint. This one is the best, in my opinion!

6. Continue on the trail for another 0.3 miles before reaching the Carmen Reservoir and a bridge that crosses the McKenzie River. Cross the bridge.

7. After crossing the bridge, follow the road (NF-750) until you reach a large gravel parking lot with pit toilets. This should be around the 1-mile mark.

8. The Sahalie and Koosah Falls trail picks back up on the north side of the parking lot. The trail is on your right if you’re looking at the pit toilets.

9. You’ll run into an intersection ¼-mile later, where you should turn right to continue on the McKenzie River Trail #3507 and Waterfalls Trail #3503 (these two trails are merged at this point). The sign will say the word “Trail.“

10. Around the 1.3-mile mark, you’ll get views of Koosah Falls from the west side of the McKenzie River.

11. Continue on the trail for another 0.4 miles until you reach the Sahalie West viewpoint.

12. If you’re feeling adventurous, a small spur trail will lead you to the bottom of the falls for fantastic photo opportunities!

13. After another 0.6 miles, you’ll come to another bridge that crosses over the McKenzie River. Head across the bridge.

14. Shortly after the bridge, you’ll come to another intersection. Follow the signs for the Waterfalls Tr. No. 3503.

15. Near the 3-mile mark, you’ll run into one more viewpoint for Sahalie Falls. Turn right to go to the viewpoint. Or, if you’re ready to get back to the parking lot, hang a left!

16. All that’s left to do is head back to the parking lot! Keep following the trail until you see the left turn that takes you back to your vehicle.

17. Now it’s time to celebrate! If you complete this beautiful loop trail, give yourself a pat on the back for a hike well done. Many people simply turn around and return to the parking lot after the Koosah Falls viewpoint, but they miss out on so much on the western side of the river! It’s worth the extra miles for views of the falls that few see.

Hiking Sahalie Falls In Winter

Hiking Sahalie and Koosah Falls in the winter is a different ball game than hiking in warmer weather. Cold temperatures, deep snow, and difficult parking make this trail a challenge in the winter.

If you really want to see the falls in the winter, here are some tips to make it happen.

• Parking: Do not park along the highway. If you drive a short distance along the McKenzie Highway, you will find a small plowed parking lot or pull-off. Park in the plowed areas and add extra mileage to your hike. It’s safer for you, your car, and other drivers.
• Navigating the trail: In the winter, snow can pile up a couple of feet along the trail. Wear snowshoes to navigate the trail, as it can become impassable otherwise. The trail is not well-marked, so it’s easy to get turned around if there are no other prints to follow.
• Deceptive river: When snowfall is heavy, it can appear there is a trail near the river when there is actually just snow on top of thin ice. Avoid hiking near the river in the winter.
• Closed roads: Always check road reports and weather before embarking on your hiking adventures. Road closures are possible due to snowstorms or accidents, especially in winter.

Waterfalls are beautiful any time of year, but seeing them in the winter lends an elevated feeling of awe and majesty. Hiking Sahalie and Koosah is no different, and it’s definitely worth doing if you can do it safely!

Additional Information About The Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail

Every name has a history, and ‘Sahalie’ and ‘Koosah’ are no different. These words are jargon terms from the Chinook language. The Chinook were Native American tribes that originally inhabited today’s Oregon.

• Sahalie means “Heaven.”
• Koosah means “Sky.”

The word ‘jargon‘ refers to the fact that it is a trade language and not necessarily a whole part of the Chinook language. Instead, this ‘jargon’ comprises several different regional languages at the time, such as Nootka, English, French, and Chinook.

How Did The Falls Form?

Sahalie and Koosah Falls formed when two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava came through the McKenzie River. Basaltic andesite lava is unique to the Cascade region of North America and isn’t typically found anywhere else in the United States.

This lava flow, which occurred around 3,000 years ago, is responsible for damming nearby Clear Lake (to the north of Sahalie and Koosah Falls). It’s also responsible for the two beautiful waterfalls found along this stretch of the McKenzie River.

Nearby Adventures

If you stay in the area for a few days or weeks, there are plenty of other nearby trails and adventures to explore! Here are a few of our favorites in the area:

• Tamolitch Falls and Blue Pool: This beautiful 4-mile out-and-back trail leads to a serene blue pool formed after a lava flow buried a section of the McKenzie River. Check out our Tamolitch Falls and Blue Pool article for more information on this must-do hike.
• Clear Lake Trail: Take a 5-mile walk around the lake formed from the same lava flow that created Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Note that there is a fee to park at the trailhead.
• Potato Hill: If you want some solitude while hiking in the Willamette National Forest, check out Potato Hill. This 4-mile out-and-back hike will gain you over 1,000 feet in elevation as you summit Potato Hill at 5,181 ft! It’s less popular than others in the area, but offers breathtaking views all the same.
• McKenzie River National Recreation Trail: Up for a challenge? Plan a two- to three-day hike on the 25-mile McKenzie River National Recreation Trail! It passes by Clear Lake, a lava field, Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Carmen Reservoir, and Tamolitch Blue Pool.

If you’re willing to drive a little further, some of the area’s most famous mountains include Three Sisters, Mount Bachelor, and Broken Top Mountain.

Sahalie and Koosah Falls FAQ

The internet doesn’t always have the answers you’re looking for. Below are some of the most common questions about the Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop Trail.

• Q: How Long Is The Sahalie And Koosah Falls Hike?
• A: 1 mile if you only hike to the falls. 3.5 miles if you complete the loop in its entirety.

• Q: Is There A Fee For Sahalie Falls?
• A: No

• Q: Where Is Sahalie Falls?
• A: Sahalie Falls is along the McKenzie Highway (Hwy 126) in Central Oregon. GPS: N44.3493, W121.9971

• Q: Is Koosah Falls Open?
• A: Koosah Falls is open year-round but may be challenging to get to in the winter.

If you have more questions about this hike, let us know in the comments below! We spent a few days exploring the trail and the surrounding area, and would be happy to answer.

Hiking With Pets At Sahalie And Koosah Falls

If you’ve read our other hiking articles, then you know we love taking our dog, Pawdrick, on all our hikes. Sahalie and Koosah Falls is dog-friendly (and cat-friendly if you have an adventure cat!).

There are a few things to consider before you decide to take your dog to Sahalie and Koosah Falls:

• Length & elevation: Make sure your pup is up for the challenge. The trail is around 3.5 miles long, and you’ll gain around 425 feet of elevation. Expect to climb a few stairs, which may not be the best for older pups or those with arthritis.
• Hazards: Many trail areas traverse near steep cliffs above the roaring McKenzie River. Always keep your dog close and on a leash to keep them safe! We have a list of our top ten best dog leashes for hiking right here!
• Water: Packing water for your pup may seem obvious in hot summers, but remember to pack extra water even during cooler times of the year. Check out our article on the best portable dog dishes to keep your fuzzball hydrated on the hike.
• Other people and pets: Sahalie and Koosah Falls is a very popular area. Expect to share the trail with lots of other people and dogs. If your pup is reactive, consider going early in the morning or during the off-season. We have an excellent guide on hiking with a reactive dog to help you navigate the challenges of adventuring with a reactive dog.
• Loud waterfalls: If your dog isn’t a fan of loud noises, this may not be the best hike for them. The waterfalls are fairly loud, and the parking lot is right near a busy highway. That said, the trail is quite peaceful once you hike past the waterfalls.

Sharing your adventure with your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences. Remember that hiking with your dog means letting them enjoy the hike, too! Let them sniff and smell their new environment and enjoy the views alongside you.

Recommended Dog Hiking Gear For Sahalie And Koosah Falls

Our backpack usually has more gear for the dog than for ourselves—we can’t help it! While some things are a staple on every hike, a few pieces of gear may be worthwhile to take on this specific hike to Sahalie and Koosah Falls.

• Dog First-Aid Kit: We always pack a dog first-aid kit. Pawdrick is a tripod, so he’s prone to falling. The ADS Me And My Dog First Aid Kit has everything we need to treat most dog injuries along the way. Alternatively, check out our guide to building your own dog first-aid kit.
• Rescue Sling: If your dog hurts themselves to the point they can’t walk, a dog rescue sling is a fantastic tool to help you carry them out in a backpack fashion. We use the Fido Pro Airlift Emergency Dog Rescue Sling, which packs down super small and weighs practically nothing. There are plenty of other rescue sling options out there, though. We have the ultimate guide to choosing the best dog rescue sling to help you decide which is best for your furbaby.
• Harness: Because this trail is popular, it’s best to hike with your dog on a harness. This offers better control to keep your pup close while passing other people and dogs. Consider a non-retractable leash to pair with it!
• Treats: Treats come in handy on popular trails. They can distract your dog while passing others. They’re also a handy tool for working on training while around distractions! We use the Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Biscuits because they’re convenient to carry and break down into smaller treats.
• Pet Wipes: The waterfalls and proximity to the McKenzie River mean parts of this trail can get pretty muddy. Pet wipes like the Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Wipes can be used after the adventure is over to wipe off your dog’s paws and keep your car somewhat clean (minus all the fur, of course!).

For a complete list of what to bring on a hike with your dog, check out our dog hiking gear essentials checklist!

Wrapping Up Your Sahalie and Koosah Falls Adventure

Oregon’s beauty is beyond breathtaking. Its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountain tops offer outdoor enthusiasts endless adventures. Sahalie and Koosah Falls are adventures worth taking if you’re in the area!

To recap the most important things you need to know about Sahalie and Koosah Falls:

• Length: 3.5 miles
• Pet friendly: Yes
• Fee: None
• Location: GPS N44.3483, W121.9961
• Best time to go: Late spring, summer, or early fall
• Trail type: Loop
• Features: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Carmen Reservoir, McKenzie River

Let us know your thoughts on this hiking guide in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more adventures in Oregon, check out our fellow traveler SamH Travels blog about the many beautiful places to see on Oregon’s wild side!

Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet from us, and keep adventuring!