Hiking The Northwest: Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop

Distance: 2.6 mile loop
Sahalie and Koosah Falls are right off Mckenzie HWY (126), just a mile or so south of Clear Lake. From Portland, take I-5 south until reaching the city limits of Salem. From the Salem area take HWY 22 (exit 253) east towards Detroit Lake. Follow HWY 22 past Detroit as it bends south and connects with HWY 20/126. Stay south, following signs for Clear Lake.

Koosah Falls

No hike is necessary to witness either falls. Each falls is accompanied by its very own parking lot, requiring less than a 50 foot stroll from your car. However! I know you're looking for a hike! I suggest parking at the Koosah Falls parking lot, which is much larger and more likely to have an available spot. Locate the trailhead and travel south. This route insures a steady flow of entertaining views – rather than catching both waterfalls immediately. But that's up to you.
As you'll hear from the parking lot, this trail delivers the immediate reward of Koosah Falls.

Different vantage points present themselves as you continue south along the trail.

Carmen Reservoir From Bridge

Not long after Koosah Falls fades in the distance, you’ll approach Carmen Reservoir, which supplies a two lane road for crossing the McKenzie River. From the reservoir parking lot, locate the McKenzie River Trial (MRT) and head north.

Koosah Falls From West Side of River

Now you have access to catch Koosah Falls and Sahalie falls from the opposite side of the river. With the closer proximity you'll have a great view of the deep blue flows mixed in with the crashing white water. The deep blue flows, presumably, making its way from Clear Lake.

Sahalie Falls

Another Rainbow

Common Along the McKenzie River Trail

Did I mention the MRT is one of the most popular bike trails in America? You might even see competitive unicyclers.

North Bridge

After passing Sahalie Falls, a narrow, single person bridge supplies access back to the east side of the McKenzie River. You also have an option to remain heading north on the MRT in route to Clear Lake. Only one mile away you can supplement this hike with the 4.6 mile Clear Lake Loop.