The Waterfalls Loop Trail hike along the McKenzie River to Sahalie and Koosah Falls is about 3 miles long and is available to hikers and mountain bikers. You access this trail where Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls mark the end of two flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River area over 3,000 years ago. The result of all this geologic activity is two spectacular waterfalls with foaming white-water cascades in between.

The hiking trail is rated moderate, however the one time we hiked the full loop trail, it was a couple days after hiking from Todd Lake to the Green Lakes Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness, so compared to that hike we thought it was very easy. Drinking water is available at Ice Cap Campground.

If you are ready to experience some of the most beautiful hiking the Central Oregon area has to offer, grab your CamelBak, other Hydration Pack or Hydro Flask and get out on the trail, and check out our hiking safety tips. Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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. The trail crosses over several tributaries of the McKenzie River via log bridges. The lower sections of the trail pass through 600-year-old Douglas-fir forests, while upper sections of the trail pass spectacular waterfalls and lava flows.

Please remember bicyclists must dismount when traveling the distance between Koosah and Sahalie Waterfalls on the eastern side of the loop.

LOCATION: 17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge.

ACCESS: To access Koosah Falls Day Use Area, from McKenzie Bridge travel east on Hwy 126 approximately 17.3 miles (The area is located south of Santiam Pass along Highway 126). Turn left at the Ice Cap Campground/Koosah Falls sign. To access Sahalie Falls Day Use Area, proceed another 1/2 mile north of the Koosah Falls turnoff on Hwy 126. The parking area is located on the left.

PERMITS: No passes required.

FACILITIES: NO water, vault toilet (Sahalie Falls only)

ACTIVITIES: viewpoint, hiking

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES: (Sahalie Falls only) vault restrooms, trail to viewpoint of waterfall, interpretive kiosk