Before reaching Clear Lake, turn right on Forest Road 770, heading northeast 1 mile to Coldwater Cove Campground. I was disappointed by this, I felt I didn’t even have to work to see the waterfalls. Sahalie Falls Trailhead is located just about a half mile north of this and the Clear Lake Resort is a further 1.5 miles north. Clear Lake, Proxy, Blue Pool, Sahalie, Koosah Falls 4/22-23. A couple of weeks ago we had a guest from Spokane and decided to give her the grand tour. Clear Lake is situated 1½ miles north of Sahalie Falls Recreation Site. A few from Sahalie Falls.. Blue River is a family-friendly city liked for its hiking and riverfront. After enjoying the McKenzie River, we crossed busy Highway 126 and continued on the McKenzie River Trail to Clear Lake, where we walked around the lake. I got there at noon so the noon rainbow is gone. The loop trail connects the two waterfalls and the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, and offers up close views of the wild McKenzie River. USA. The trail you are on continues all the way to Clear Lake (1.5 miles) so if you would like to venture that way you can. That place would Western Oregon, which– luckily enough– is just over the Cascades from us. Open Season: This area is accessible year round and could be snowshoed during the dead of winter. This website is to aid anyone who is in a desperate need of adventure, advice, and inspiration for everything travel. Sahalie meant “Heaven” and Koosah meant “Sky”. The Koosah Falls trailhead is located just off of Highway 126 at the entrace to the Ice Cap Creek Campground. Shortly after Fish Lake Creek, you will start to notice a small cove of Clear Lake that is getting crazy blue. I would love to connect, so please feel free read more about me and to contact me here. Clear Lake to Sahalie Falls Day Hike Spring 2020 on Apr 25, 2020 in Corvallis, OR at Oregon State University. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Excellent hike in the Cascades - See 269 traveller reviews, 210 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. It is an easy short walk to the falls with beautiful photo opportunities. This area was a big trading port between the different peoples. From the Clear Lake parking lot follow the marked trail signs heading south (South Jct) across HWY 126. Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located on the old "Clear Lake Cutoff" section of Highway 126. This is considered to be the source of the McKenzie River. Post by pdxgene » March 24th, 2014, 4:42 am A last second change in plans sent Mary Ann and I on the closer trip to Clear Lake not wanting to deal with the drive to Florence on a spring break weekend. Clear Lake is situated 1½ miles north of Sahalie Falls. Sahalie meant “Heaven” and Koosah meant “Sky”. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Easy access with young children - See 268 traveller reviews, 206 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. You will see Koosah Falls quickly, only a quarter mile after joining the McKenzie River Trail, and 73 foot tall Sahalie Falls will come into view a half mile later. Both these streams dry up seasonally, although it appears that Fish Lake Creek can really get flowing, if you time your visit with a flood or something. The trail winds around Carmen Reservoir where the river disappears underground for most of the year. Passes: Northwest Forest Pass is required if you park at Clear Lake, but not if you begin your hike from one of the two waterfalls or Carmen Reservoir. This makes me so mad! A hydroelectric project of EWEB, the Eugene Water and Electric Board, has diverted some of the McKenzie River from Carmen Reservoir to Trailbridge … Also, right before the Fish Lake Creek Bridge, you will rejoin the McKenzie River Trail. Late May through early June seems to be the best time to enjoy their display. Most of the hike is shaded and there are no major inclines, making it suitable for all age and fitness levels. Right from the trailhead, you will find yourself at an overview of this dramatic falls. Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located on the old "Clear Lake Cutoff" section of Highway 126. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. (There is designated camping at Cold Water Springs Campground, if you are looking to camp). 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. The river enters a wide valley created by a lava flow just below the reservoir, and proceeds to dive underground through the porous rock. That place would Western Oregon, which– luckily enough– is just over the Cascades from us. November 7, 2014 November 7, 2014. If you want to find things to see and do in the area, you may want to check out Hoodoo Ski Area and Suttle Lake. After hiking half a mile, you will come to a bridge. Things to See and Do near Sahalie Falls What to See near Sahalie Falls • Koosah Falls • Clear Lake Sahalie and Koosah Falls + Clear Lake are 86 miles northeast of Eugene, and it is a quick drive. Sat, Nov 9, 2019, 9:00 AM: Scenic hike, squeezed in before snow blocks access. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Must see - See 268 traveler reviews, 206 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. 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. There is so much water moving in this area that the air and area can be very wet, so bring a dry bag just in case if you decide to bring the expensive equipment. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. Quickly after the campground, the trail will transition back to dirt and round the southern shore of the lake. Take the Clear Lake loop trail to enjoy spectacular views of a clear, vivid blue lake. The trail will head around the cove and you will find yourself at Great Springs. The bridge over Fish Lake Creek is also pretty narrow and highish, if you are into those kinds of things. Wildflowers: There are some flowers to enjoy, primarily along the west shore of Clear Lake, where some bear grass blooms and rhodendrons will brigthen your day. As the name would suggest, the water is insanely clear, allowing you to see the trees that were killed thousands of years ago when a volcano erupted and created the lake. If you were to stand in one spot too long you would soon be wet! Where is Sahalie Falls? Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located on the old "Clear Lake Cutoff" section of Highway 126. Both waterfalls are right off the highway, very accessible. Thank you for your review . Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Gorgeous hike, but take the entire route - See 269 traveler reviews, 206 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. Koosah Falls was as impressive as Sahalie, even though at the time I thought that couldn’t be done. It’s just a bridge))). From Salahie Falls, it is only about half a mile back to the trailhead at Koosah Falls. 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. Anyone who is interested in visiting Sahalie Falls can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. We visited Cougar Hot Springs, then out to Florence and up the coast as well as to Clear Lake and of course we stopped by Sahalie Falls which was mostly accessible despite there being a couple of feet of snow. The spray rainbow from Koosah Falls.. Another look at the McKenzie. This one was so full of water I had to be very careful with my camera. The McKenzie was totally awesome as it churned and seethed in a rocky gorge. Waterfalls. We were able to see Tamolitch falls running. Martin and I headed down to spend Earth Day night night at Clear Lake and we also hit Proxy Falls, The Blue Pool, Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. It doesn’t emerge again under it pops out at Blue Pool, nearly 4 miles downstream. You can rent a boat by the hour or for the entire day and paddle around the beautiful lake. Clear Lake & Sahalie Falls. Break From Your Roots, How to Spend 5 Days in Victoria, Australia, Hiking The Hoodoos | Navajo Loop and Queens Loop Trail, Oahu Travel Guide: 5 Reasons Why Oahu Should Be on Your Bucket List, 3 Reasons Why The Sierra National Forest Should Be Your Weekend Getaway, Behind the Instagram Shot: Hiking Potato Chip Rock. Hotels near (RDM) Roberts Field; All things to do in Sisters; Things to do near Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Sahalie Falls is the first of the three major waterfalls along Oregon's McKenzie River near Santiam Pass and Clear Lake. If you keep walking past Koosah, the trail will end at Clear Lake, which has its own parking lot. 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. Hiking Sahalie Falls to Koosah Falls is a fantastic and easy 2.6 mile loop that truly makes you feel like you are off the grid. Take the trail to the left following the bridge and begin heading towards Clear Lake. Unfortuatenly, you can’t see them unless you rent a boat and paddle out on the water. More Things to do in Central Oregon. Once you reach the resort, follow the roads past the lodge and cabins. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Amazing Waterfalls - See 269 traveler reviews, 206 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Beautiful - See 268 traveler reviews, 206 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. About 5 miles into the hike you will come to the "Blue Pool" which where the river comes out through an underground lava tube (my reason for the hike). Patience already. This is also a popular mountain bike trail, so keep your eyes peeled for bikers flying down the trail. Follow the trail that crosses the bridge, not the one that continues upstream. Pre-Registration Required. There are plenty of stunning sites to see along this trail just a short distance from Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls, such as Clear Lake and the Blue Pool. After it leaves Clear Lake, the McKenzie River flows over Sahalie and Koosah falls before emptying into Carmen or Trail Bridge Reservoir. It’s cold too, so no cannon balls. I was disappointed by this, I felt I didn’t even have to work to see the waterfalls. Pass the cabins that you can rent out, and this is where you find the trailhead. The Goldfish Escapades is your go to website for everything travel. You will quickly cross a bridge back over the McKenzie River, right as is flows out of Clear Lake. Sahalie Falls is in the Waterfalls category for Linn County in the state of Oregon. Not wanting to hike to the pool all the way from Clear Lake, I decided to drive down the road a little further and park at Sahalie Falls, since it looked like there was parking at that trailhead. Getting to this point made me a little nervous. There's a reason for that as Clear Lake gets visited (by me) in early winter or spring when snows conspire to keep hikers out of the mountains. I was disappointed by this, I felt I didn’t even have to work to see the waterfalls. Pacific Northwest. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. The rock can start to wear on your feel after a while. Clear Lake was formed 3,000 years ago when lava flowed from the Cascades and dammed the McKenzie River. Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass and West Cascades National Scenic Byways off Highway 126. Sahalie and Koosah Falls are right off Mckenzie HWY (126), just a mile or so south of Clear Lake. You will reach the highway in less than a quarter mile. As you turn back along the other side of the river, take in the views of the surrounding old growth forest. Cross it near the entrance to Cold Water Cove Campground and continue on the trail for about half a mile until you intersect the Clear Lake Trail. Unfortunately, these are the viewpoints located along the highway, so you will likely notice a metric ton of people pressed up against the rails, trying to see. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Tickets & Tours‎ Clear Lake: Tickets & Tours‎ City of Sisters: Tickets & Tours‎ McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass loop: Tickets & Tours‎ Proxy Falls: Tickets & Tours‎ Hoodoo Ski Area: Tickets & Tours‎ Tam McArthur Rim Trail: Tickets & Tours‎ Cascade Street Distillery: Tickets & Tours‎ Stay on the McKenzie River trail and head back downstream towards the falls. Sahalie Falls is only a half mile below the bridge and you will first come to it by reaching a viewpoint overlooking the top of the falls. Sahalie and Koosah Falls: Beautiful falls close to the road - See 269 traveller reviews, 206 candid photos, and great deals for Sisters, OR, at Tripadvisor. McKenzie River/ Sahalie & Koosah Falls/ Clear Lake 3/23. During periods of heavier flow the falls split into two segments, but as the year progress… I watched as many people got out of their cars, snapped a picture and then left. The falls plunge a sheer 73 feet over an overhanging exposure of basalt into a huge basin which captures the mist ejected from the falls and turns it into a hurricane directed straight at the viewpoints for the falls just downstream. Sahalie Falls . Cross it near the entrance to Cold Water Cove Campground and continue on the trail for about half a mile until you intersect the Clear Lake Trail. The falls plunge a sheer 73 feet over an overhanging exposure of basalt into a huge basin which captures the mist ejected from the falls and turns it into a hurricane directed straight at the viewpoints for the falls just downstream. Check out the Hiking Section of the website and subscribe here to get updates! Even though the main attraction to Hiking Sahalie Falls are the actual waterfalls itself, the path along the way provides incredible views of the Mckenzie River and rapids. We began the day hiking Tamolitch Falls (‘Blue Pool’). It was the last day of my 5 day trip to Bend Oregon and I felt like I could squeeze one more adventure in. Follow HWY 22 past Detroit as it bends south and connects with HWY 20/126. While I love Eastern Oregon’s stark desert and dry forests, sometimes it’s nice to go someplace absolutely decked out in green. Sahalie and Koosah Falls + Clear Lake are 86 miles northeast of Eugene, and it is a quick drive. There are also some other, smaller falls and rapids between the two offering you more than enough to gawk at along the hike. Here's a couple views from the top. Go CW around the lake, with a few hike-a-bike lava sections and expect a lot of pedestrian traffic on the weekends. Day trip to the lake I grew up fishing at, Clear Lake and Sahalie Falls with Miya and Rusty. After the Sahalie Falls viewpoint, most people head back to their cars, so the loop hike is not as busy as one might think. Sahalie Falls is displayed on the Clear Lake USGS quad topo map. The blue pool was crowded even in the beginning of the spring. The trailhead to Sahalie Falls is about an hours drive from downtown Bend, so make sure to free an afternoon off for this venture. It is also fairly steep, requiring you to navigate stairs on the way down, and can also be very muddy. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. Blue River is home to Sahalie Falls. While only 64 feet high, the shear volume of water plunging over this drop makes Koosah Falls truly dramatic. The trail that continues down the east side of Clear Lake offers much more views than the other side. 12 reviews of McKenzie River Trail "We got to hike the Koosah Falls to Sahalie Falls with a little one. We'll save that plan for a future trip. Oregon. The views aren’t that great here as you are often a ways above the shoreline, but they will get better. Over the past 6000 years, half a dozen basalt flows from the High Cascades have tortured the McKenzie River, damming it at Clear Lake, squeezing it into a gorge here, and burying it … Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located on the old "Clear Lake Cutoff" section of Highway 126. From the Salem area take HWY 22 (exit 253) east towards Detroit Lake. Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash or under voice command at all times. Here's Mt … There are multiple different areas you can begin your hike from, with trailheads located at two different spots on Clear Lake, at Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, and at Carmen Reservoir. This forum is used to share your experiences out on the trails. Take the trail to the left following the bridge and begin heading towards Clear Lake. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. 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