Sahalie and Koosah Falls

Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are two of Central Oregon’s most celebrated waterfalls, with picturesque cascades surrounded by thick forests—and neither requires much effort to view.

The parking area sits along Highway 126 and is part of the broader McKenzie Pass—Santiam Pass Scenic Byway.

From there, it’s just a few short steps to a shaded viewpoint of Sahalie Falls, which tumbles about 100 feet over lava rock and into the strikingly green McKenzie River below. Koosah Falls, meanwhile sits about 0.4 miles south along the broader Waterfalls Loop Trail—with gradual elevation loss along the way; there, from an unencumbered viewpoint just off the main trail, the 65-foot waterfall tumbles over a rocky shelf. The names of the waterfalls are Chinook Jargon words; roughly translated, Sahalie means “Heaven” and Koosah means “Sky”.

Hikers can continue south and cross the McKenzie River at Carmen Reservoir for a 2.5-mile loop that connects to the McKenzie River Trail and includes roughly 435 feet of elevation gain. Doing so takes hikers through an old-growth forests and offers alternate views of the powerful waterfalls.

Most visitors arrive in summer, but aim for a visit between March and May to see the falls at their thundering peak—or in October to enjoy colorful fall foliage throughout the forest. If visiting in summer, try to arrive by 9 a.m. for a bit more solitude.