About Koosah & Sahalie Falls
Koosah & Sahalie Falls are part of a moderate 2.9-mile loop trail that is one of the best hikes near Sisters, Oregon. It’s the falls featured in the 1993 Disney movie “homeward bound”. Sahalie Falls plunges 100 feet over a lava dam and then tumbles 40 feet in a series of cascades while Koosah drops about 70 feet into a great pool.
The hike borders the McKenzie River through a towering forest and is well worth a stop even if you are just passing through as both falls have viewpoints a hundred feet from their respective parking lots. There are also accessible restrooms at Sahalie Falls.
Where is Sahalie Falls?
Sahalie Falls Coordinates: 44.34896, -121.99686
Google Maps: Sahalie Falls Oregon 97413
Sahalie Falls is located by the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains along route 126. This places it in Linn county near Sisters & Bend, Oregon. Both the trail and falls observation deck are within the eye-view of the main parking area. Koosah & Sahalie Falls are both part of the Waterfalls Loop Trail.
Waterfalls Loop Trail
The Waterfalls Loop Trail trail is lightly rocky in spots, but trail in good condition and easy to follow. It takes an average of 1 hour 14 minutes to accomplish this moderately difficult route. Because this is a popular spot for birding, camping, and hiking, you’ll very certainly run into other people while exploring. March through October are the best months to tour this trail. Dogs are permitted, but they must be kept on a leash.
These falls commemorate the end of two 3,000-year-old basaltic andesite lava flows that blocked Clear Lake and flowed into the McKenzie River. The end result is two beautiful waterfalls separated by foaming white water cascades.
Waterfalls Loop Trail Map
Other Cool things to do in the area:
You might also consider paring this hike with Bigelow Hot Springs [12 minutes away] or the Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) [5 minutes away].
Directions
From Salem: 91.9 Miles (~ 1 hour 43 minutes)
- Take OR-22 E/Santiam Hwy SE and head East (1 hr 38 min – 72 miles)
- Turn right toward US-20 W ( 3.1 miles)
- Turn left onto OR-126 E ( 75 feet)
- Follow OR-126 E to your destination (6 minutes – 5.2 miles)
- Turn right into Sahalie Falls Viewpoint parking or continue on 126 and take the next right for the Waterfalls Loop Trail parking lot. (Scroll down for Map)
From Portland: 136 Miles ( ~ 2 hour 23 minutes)
- 1. Follow I-5 S and OR-22 E/Santiam Hwy SE toward Salem (43 miles)
- Take exit 253 toward Detroit Lk/Bend (0.3 miles)
- Use any lane to turn left onto Mission St SE (0.1 Miles)
- Continue onto OR-22 E/Santiam Hwy SE (~ 79 Miles )
- Turn right toward US-20 W ( 3.1 miles)
- Turn left onto OR-126 E ( 75 feet)
- Follow OR-126 E to your destination (6 minutes – 5.2 miles)
- Turn right into Sahalie Falls Viewpoint parking or continue on 126 and take the next right for the Waterfalls Loop Trail parking lot. (Scroll down for Map)
Parking at Koosah & Sahalie Falls
You should know that both sites have parking however the Koosah Falls parking area is bigger and may have fewer people. So head there if it’s crazy. Parking alongside the highway is discouraged as it is not safe. If you do park along the highway, pull your car all the way off the road. Do not park along the road in the winter as it is very dangerous
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. This is a dog-friendly hike as well as a family-friendly trail. The beginning of the hike at Sahalie falls features a wooden boardwalk and observation deck where you can stretch your legs.
No, neither of the falls require a permit but (like most good waterfall hikes) the parking lot can fill up in the summer peak season. You might have to park in the other parking area if you go in the summer–more on that below.