Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are like two wild teenagers, raging and roaring as they fall from great heights making rainbowed mist that clings to every part of you. You can, however, admire them from a safe, dry distance if you’re content to stay on the path. It takes barely a minute to get to the railed viewing platform from the Sahalie parking lot.

From Sahalie Falls, the trail follows along the Mackenzie River downstream until you reach the top of Koosah Falls, where you’re rewarded with the best view–the blue Mackenzie river snaking its way through the mossy forest. The trail, though covered in ice and snow during our March visit, is fairly easy with moderate elevation change. Come for the falls, stay for the rainbows.

Getting To Sahalie Falls Trailhead

• From Portland: 2 hours 30 minutes
• From Salem: 1 hour 45 minutes
• From Eugene: 1 hour 30 minutes
• From Bend: 1 hour 10 minutes

The trailhead parking lot is just west of McKenzie Hwy (126), 15 minutes north of Belknap Springs, OR. There is also a bathroom here.

Hiking From the Trailhead to Sahalie Falls & Koosah Falls

It only takes a minute walk to catch the views of Sahalie Falls from the parking lot. From here, you will find a path traveling south along the river. In about 20 minutes you’ll arrive at the viewing platform of Koosah Falls. You can also find a couple dirt footpaths that take you down closer to the river, giving you a great view of Koosah Falls from below.