USA Upstream from Sahalie Falls

Sahalie Falls is the uppermost of three falls the McKenzie River makes in the first few miles from its headwaters at Clear Lake, and is the tallest and most thunderous. This spot is just a minute or so upstream from that waterfall.

There is a universally accessible walkway to a couple of viewpoints. Another short trial leads up to the crest of the falls and a view of the turbulent rapids downstream. There is a 3.3 mile (5.15 km) loop hike involving a couple of bridges that affords numerous photo ops of the brilliant blue water, cascades and falls along the way. While the designated viewpoints are busy, I crossed paths with very few people on the loop hike.

From Interstate 5 exit 194a in Eugene, Oregon, drive McKenzie Highway 126 east 68 miles. Beyond McKenzie Bridge 19 miles, near milepost 5, pull into the large, well-marked Sahalie Falls parking area. From the parking lot, walk 100 yards down to the railed viewpoint of the falls or find the path leading upstream to the right of the parking lot.