Seth A.
Yelp
This is Sahalie Falls, and not just Sahalie Falls, but also walking along Waterfalls Trail is Koosah Falls. You get 2 for the price of 1 admission! That's a pretty good deal.
And I'm not done, lol...4 miles north on Highway 126 is fantastic Tamolitch Falls or otherwise known as Oregon's Blue Pool! So if you're a fan of waterfalls, forests and the great outdoors, this area along the McKenzie River is full of fantastic natural wonders.
Before diving into the details about Sahalie Falls, I'll just mention I spent 1 full day hiking to the Blue Pool in the morning and then venturing over here around 3:30pm for some waterfalls' sightseeing. It made for a glorious day surrounded by nature at its finest.
For late afternoon at the end of July, I was barely able to grab a parking spot in the small lot, and I'm convinced that had I arrived after 9am in the morning, I would have been out of luck and forced to park somewhere along the shoulder of Highway 126 (which isn't so bad I guess).
Looking at the trailhead sign, it showed that you can hit Sahalie Falls first and then continue along the charming Waterfalls Trail for less than 1 mile more to catch Koosah Falls as well. How easy and convenient is that!?
And to be specific, Sahalie Falls is located right behind the trailhead sign. Before even getting started, the action comes to you. The viewpoint on the paved path offers a clear perspective of Sahalie Falls. But wait, it gets better...
You can also (which I did) easily walk off the pathway and venture down below to the base of Sahalie Falls. It's not dangerous or forbidden. I noticed someone doing it and had to climb over the short railing and copy their idea.
At the bottom of Sahalie Falls, there's plenty of walking space surrounded by lush, green grass. Then, climbing up the small mound and Sahalie Falls smacks you square in the face. It's like a one-on-one moment with a tour de force, lol. You can feel the powerful rush of the waterfall, especially sprayed by mist. It's about as close as you can get to a waterfall without standing underneath it. I suggest climbing over the railing. It makes the experience more rewarding.
I won't get into much detail about Koosah Falls since I noticed there's a separate section for writing about it. I'll just say that it's mandatory for visiting both waterfalls. And Koosah Falls is impressive.
Some last notes off the top of my head about Sahalie Falls...
- It's free to visit.
- The Waterfalls Trail path isn't elevated and overall is pleasant to walk. You're among the forest trees and for summertime, the setting was quiet.
- There are random points along Waterfalls Trail to stop and admire the gushing McKenzie River.
- It wasn't crowded for late afternoon on July, 31.
- I had no cell phone reception.
- This McKenzie Highway 126 is full of roadside stops offering hiking, camping, picnicking and day use recreations. You feel far from reality when in essence there's a major town located in any direction.
I'm glad I got a chance to write about Sahalie Falls, it's yet another unheralded Oregon waterfall that shouldn't be missed. I tell ya, Oregon is my new favorite state, lol. It's a waterfall enthusiasts' dream come true.