Not all travel is distant or exotic. Almost in our back yard are two amazing waterfalls, just a little over an hour’s drive up the McKenzie River from Eugene. We have been visiting Sahalie and Koosah fall since before we were married in 1981.
They never disappoint. We typically park at the lower falls (Koosah) and hike down to the bridge at Carmen Reservoir, cross over to the west side, then hike up past both falls to a bridge above the upper falls (Sahalie), then back down the east side to the parking area.
The entire loop is just 2.5 miles. It’s a relatively easy hike, but takes us 4 hours. That’s because we believe a hike is something to be experienced, not conquered.
Our normal routine is to leave home around 10:30 in the morning, have lunch at the Obsidian Grill at the Mckenzie General Store in McKenzie Bridge, then drive on up to do the hike. We get home around 6:00.
Just in time for dinner.
Just steps off the parking lot is Koosah Falls. We were there in late April and a lot of water was flowing down the river. Parts of the trail were muddy, but we always use walking sticks (best purchase ever) so it is easier to navigate.
The advantages of walking the direction we do are that you get a slightly different view of both falls than you get just pulling in to the parking lot and can maybe even catch a rainbow in the spray.
However, if you can’t walk well or far, both parking areas are very close to each waterfall, so they are readily accessible.
Once we traversed the west side and came down to the “traditional” Sahalie Falls overlook, we had to do (as we always do) our selfie in front of the falls. I have a feeling there are tens of thousands of pictures of people in this exact spot. I know we probably have over a dozen just of us.
We had beautiful weather, a gorgeous drive up and back and a most enjoyable day. We have decided to block out a day every few weeks on our calendar to do this type of trip.
Next one is McDowell Creek Falls County Park.