Koosah and Sahalie Falls outing

Hey there! Want to explore two of Oregon’s most breathtaking waterfalls on a scenic day trip? Also want to learn how to apply macro and close up techniques while you photograph some mushrooms, other fungi, and colorful lichens? Join us for an adventure to the Koosah & Sahalie Waterfalls!

These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River 3,000 years ago. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between.

Sahalie (or "Heaven") and Koosah (or "Sky") are Chinook Jargon words - part of a rudimentary trade language that allowed people to exchange news and goods in the area. The Kalapuya, Molalla, Sahaptain and Chinook peoples traveled and traded here, perhaps on their way to obtain obsidian in the high Cascades or to gather huckleberries.

We’ll start our journey at Starbucks in the Cascade Village Shopping Center (63455 N Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97703).

• From there, we’ll drive for about 64 miles (1.2 hours) heading West. From Sisters, the drive to the Sahalie Falls parking area and trailhead takes about 40 minutes via westbound Highway 20 and southbound Highway 126. OR-126 W
  At our destination, we’ll park at the Sahalie Falls Viewpoint parking lot (44.4008° N, 121.8913° W) parking space permitting and, if full, we will go to the use additional parking lot near Koosah Falls (about .4 miles further West.

No parking permits or fees are required

### A Glimpse into the Waterfalls

1. Sahalie Falls (100 ft tall):

• This waterfall is a true showstopper. It plunges into the turquoise McKenzie River with a thunderous roar.
• You can easily reach the falls from the parking lot via a short paved path.

2. Koosah Falls (74 ft tall):

• Koosah Falls is a powerful cascade surrounded by lush forest.
• You can easily spot the falls from a short trail to an overlook.

Between the waterfalls, there’s a scenic trail called the McKenzie River Trail Loop, it’s a 2.9-mile round-trip loop with under 400 ft of elevation gain (easy to moderate difficulty), but it’s worth it for the stunning views. You can do all or part of the trail. We will explain strategy at the Starbucks parking lot, but be assured it can be a very leisurely and pleasant hike and as short or long as you want to make it.

• The trail follows the McKenzie River, passing through a forested area with dirt, roots, and volcanic rock.
• You’ll also see some beautiful emerald pools, basalt cliffs, and old-growth Douglas fir.

A Wildlife Spotter’s Dream

• Keep an eye out for some local wildlife, including deer, and many spiecies of birds

• *Underbrush: Sword ferns, Oregon grape, mosses, and wildflowers like trillium and lupine.

• Fauna:

• Birds: American dippers, ospreys, pileated woodpeckers, and northern spotted owls (rare and endangered).

• Wildlife: Black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, river otters, and Pacific chorus frogs.

• Fish: Rainbow trout and bull trout in the McKenzie River.

Photo Opportunities:
Moving water (experiment with different shutter speeds for painterly effects).

Flora (practice your macro and close up photography of plants, (fungi, mushrooms,lichens) many spectacular trees, ferns, shrubs and perhaps some early flowers will round up the offerings.

Tips for Your Visit

• Safety: Stick to the trails; rocks near the falls can be slippery.
• Pack: Waterproof shoes, with grippy soles would be ideal. Please, no open toed shoes and especially no flip flops. Clothing layers are practical as you are under a canopy of trees and rushing cold waterer is near you, it can be much cooler than the weather indicates. If getting close to the waterfalls, a light rain jacket will save the day.
  Pac some snacks and or a lunch as well as some water. The vehicles are close by, you don’t need to lug all of these.

Suggested equipment:
No specialized equipment is required. You can opt to bring any inage recording device and can get by with just your phone. For those using cameras, the suggested focal lenghts to make the most of your experience would be wide angle lenses or zooms, 24-70 focal lenght zooms are ideal, a mid telephoto or 70-200 zoom is also very practical. For close up work, a macro lens or your lens with the best close up capability. If possible, bring a tripod. I’ll bring a couple of extra tripods for those who don’t own one.

Sowhat are you waiting for? Grab your camera or phone, pack your bags, and let’s embark on this unforgettable adventure to the Koosah & Sahalie Waterfalls.