Is swimming allowed at Koosah Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Koosah Falls.

Live Conditions · 361 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Koosah Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Koosah Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Koosah Falls.

Oregon • 70 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Willamette National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Courtarro CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

RWShea Photography CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.6 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Koosah Falls

Koosah Falls (also called Middle Falls) tumbles along the McKenzie River in the heart of the Willamette National Forest in Linn County, Oregon. The second of the three major McKenzie River waterfalls, Koosah sends a dramatic main drop of about 64 feet (roughly 20 m) into a deep pool and is often cited as about 70 feet from rim to plunge. The falls sit just south of Santiam Pass and roughly 0.5 miles downstream from Sahalie Falls, framed by lush Cascade forest and volcanic rock that make it a favorite stop for photographers and day hikers alike. The site and trail access are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. A short USFS spur (WATERFALLS, Trail #3503) leads to the primary viewpoints, and many visitors link Koosah with Sahalie for a popular loop. The combined route is about 2.6 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated easy, offering an accessible outing through classic McKenzie River scenery in the Willamette National Forest.

The Setting

Koosah Falls sits at 2,657 feet within Willamette National Forest, fed by the Mckenzie River, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 70 feet.

Height: 70 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sahalie Falls (100 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the northeast.

Sahalie Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Waterfalls (#3503), a 2.6-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

WATERFALLS #3503

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.28 mi

Trail Description

USFS WATERFALLS (Trail #3503) is a short 0.28-mile spur of native-material tread (Class 3) with typical grades of 12–20% that brings you to the main Koosah Falls viewpoint. The broader McKenzie River route forms a roughly 2.6-mile loop connecting Sahalie and Koosah with about 200 feet of elevation gain; the loop is generally rated easy and provides frequent river and falls views along mostly natural-surface trail.

What to Expect

The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Koosah Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Koosah Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Koosah Falls, as the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience if the trail is accessible.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Willamette National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Stay on designated trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. The rocks can be slippery, and the currents are very strong. Be cautious during wet or icy conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

361 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

401 504 788 992

Based on 81 years of record

2.10 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

48 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

MCKENZIE RIVER AT OUTLET OF CLEAR LAKE, OR

USGS 14158500

1.2 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 92 sq mi

Altitude: 3,015 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Koosah Falls is located off Highway 126 in the Willamette National Forest, approximately 55 miles east of Eugene, Oregon. The falls are accessible via a short drive from the parking area near Carmen Reservoir.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, shared with Sahalie Falls. Parking can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

2657 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.344010° N, -122.000617° W

Land Management

Willamette National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays.

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This easy 2.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Dog-friendly house with pool hot tub fitness room fireplace grill & deck

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse

8.7 20 reviews

Big Meadow View

Relax and Reconnect - Your Cozy Family Retreat in Sisters OR

See all hotels near Black Butte Ranch

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Alder Springs Campground

12.3 miles away · 0 sites

This small, rustic site is right on the side of the historic McKenzie Pass Highway. Surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees, this is a perfect spot to be on a warm day.Access to Linton Lake Trailhead in the Three Sisters Wilderness is immediately across the highway from the campground.

Book on Recreation.gov