Are there fees or permits required for Sahalie Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Sahalie Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Sahalie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sahalie Falls.

Live Conditions · 120 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Sahalie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sahalie Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sahalie Falls.

Oregon • 100 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Willamette National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Courtarro CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

DBerry2006 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Sahalie Falls

Sahalie Falls is a stunning waterfall located along the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest, Oregon. It is part of the McKenzie River Waterfalls Loop and is known for its powerful flow and picturesque surroundings. The waterfall is easily accessible and a popular destination for visitors year-round.

The Setting

Sahalie Falls sits at 2,854 feet within Willamette National Forest, fed by the Mckenzie River, in the hills of Oregon. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 100 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Koosah Falls (70 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the southwest.

Koosah Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.5 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Waterfalls (#3503), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 50 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

The trail to Sahalie Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It offers excellent views of the falls from multiple vantage points. The trail is part of the McKenzie River Trail, which continues to Koosah Falls for those looking for a longer hike.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 100 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sahalie Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sahalie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Sahalie Falls is beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the waterfall at its fullest flow due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms to avoid slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. The mist from the falls can make surfaces wet and hazardous. Exercise caution, especially with children and pets.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

120 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

0.87 ft

Water depth at gauge

47°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 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

60 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

MCKENZIE RIVER AT OUTLET OF CLEAR LAKE, OR

USGS 14158500

0.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 92 sq mi

Altitude: 3,015 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MCKENZIE RIVER AT OUTLET OF CLEAR LAKE, OR (1 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

120 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

120 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

119 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

119 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

120 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

120 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

120 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

120 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Black Butte Ranch hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 116 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. It lines up with the 100 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 2,864 feet.

The ground changes about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Sahalie Falls near Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sahalie Falls near Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, showing about 116 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,864 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 116 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Sahalie Falls is located off Highway 126, approximately 20 miles east of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. The falls are well-signposted, and there is a parking area near the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the falls, which can fill up during peak seasons. Parking is free, but availability may be limited on busy weekends.

Elevation

2,854 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.349010° N, -121.997006° W

Land Management

Willamette National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. Bring a rain jacket or waterproof gear if you plan to get close to the falls, as the mist can be heavy.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

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

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 Redmond

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

12.6 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