When I first went on the road in 2014, Proxy Falls was on my list of possible waterfalls to visit. That autumn, I chose a different route and ended up in the Columbia River Gorge. With my appetite for waterfall photography thoroughly satiated, I put Proxy Falls on the “someday” list and moved on. This past week, “someday” finally arrived.

Proxy Falls

After spending some time at Sauvie Island, near Portland, Oregon, my next firm destination was Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The logical route was Highway 20 through central Oregon and over the Cascades. What a treat I was in for! Having never visited this particular part of Oregon, I had no idea what I had been missing. Proxy Falls is not the only spectacular waterfall in the area.

Koosah Falls

Koosah Falls is the lower of two amazing waterfalls on the McKenzie River below Clear Lake. The water is crystal clear and ice cold and, at least when I visited, the falls were very powerful, creating a cloud of mist for hundreds of feet.

 Sahalie Falls

Sahalie Falls is upstream from Koosah Falls about a quarter of a mile. This waterfall is very close to the road (highway 126) and the easiest to access. This waterfall is so powerful that you will breathe mist from almost anywhere along the viewing platform or trail. There is a trail that connects the two waterfalls and parking lots at both, so you have the choice of walking or driving from one to the other. The walk is wonderful and the section of the McKenzie River between the two waterfalls is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

McKenzie River, Oregon

Since I was a child, I have found peace in being near flowing water. Streams, rivers and waterfalls have a naturally calming effect and remind me that some things really are just perfect. With all the trouble in the world lately, visiting the waterfalls and the river was just the ticket. The campground where I stayed had no wifi or cell service, so being out of the loop of daily news was also a welcome respite.

I only had five days to spend in the area, so now that I’ve been there, it’s come off the “someday” list and added to the “must return” list. If you ever get the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting the McKenzie River and surrounding area.