The winding road skirting central Oregon’s mountain range led me into air that was getting increasingly heavy. Haziness could be detected as far back as Black Butte. My arrival in the destination town of Sisters brought the heady aroma of wood fire; the kind that permeates the back of the throat and leaves an intriguing and not terribly pleasant aftertaste in your mouth.
The wildfires of Oregon and California are increasing in number and intensity as each year passes. Thanks, global warming, but I’ll take my wildfires about every 10 years or so. Alas, mother nature has other ideas. My goal was to explore the Lava Caves south of Bend, but the current fires threw a monkey wrench into that idea when I discovered that while the caves were open, park officials closed off the back part of the caves so you could only tour about half of them.
I think it was because they wanted to be able to get people quickly out in case the fires came too close and evacuations needed to happen. Since I don’t like doing things halfway, I opted to forego the caves on this trip and instead explore the waterfalls in the area.
The Three Sisters Mountains are a trifecta of scenic wonder located just west of Bend. Consisting of three mountain peaks close together, they are North Sister, South Sister, and Broken Top. There always has to be the odd third sister, I guess.
Hiking Proxy Falls
About 28 miles southwest of Sisters on Highway 242, Proxy Falls is a glorious hike deep in the Willamette National Forest. It is an easy 1.6-mile loop hike that is good for all skill levels. There is limited parking along the both sides of the road when you reach the trailhead. On the day I was there, the day-use fees were waived, but in most cases you will need to pay a $5 fee to visit.
The trail does have a few spots where you will be scrambling over rocks in lava fields and/or tree limbs, but that is all part of the fun of this hike. It is rocky in some areas but is fine if you are fairly decent on your feet, just watch your step. This area was carved out by glaciers 6,000 years ago to form cliffs from where the falls were created. The rocks have been left by lava from cinder cones near North Sister.
At one point along the trail, you will come to a fork. To the right is lower Proxy Falls and to the left is the upper falls. You can easily explore both in a few minutes. Go right and you will get a stellar view of Proxy Falls. Then scramble down a steep slope to the base of the falls and dip your toe in the cool water.
When you’ve had your fill of the lower falls, head back to the fork and go left. In no time you will reach the upper falls, with its rushing water and closer view. I spent more time just hanging out at upper falls. I took off my shoes and carefully waded in the water at the base. It was rocky so you have to watch your step as the rocks can be slippery. But I’ve hiked the Narrows in Utah so it was no problem. I was able to take some great shots of the upper falls while in the water.
This is a very popular hike, so in the summer and especially on the weekends, expect to have lots of company! Go earlier in the morning if you seek a more secluded hike.
Hiking the McKenzie River Waterfalls Loop Trail
This trail is a mere 12 miles west of Proxy Falls. Continue going west on Highway 242, then hook onto Highway 126 towards Eugene. There is a parking area and interpretive plaques that tell of the geology of the area. On this hike you will see Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls in one epic hiking experience. The 3-mile trail is listed as moderate, and is a bit more strenuous than the Proxy Falls hike but very family friendly, with not a lot of elevation gain.
You will be following the McKenzie River, and on the Clear Lake cutoff section you will find the falls, which mark the terminus of two thick water flows of basaltic lava that damned the lake into the McKenzie River about 3,000 years ago. Foaming white water cascade in between the falls, making for a very scenic hike.
It is a gorgeous hike all the way. I took my time here and just soaked up the beauty of it all.
This is another popular hike and also great for kids. The Sahalie Falls viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and for taking very young children in strollers.
Oregon is full of gorgeous waterfalls – and most people are only aware of Multnomah Falls to the north. But do yourself a favor and venture deeper in to Central Oregon where there are waterfalls galore and so much more.
