[more], Copyright 2020 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Day Hiking. Be the first to add a review to the Proxy Falls. Lower Falls was spectacular! We have now lived in Oregon for about 18 monthes; and the waterfalls are my favorite. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking. Lava from cinder cones near North Sister then filled the valley floor. This was much easier and safer to navigate than stepping in and around the slippery rocks. The trail continues south over an old lava flow, then entering a mixed conifer forest. the trail was a little busier than we would have liked, Gate is open. Went on a Sunday afternoon and only encountered a few others on the trail. Beautiful waterfall with exclusive views. And the butterflies were out in full force!! Overall amazing hike. 6,000 years ago glaciers cut this canyon out, now these two falls run over the glacier cut cliff. If you go right on the trail, it is a modest 0.75 mile walk with a slight elevation gain and goes through an old lava flow and a forest. Upper Proxy Falls is a short distance away. We also had the lower falls to ourselves after a few tricky stream crossings. The 226-foot (69 meters) drop makes it one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Oregon. Even though the trail was alive with people, there was adequate space to have an individual experience. Proxy Creek is part of the McKenzie River watershed in the Three Sisters Wilderness section of the Willamette National Forest. Proxy Creek is part of the McKenzie River watershed in the Three Sisters Wilderness section of the Willamette National Forest. Oregon Hwy 242 closed in winter. From the junction of Hwy 126 and Hwy 242 (just west of Belknap Hot Springs), follow Hwy 242 for 6.5 miles to the Proxy Falls Trailhead. We were told that it was usually open for about 3 weeks in August. If you walk the route in a counter-clockwise direction you'll encounter the trail leading off to Lower Proxy Falls first. Great views are a … Located in the Three Sisters Wildnerness area of Williamette National Forest, Proxy Falls Trail offers amazing views of open lava fields and dense forests. Proxy Falls is located in Central Oregon on the old McKenzie highway near the town of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. Proxy Falls is a beautiful easy hike off of McKenzie scenic highway 242 which is only open for a few months out of the year (usually mid-June to early November, but it depends on snowfall). The road accessing Proxy Falls is typically closed to motor vehicles mid-November to … It begins at Mt. Activities Hiking HIDE. Proxy Falls is an impressive waterfall located in the Willamette National Forest, not far from Belknap Springs, Oregon. The deep, mountainside forest, with views of lava fields, follows an easy 1.5-mile loop to Proxy Falls. we really liked it! Turn left and hike the final tenth of a mile to the trailhead. More details: Location: Off Highway 242 from Highway 126, near milepost 64 in McKenzie Bridge Proxy Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the old Mckenzie Highway (242). The trail is mostly dirt and bark. Proxy Falls, also known as Lower Proxy Falls, is a cascade and plunge waterfall from a collection of springs on the shoulder of North Sister, that plunges into a gaping canyon near McKenzie Pass in the Willamette National Forest, near Belknap Springs, Oregon. Went at sunset and didn't see more than a couple other people. We tried to go through McKenzy Pass in July, and met with a road block on the Sisters side of the road. Next time l go, l will be taking a picnic. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Filter by length, rating, and difficulty level. Area Status: Temporarily Closed Beginning at Proxy Falls Trailhead, Proxy Falls Trail #3532 starts by heading west and immediately entering the Three Sisters Wilderness. Nice, easy trail to two waterfalls. To see if the highway to the trailhead is open, click here. we liked walking through the lava fields and hiking down to lower falls. The trail is a easy to moderate hike, but it is not appropriate for wheelchairs or strollers. On the first go-around, we were turned back by the onset of a snow storm as well as a gate not far from the trailhead that prevented our rental car from proceeding further on Hwy 242. Absolutely my favorite waterfall in Oregon so far. Nicely maintained trail and beautiful falls. From McKenzie River Ranger Station, drive east on Highway 126 about 2 miles to junction with Highway 242. Loved it a lot. Subscribe and get exclusive curated content delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Beautiful short little hike in. Rocky trail but not too much of an incline that makes it difficult. Worth going to base of lower falls. Travel along the 1+ mile (1.6 km) loop trail through open lava fields and dense forest to view two distinctly different waterfalls. Rocky, you get wet to see the lower trail, beautiful falls. As the water falls over the cliff and down into the porous lava it sinks back underground so it appears as if the water just disappears, without an outlet. Between Koosah and Sahalie Falls, there are some stunning views of the McKenzie River along the section of the trail, so keep your eyes open for viewpoints along the riverbank. Proxy Falls, also known as Lower Proxy Falls, is a cascade and plunging water fall located in the Three Sisters Wilderness area of the Cascades Mountains. Following the trail in a clockwise fashion leads hikers to Upper Proxy Falls first, saving the better of the two falls for last. Get over the hump of the mid-week blues! She said that both will provide real-time information to trail … Proxy Falls Lose yourself (although stick to the trail) on the way to Proxy Falls. The upper falls is underwhelming. Duarte Fish Canyon Falls Trail Summer 2015. You have to be careful when you’re close to the falls though as the spray causes SLIPPERY rocks and logs. A true sense of deep-forest solitude and mountain beauty is found at Proxy Falls. This loop trail travels through open lava fields and dense forest, offering views of two waterfalls. They are especially impressive in the spring when the water flow is the most intense. The falls appear in a natural clearing framed by dense old-growth cedar and Douglas fir, a bold frame for the light and misty elegance created by the 225-foot drop. The Proxy Falls trail starts at the western end of the Old McKenzie Highway — a steep, windy road that cuts through the Cascades — about an hour and a half east of Eugene. Enter through the Access Trail Gate. Our August visit was actually our second try at seeing the Proxy Falls. A true sense of deep-forest solitude and mountain beauty is found at Proxy Falls. Be sure to time out the hike to see the Spring runoff. stunning. Proxy Falls, also known as Lower Proxy Falls, is a cascade and plunge waterfall from a collection of springs on the shoulder of North Sister, that plunges into a gaping canyon near McKenzie Pass in the Willamette National Forest, near Belknap Springs, Oregon.The waterfall is notable for its main drop of 226 feet (69 m) which makes it one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Oregon. It’s 1.25 mile loop trail to see both the waterfalls. The road accessing Proxy Falls is typically closed to motor vehicles mid-November to … Easy and no big hike equipment needed. For how busy this hike is in the summer months, the trailhead does not offer a lot of parking. Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a 2.6 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. This one-way loop trail brings hikers past the 226 foot veil waterfall that is Proxy Falls. Once you are on the trail for a while and you get near the falls … I have always gone right. About The Guide Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide is an online resource to help families with children source trails that little legs can hike and parents can feel comfortable with. The drive and consequent hike to the falls will immerse you in the Central Oregon forest experience. If you wear, waterproof boots, you’ll be able to walk to the bottom of the falls. I guess it was a good thing that gate was closed because it turned out that the snow came down really hard just a few minutes later. on our way out so be cautious if up here at dusk. Leashed pets are welcome to join you as you take in the breathtaking scenery along the hiking trail. We did hear what was some sort of large animal (bear, lion?) Proxy Falls. Take the lower falls trail and if you are up for some challenge in finding your way to the base of the falls, you can get close as you want to the roar and spray. sometimes you feel like you're on another planet with the cool lava rock parts. Lowe Truck Trail (2N50.1) at the water tank and ends at Gabrielino NRT below Switzer Falls. we were sweaty when we reached both on a 90+ degree day, expected to jump right in, and chickened out when we got hit with the chill wind off the falls. When you get to the bottom, the trail ends and you're really just walking on slippery rocks, so be careful! Easy and well maintained. The area has miles and miles of trails through the pristine canyon to explore and is open all year round. The hike is 1.5 miles round trip through lava beds and forest. The lower falls is amazing, definitely one of our favorites in Oregon! The hike is pretty short, which is actually pretty nice given how long the drive takes to get to the trailhead. The Bear Canyon Trail is 5 miles long. on a hot day, you'll be shocked and relieved when you reach either the upper or lower falls. Can get steep and rocky the closer you get to the falls, I did this while wearing a baby and felt okay with some support. Open: Proxy Falls A snow gate on McKenzie Highway 242 blocks access to this famous 226-foot waterfall from November to June, but by bringing snowshoes, skis … But it's a nice place to stop, sit, and relax. Such a stunning trail! We stopped by the Proxy falls and did the short hike there. Easily find dog or kid-friendly trails. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission.HOME ♦ PRIVACY POLICY ♦ TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. To get closer to the falls I recommend going past the water area, you’ll come across a spot with a lot of fallen trees. Pacific Northwest: Reviews of Travel Resources, User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. Be aware that it's closed during the off season. Sneakers will do great! Climb back up to the main trail, and continue past the junction for a second waterfall. Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a 1.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. 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