Per the USDA Forest Service: "Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are located along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass and West Cascades National Scenic Byways off Highway 126. The Waterfalls Loop Trail, part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, connects the two waterfalls and offers up close views of the wild McKenzie River. These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River 3,000 years ago. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. Sahalie (or "Heaven") and Koosah (or "Sky") are Chinook Jargon words - part of a rudimentary trade language that allowed people to exchange news and goods in the area. The Kalapuya, Molalla, Sahaptain and Chinook peoples traveled and traded here, perhaps on their way to obtain obsidian in the high Cascades or to gather huckleberries.

"Beginning at its northern junction with the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail #3507, Water Falls Loop Trail travels the east side of the McKenzie River bearing south. The trail passes through an old growth conifer forest as it reaches the Sahalie Falls viewpoint, then continues south to the Koosah Falls viewpoint before reaching its southern end where it rejoins the McKenzie River Trail. You can make a loop by connecting with the McKenzie River Trail."

We did the hike starting at the Sahalie Falls parking lot and went north towards Clear Lake. You can, as described above, do it going south. The trails are "easy on the feet" as they are prmarily bark- and vegetation-covered. The most elevation gain and loss (about 400 feet) is on the southern half of the trail. It is worth it to see the gorgeous river and forest. Most of the loop hike is forested, helping you to avoid much of the hot Central Oregon sunshine.

ROD'S RECOMMENDATION: This is a great hike. If you are with small children, stay on the east side and avoid the west side. Perhaps I am over-cautious, but I can visualize a very young child getting wrapped up in the excitement and taking a tumble over the unprotected west side. Older children should be fine, but keep an eye on them.

We combined the 2.5 mile loop hike with the loop around Clear Lake, making it 9.71 miles. If you are in a time crunch, then save Clear Lake for another day. For the Clear Lake hike, begin at Clear Lake Resort if you don't want to do the extra mileage from the Sahalie parking lot. The Clear Lake circuit hike is a bit more exposed on the east side of the lake, so hiking that in cooler weather might be a good alternative.

After our hike, we stayed in Bend at the Cascade Lodge. This place, while nothing to write home about in terms of elegant retreats, was exactly what we wanted: a place to shower and conk out after a long day. It was quiet, the owners were friendly. We paid about $70. Optionally, if you want to pack up the camping gear or RV, there are several places to camp in and around Bend.

After a relaxing shower, we had dinner at the Sunriver Brewing's Galveston Pub. A great place for beer and pub food, which is sort of a no-brainer for us after a ten-mile hike. After a coule beers each and with our bellies full, we slept like babies.