Proxy Falls: Oregon’s Cascading Gem
Hidden in the lush Willamette National Forest, Proxy Falls is one of Oregon’s most photogenic and serene waterfalls.
Proxy Falls has 2 separate waterfalls on a beautiful 1.6 mile loop trail.
📍 Where is Proxy Falls?
Proxy Falls is located off Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass) in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. It lies within the Three Sisters Wilderness area in the Willamette National Forest.
📌 Trailhead GPS: 44.2333° N, 121.9847° W
🚗 Nearest Towns: McKenzie Bridge (16 miles) 20 min by car, Sisters (28 miles) 55 min by car.
🥾 Hiking the Proxy Falls Trail
- Trail Length: 1.6-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~150 feet
- Family Friendly: ✅ Yes
- Pet Friendly: ✅ On leash
Trail Features:
✅ Lava rock fields
✅ Dense mossy forest
✅ Two waterfalls: Upper Proxy Falls (less visible) and Lower Proxy Falls (iconic view)
Pro Tip: The best photo spots are just off the official trail—carefully follow side paths to the lower falls for stunning front-on shots.
📸 When to Visit for the Best Photos
- Best Season: Late spring to early fall (June–October)
- Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon
- Water Flow Peak: Late May through July
Photography Tips:
- Bring a tripod for long exposure shots.
- Use a polarizer filter to reduce glare on wet rocks.
- Wear waterproof shoes—splash zone!
🎒 What to Bring
- Daypack with snacks and water
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Bug spray (especially in July)
- Camera or phone with extra battery
- Lightweight rain jacket
🚻 Know Before You Go
| Amenity | Available? |
|---|---|
| Parking | ✅ Yes (limited) |
| Vault Toilets | ✅ At trailhead |
| Cell Signal | ❌ None |
| ADA Accessibility | ❌ Not accessible |
Note: Highway 242 is closed in winter due to snow—check ODOT for updates.
🏕️ Nearby Attractions & Stays
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Dee Wright Observatory – Volcanic views just up the road
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McKenzie River Trail – Epic mountain biking & hiking
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Belknap Hot Springs – Soak just 20 mins away
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Camping: Scott Lake, Limberlost, Coldwater Cove
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Lodging: McKenzie River Cabins, Tokatee Inn
🔗 Helpful Resources
📍 Plan Your Visit to Proxy Falls Today
It’s not just a hike—it’s a journey into Oregon’s living postcard. Whether you’re a casual hiker or a waterfall chaser, Proxy Falls offers the perfect blend of ease, beauty, and magic.
💬 Visitor Reviews & Tips
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely stunning. Easy trail. The lower falls feel like another world.” — @hikingchica
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Crowded by mid-morning. Go early for quiet and clean photos.” — @oregontrailsnapper
📢 Leave your own tip or photo below!
1 Review on “Proxy Falls”
I always tell my friends, if you going to visit Oregon, you got to visit Proxy Falls and do the Waterfall Trail Loop – a short section of the Mckenzie River Trail that features Sahalie and Koosah Falls.