Koosah Falls

This is a nice Hike in campground. I used to hike this trail often, and camp here. The trail is a 26 mile hike. The figure 8 around clear lake, and behind the falls is amazing, and can be done in a day. Unfortunately mountain bikers have taken this trail over with the Forest Service blessing. It’s not unusual to be ran into the bushes, or trip on the ruts from the bikes. Beware if your hiking from the lake up to the East trailhead. It’s a narrow blind trail, and some fly down with complete disregard for anyone on the trail. Super bummed.

Koosah falls within Linn County and tailors to backpackers/small group visits. Koosah (meaning sky) was once a trading location for local tribes. This water source joins with the Mckenzie River/Trail and is considered one of the three major waterfalls. It has a great day-use site that allows you to walk in and see the Koosah Falls. I recommend hiking the Waterfalls Loop Trail to see Sahalie Falls as well. Unfortunately, we ran out of time but hope to return to see and complete our full adventure. Nearby you can visit Clear Lake, fed by a natural spring that stays a consistent low temperature that does not allow vegetation to grow, creating an astounding experience for fishing and boating. So, after your hike of the falls stop here for some snacks and rent a boat for $25 to relax. I also recommend checking out Blue Pools that connects later down the McKenzie River closer to Sisters. (Blue Pools names because it is also SO clear!)

See link below for more information through FS:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4404

This location is hike in only!

The are no amenities whatsoever.

It is located on the McKenzie River trail and can be a stop along your hiking, biking or backpacking travels.

To camp you need to do so responsibly as there are no designated camp sites. If you have a small fire, make sure to do so respectfully anand in a controlled nature as you should always do when backpacking.

This is a splendor to behold!