High in the central Oregon Cascades, the McKenzie River has
its birth in ancient Clear Lake. Soon it starts to tumble down the
mountains toward the Willamette Valley to the west. One of its
first precipitous rushes is over Sahalie Falls, located just off Highway
126.
As usual, Oregon does a first-rate
job of creating a pleasant pathway which leads to a convenient
observation point. Even from the parking lot above, you can hear
the loud roar of rushing water, and as you approach the falls, the air
becomes thick with misty moisture.
Sahalie Falls, a 100 foot plunge
onto rock. A rainbow hovers at the bottom, where the water
continues its breakneck rush down the mountainside. Sighting on a
particular segment of water and watching it plunge to the bottom gives
an idea of how quickly the water drops.
A view of the water's flow below the
falls as it stair-steps its way downhill.
A neatly maintained trail
follows the edge of the river so you can follow along if you wish.
Not far downstream is a second waterfall.
Everywhere water swirls and
foams, roaring as it goes.
