Proxy Falls is regarded as one of Oregon’s must-see waterfalls for its ease and grandeur. And its reputation is well-deserved. The 1.
6-mile loop is intended to be hiked one-way counterclockwise, beginning in the Willamette National Forest and immediately entering the Three Sisters Wilderness . The trail offers a close-up view of the 226-foot cascading Lower Proxy Falls in addition to Upper Proxy Falls, which abruptly disappears where the water soaks into the lava underground. Swim in the High Desert this summer Lower Proxy Falls is the most striking section of the trail.
Reaching the base of the falls requires navigating over (or under) several downed trees on a steep downhill slope. After making the descent, a fallen log serves as a bridge to cross the final stretch to the falls — one of my favorite parts of the hike, aside from the lower falls' glory. Hikers stop to admire the beauty of Lower Proxy Falls.
The water that sprayed off the falls was a welcome form of relief when I hiked the trail last month. Beads of water collected on my iPhone lens, making it difficult for the camera to focus on the stunning view behind the droplets. As I turned away from the waterfalls to find the trail, a fellow hiker, visiting from Sweet Home, said, “If that’s not beautiful, I don’t what is.
” Horses and Granite: Why you should wallow in the Wallowas A Northwest Forest annual pass or day pass is required to access the trailhead, but no Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is needed, unlike neighboring trailheads such as Obsidian and Scott. A sign on the Proxy Falls Trail points toward the direction of Lower Proxy Falls. The trailhead is accessible during the months the McKenzie Highway is open, which is typically mid-June to November but was delayed until July 4 this year due to a pavement project.
Given the waterfall's popularity, roadside parking tends to fill up during peak visiting hours, so plan your visit accordingly. Or mark your calendar for October when the maple trees are exploding with vibrant fall colors. The trailhead may be accessed from the east or the west on the McKenzie Highway.
From Bend, I drove through Sisters, following the highway for a charming tour past Dee Wright Observatory with views of Mount Washington and South Sister. On the return trip, I continued west along the scenic highway before connecting to U.S.
Route 20 on my way back to Bend..
