Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a 1.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Fall is the one of the best time to go, with a sunning display of fall colors, less weather variations in early fall and less people visiting. "Many times the snow line is not all the way down to the gate, which makes it more like a hike," said Tyson Cross, winter recreation programs manager with Willamette National Forest. The trail is a easy to moderate hike, but it is not appropriate for wheelchairs or strollers. Check with ODOT or the Forest Service for exact dates. It is easy to understand why it is frequently included on lists of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Come back in winter, though, when the highway is closed to vehicles and the preferred mode of transportation is skis or snowshoes, and it's a far different experience. It makes a fun scavenger hunt when combined with snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling, and for photographers, it creates unique scenes. McKenzie Bridge, Willamette Valley . Midweek mornings are the best time to visit with less people around. Follow to the gate and park on the right. There is a $5 fee to park at the falls. (The Statesman Journal is hosting a free Winter Waterfall Hunting photography contest, by the way. The two waterfalls on this easy hike off McKenzie Pass Highway are among the most frequently photographed in Oregon and often draw a crowd on weekends. Go ahead – touch the waterfall. The Forest Service encourages everyone to stay on the trails to avoid damaging any of the plants along the trail. Proxy Falls. The journey to Proxy Falls is longer, colder and sometimes requires a bit of route-finding during winter. This figure will not take into account the winter months when the waterfall may freeze, because in such cases the … Oregon is overflowing with waterfalls, particularly west of the (well-named) Cascade Range. The trip to Proxy Falls during winter is simple enough. General location: East of McKenzie Bridge, southeast of Santiam Junction, Elevation: 2,100 (trailhead) to 3,200 (waterfalls), Information: McKenzie Bridge Ranger District, Oakridge, (541) 822-3381, Activity:Snowshoe, cross country ski or hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Hello Bend! Proxy Falls is One of Oregon’s Most Gorgeous Hikes. Best time for Proxy Falls in Oregon 2020 - Best Season - Rove.me Oregon Department of Transportation closes the snow gate during winter which effectively cuts off car access to the trail head. It is really cool! The downsides are no set date for gate opening as it depends on snow levels and the potential for spring showers. * The top three placers will have their photos featured in the print and online version of the Statesman Journal. Columbia's lightweight, winter-ready jacket is the ultimate warmth provider and an everyday style piece. See below for details). Update: 9/27/2017: Due to wildfires, this area is CLOSED including a stretch of Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19), McKenzie Highway 242, and a portion of the Three Sisters Wilderness. Both falls are almost 200 feet tall at an elevation of 3, 120', Farns, vine maple, moss, Proxy Falls in Winter, a year in the making…. The easy trail takes you through a lava field and into dense forest, rewarding the visitor with two beautiful waterfalls. The tranquility of this once hidden place along with the roar of this majestic 200ft. In deeper snow — when there's significant coverage at the gate — snowshoes or skis are best. Directions: From Eugene, follow Highway 126 east, past Mckenzie Bridge and Paradise Campground, and turn right onto Mckenzie Pass Highway 242. Check out the video at the bottom of this page to see the waterfalls along with some stunning Fall Colors. © 2020 www.statesmanjournal.com. When snowpack is minimal and there's a good path, all you really need are waterproof boots. These are necessary for the website or application to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. I made my way carefully down to the base of the falls — the creek had a mostly frozen top — and snapped some pictures, enjoying a winter waterfall that eluded me for over a year. Within the Willamette National Forest and accessed via the McKenzie Highway (closed in the I planned winter trips to Proxy Falls multiple times last year, only to cancel them when the weather brought rain instead of snow. The trip to Proxy Falls during winter is simple enough. Proxy Falls is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon and is certainly among the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire country. But it's also more rewarding, offering the chance to travel a highway that becomes a tunnel through snowy forest and experience Upper Proxy Falls (126 feet) and Lower Proxy Falls (226 feet) ornamented by icicles. Proxy Falls - it is difficult for words to fully describe Proxy Falls. Proxy Falls . Call ahead This experience may be open for on-site visitation; however, offerings and/or operating procedures may have changed due to COVID-19. Back to the junction, I headed right and reached a viewpoint of Lower Proxy Falls, a more dramatic 226 feet. https://oregonwaterfalltour.wordpress.com/.../11/proxy-falls A father and son enjoyed a shower at the base of Lower Proxy Falls. It is definitely worth the trip! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Check with ODOT or the Forest Service for exact dates. Proxy Falls as one of Oregon’s top 7 winter snow hikes, more information on that gorgeous winter snow shoe hike. My day started with plenty of snow, so I tossed on snowshoes right away and kept them on the entire time. (You can also take Highway 22 east of Salem and head south on Highway 126 to the same place. All rights reserved. Ryan Borden 5,740 views. Zach Urness has been an outdoors writer, photographer and videographer in Oregon for seven years. The Statesman Journal is hosting its second Winter Waterfall Hunting Photography contest. It’s 1.25 mile loop trail to see both the waterfalls. From Highway 126 — coming from either Santiam Junction or Eugene — simply turn onto Highway 242 and follow it … Click on the following links for more images and details about winter hiking the trail. Proxy Falls may be open again by June of 2018. Be prepared to pay a $5 per vehicle parking fee (rates are set by the Forest Service and subject to change). The advantages of a spring visit are larger water flows, spring flowers and less visitors. Your almost sure to be alone. At Proxy Falls, you can see three different types of terrain in one hike. Thanks for sharing!!! * Each photographer can submit up to 10 high-resolution pictures of waterfalls large or small taken in Oregon between Nov. 22, 2014 to April 30, 2015 (pictures from past years or other times of the season will not be accepted). Your almost sure to be alone. I headed left, the quickest route to the waterfalls, and started breaking trail among forest and lava fields. The idea is to capture Oregon's natural wonders as they roar with swollen flows of the rainy season or are covered by snow and ice. Hwy #242 (from Sisters) seasonally closes for winter and can open as late as July. Ten finalists will all have their pictures printed, framed and showcased in a public exhibition in Salem along with competing for prizes that include $100 gift certificates and state park passes. It is a loop trail. Submit pictures at: StatesmanJournal.com/waterfalls. Proxy Falls is a gorgeous 226 foot veil waterfall that cascades down a wall of mossy columnar basalt.Accessed by a short half mile to mile hike directly off McKenzie Highway 242, Proxy Falls is easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oregon. The trail meanders through old volcanic flow, chaparral and, at lower elevations, temperate rain forest. The trail is blocked in a few places by fallen trees/logs that are circumnavigated by impromptu trails left by … The Orgonian has named Proxy Falls as one of Oregon’s top 7 winter snow hikes. * Email any questions to Zach Urness at zurness@statesmanjournal.com. From the junction of Hwy 126 and Hwy 242 (just west of Belknap Hot Springs), follow Hwy 242 for 6.5 miles to the Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email, Beautiful picture! Based on our experience, we were living proof that t… Proxy Falls is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon and is certainly among the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire country. McKenzie Bridge, Oregon 97413 . The trail isn't marked by blue diamonds, so if you're the first one out after a big snow dump, as I was, staying on the correct route is a challenge. The spray of a winter waterfall is so refreshing it clears all the cobwebs from your brain. Come along with me and learn some tips and tricks on my adventures! Expect to get drenched from the waterfall; bring … They are usually only set in response to actions made by … It’s steep and required a bit of scrambling both over and under logs, but it’s well worth the trouble. There's a small parking area on the side of the road. Stop to play in the creek, look for pretty rocks, or just keep hiking to the base of the falls. Lower Proxy Falls. I guess it was a good thing that gate was closed because it turned out that the snow came down really hard just a few minutes later. Make sure to visit both waterfalls-upper and lower. © 2020 Bend Oregon Stock Photography — Search Local High Quality Images — Search Local High Quality Images On the right day – after a fresh dose of snow – a winter trip to Proxy Falls Trail is far better than anything you'd experience in summer. * Prizes will be awarded to the top three vote recipients, including gift certificates valued at a minimum of $100 for first place and $50 for second place. On the first go-around, we were turned back by the onset of a snow storm as well as a gate not far from the trailhead that prevented our rental car from proceeding further on Hwy 242. And so, when a system of mid-elevation snow finally arrived at the end of December, I decided to spend New Year's Day fulfilling my resolution to see Proxy Falls encased by snow and ice on the first day of the year. Proxy Falls Trail #3532 is located just east of McKenzie River off Hwy 242 in the Cascade Mountains.. One stream cascades into two separate shimmering veils dropping 226 feet (68.885 m). Back in late 2010 I had the idea to hike into Proxy Falls in Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness, to visit this amazing display of falling water in its winter glory. From the observatory, Proxy Falls is still about 15 or so miles past that. Toilet facilities are available near the trail head along the highway. I was also glad to have snowshoes, since there were many downed trees that would have been a major hassle in skis. At the first junction (0.4 miles from the Proxy Trailhead), stay left to visit Upper Proxy Falls, a 126-foot cascade. 40 Miles Alone on the Timberline Trail - Duration: 1:30:05. The photos will be judged on quality, composition, creativity and originality. This message is only visible to site adminsProblem displaying Facebook posts. From the gate, the route follows the highway for 2.6 miles before you arrive at Proxy Falls Trailhead, marked by signs and a restroom. Take a hike on Proxy Falls Trail during summer or autumn, and there's a good chance you'll have company. 10:14. There is a trail to the bottom. All that's required is to take pictures of waterfalls anywhere in Oregon between Nov. 22, 2014 and April 30, 2015. The problem last season and the beginning of this year has been crummy snow conditions. Crafted of our durable 100% nylon shell, this Proxy Falls Jacket is the perfect layering piece and first line of defense to combat the cold. Our August visit was actually our second try at seeing the Proxy Falls. The journey to Proxy Falls is longer, colder and sometimes requires a bit of route-finding during winter. The route, which includes stretches of highway and trail, is seven miles out and back with 1,100 feet of climb. Winter. If you can hike up from the lower snow gate and are willing to snow she the trail – Proxy Falls offers a special treat. * Ten finalists will be chosen by the Statesman Journal staff. It’s a must-see trip, and can be done with kids, dogs (on-leash), and is considered a great hike for all skill levels. The Proxy Falls trail head is on Oregon Scenic HWY 242 … The snow gate's elevation is 2,100 feet, but the waterfalls are at 3,200 feet, which means you're likely to pick up a fair amount of snow during the trip. Third place will receive a choice of an Oregon State Parks Pass or Northwest Forest Pass for third place. Happily pay the fee as it is one of the reasons there is a decent toilet there. From Highway 126 — coming from either Santiam Junction or Eugene — simply turn onto Highway 242 and follow it until you hit the snow gate. Be sure to pack out all your trash – including micro items like bottle tops or snack wrappers. Oregon Hwy 242 closed in winter. One of my favorite activities during winter is a sport known as "Winter Waterfall Hunting.". 541.822.3381. * The finalists will all have their pictures printed, framed and showcased in a public exhibition during May 2015 (location to be determined). Upon finding a great viewpoint for the falls you will find yourself awestruck when you see the entire length of the two cascading fall legs. If you can hike up from the lower snow gate and are willing to snow she the trail – Proxy Falls offers a special treat. Proxy Falls — along with many of Oregon's great waterfalls — sits at 3,100- to 3,200-foot range, which these past few seasons has been too low for consistent snow. ... See MoreSee Less, .Top Ten Area Attractions, Area Waterfalls, Copyright 2019 VisitMcKenzieRiver.com by Watkins, James & Assoc LLC | All Rights Reserved. This is one of those unique waterfalls that you can get right into. If you have babies, consider a baby backpack. Her’s more information on that gorgeous winter snow shoe hike. The Statesman Journal would only have permission to use the picture, with credit, in print and digital editions as well as affiliated social media sites. Proxy Falls Trail Map – Highway 242, McKenzie River, Oregon. Proxy Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls located an hour and a half from Bend, over the Mackenzie Pass. He is the author of the book "Hiking Southern Oregon" and can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. If you are coming from the west, Proxy Falls is much closer, but a drive to the observatory is still cool! * All photos entered in the contest will be featured on the StatesmanJournal.com. Find him on Facebook at Zach's Oregon Outdoors or @ZachsORoutdoors on Twitter. All 10 finalists will receive their printed, framed photo from the exhibition. To see if the highway to the trailhead is open, click here. 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