Christine Travels Oregon: Proxy Falls

You can reach Proxy Falls by driving the McKenzie Pass. The falls reach 226 feet to the sky and present a gorgeous site well worth the short hike. The water tumbles down moss covered columnar basalt. Proxy Falls is located about 65 miles from Eugene. The parking area is well signed with a large pull out right before the road turns sharply and gains significant elevation. A note to those who are addicted to their cell phones, you will not have service while on the McKenzie highway.

The trail to one view point is an easy hike for most and from this vantage point one can still get sensational photos. Once you pass this point there is no trail, at least not one we could find. I slipped and slid down a steep embankment while other just sat down and slid, picking the steepest place for the quickest descent. If you want to hike to the bottom wear good hiking shoes and for the best photos be prepared to get your feet wet. On the way down, I put my hand on a nettle or a bug. It was swollen, red and itchy for over a week. On the way back up a fallen tree attacked the back of my leg. I had a huge bruise on my calf. Be careful and judge the conditions. I concluded I was too old to slide down wooded non-trails.

There are lots of spectacular sites along the McKenzie Pass highway, including Linton Lake, Linton Falls, Dee Wright Observatory, Scott Lake, Three Sisters, Belknap Hot Springs and Resort.

Trail Pictures.