Sahalie Falls to Tamolitch Pool

For this hike, I started out at Sahalie Falls off of Highway 126, about a 30 minute drive from Sisters. If you are looking for a flat waterfall hike with lots of trees, there is no better place than the McKenzie River Trail. Park at the Sahalie Falls lot and walk a few hundred feet to your first waterfall. You have a few options in this area, you can opt for the waterfall loop which is 2.6 miles roundtrip and hugs the McKenzie River or venture further to Tamolitch Pool. If you are looking for more distance and fewer people, head downstream for an additional 3.4 miles to Tamolitch Pool. This hike takes you past Carmen Reservoir and follows a dry bed for over 3 miles, so bring water, your dogs will appreciate it. I tackled this trail on a Saturday and passed a handful of bikers and 6 or 7 hikers, which for this destination's popularity is shockingly low. Most people stay near the falls or hike to Tamolitch further down the road. I found this to be the perfect distance hike, I was tired at the end, but not exhausted. Rita and Lola hit the backseat of the car and snoozed all the way home. There is virtually no elevation gain on this hike, which after posting about the South Sister Summit hike, is definitely a blessing. We covered 9.5 miles, took a few detours to get closer to Koosah Falls and then down to Tamolitch Pool. Enjoy.

Tory