Picture-perfect Proxy Falls, Oregon: Photos + trail details for a McKenzie River hike

Lava fields, old growth forest and two dramatic waterfalls? For less than 2 miles of hiking, you sure see a lot at Proxy Falls, Oregon!

This popular hike near the McKenzie River attracts a lot of visitors for a good reason: It. Is. Stunning. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most famous Oregon waterfalls.

That’s why I’m a bit embarrassed by what I’m about to admit: Even though I grew up in Oregon and have spent much of my life here, it wasn’t until recently that I actually saw Proxy Falls.

And I’m kicking myself for all those wasted years.

Why? This McKenzie River hike is quintessentially Oregon. You get both the lava fields common to Central Oregon and the temperate rainforest vibe of the western part of the state.

And have I mentioned the waterfalls?

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Hike the Proxy Falls Trail sooner rather than later.

Land acknowledgement: Proxy Falls and the surrounding area lie within the land of the Confederated Trips of Grand Ronde. They are the original stewards and ongoing keepers of this land.

The beautiful Proxy Falls hike

If you’re looking for a short hike with a ton of scenery, the 1.6-mile loop at the Proxy Falls Trail is for you.

The majority of this McKenzie River hike is easy. There is little elevation gain, and the trail is well maintained. Kids can handle the main loop with little trouble. (The out-and-back spur to Proxy Falls is steep and harder going; more on that later.)

The Proxy Falls hike is a one-way loop (a bonus during COVID times). You’ll start out hiking counter-clockwise up the trail, which is well marked.

Hike through lava fields, which help us remember that the Oregon Cascades were formed by volcanic activity. Lava fields are much more common on the eastern side of the mountains; Proxy Falls is part of the Three Sisters Wilderness, which straddles the border between Western and Central Oregon.

How cool is it that you get temperate rain forest and scenery from the Central Oregon lava fields, all in one short hike?

Get up close to one of Oregon’s most beautiful waterfalls

After less than a mile of hiking through forest and open lava fields, you’ll spot a sign pointing to Lower Proxy Falls. This is the spur that takes you to one of the most impressive Oregon waterfalls you can hope to see.

This section of the trail gets steep and sometimes slippery. Walk very, very carefully; use a hiking pole if you have one.

Once you reach the riverbed, the trail becomes indistinct. Chances are good you’ll be sharing the trail so can just follow others. If not, simply bear left (upstream). Or you can follow the sound of the falls!

Cross the stream wherever you’re able: People have set up makeshift bridges using logs, and you can pick your way across stones. There is no actual bridge to cross the stream.

The chance of wet shoes is 100% worth it for the view you’re about to get.

Lower Proxy Falls drops 226 feet and veils over the cliff face. (It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon.) The waterfall runs year-round, though it’s biggest in the spring, when snowmelt swells the creeks nearby.

One of the best things about this amazing Oregon waterfall: You can get really, really close! Hike as near as you like, but be prepared to get wet from the waterfall’s spray. You’ll also need to walk carefully, as the spray keeps the rocks here wet and slippery.

Travel tip: Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe off your camera lens. It will likely get a bit wet from the waterfall spray.

If you’re like me, you’ll want to spend some time seeing Lower Proxy Falls from different vantage points—and simply admiring this Oregon wonder. Take your time to soak in this photogenic falls.

Hike to Upper Proxy Falls

Once you’ve soaked in Lower Proxy Falls, head back up the spur to the main Proxy Falls Trail loop. Take a right here to continue the loop.

Most people keep left on the loop to head back to the parking area. But if you’re able, take the short, easy spur to Upper Proxy Falls.

This short detour is nothing like the steep, slippery trail to Lower Proxy Falls. It’s easy and less trafficked than the main trail.

The spur takes you to Upper Proxy Falls, part of the same waterfall system as the taller, lower section. Although Upper Proxy Falls is less dramatic than the more famous waterfall, it’s still gorgeous in its own right.

Two springs cascade over bedrock, boulders and fallen logs to fall into a small pool. It seems to disappear from there: Instead of continuing on like a regular creek, the water filters down through porous rocks below the pool. It travels underground before popping up elsewhere!

You won’t need much time to admire Upper Proxy Falls before returning to the main trail. Turn left to continue the loop back to the parking area on Highway 242.

Need-to-know details to hike Proxy Falls

This McKenzie River hike is quite popular: Aim for visiting during the shoulder season, or on off-times (like a weekday morning), to avoid crowds.

You’ll find a vault toilet across the street from the Proxy Falls trailhead.

Cars park on both sides of Highway 242. You’ll need to pay for a $5 recreation pass to hike here, which helps maintain the trail. Find a self-service station to buy your pass across the road from the trailhead.

Dogs are allowed on-leash; the trail is not accessible or appropriate for strollers.

Where is Proxy Falls, Oregon?

Proxy Falls is located just off the McKenzie Highway (126) on scenic byway Highway 242. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to drive there from Eugene, OR.

The trailhead is located about 2 miles from the junction between Highways 126 and 242, near Belknap Springs.

The waterfalls are part of the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Is the road to Proxy Falls open?

It depends on when you ask!

Proxy Falls is located along the scenic byway Highway 242. This narrow highway winds through the wilderness between Sisters, OR and the McKenzie River.

Highway 242 closes during the winter because it is not maintained in the snowy weather. You can check this highway status report—just scroll down to 242.

Highway 242 typically opens the third week of June, but make sure to check first: You don’t want to drive all the way up there only to be disappointed by a gate across the road!

That said, if you’re really committed, you can park outside of the closed highway and hike to the Proxy Falls trailhead. Plan on an extra 2 miles each way.

Is Proxy Falls Trail open?

Luckily, Proxy Falls escaped the damage of one of the worst fire seasons in Oregon’s history. Large swaths of Oregon wilderness—and towns—burned in September 2020.

Proxy Falls Trail (#3532) remains open.

And thank goodness. During this season’s devastating wildfires, many of us held our breath. We didn’t know what natural treasures would be impacted; Proxy Falls remains as pristine as it was pre-wildfires.

The communities west on Highway 126, such as Blue River, didn’t fare as well. My heart goes out to the people who lived and worked in those towns. You can donate to the United Way of Lane County Wildfire Relief Fund to support the individuals, communities and businesses affected by the Holiday Farm Fire.

In truth, I hope you don’t wait as long as I did to discover Proxy Falls, Oregon. This short McKenzie River hike leads to one of the most beautiful Oregon waterfalls. I’m nearly certain you’ll love it as much as I do.

PS – If you’re looking for other great Oregon hikes, check out my posts on Hart’s Cove Trail, Shellburg Falls, and Lost Lake.