It's a hike for those with good footing. Pets, children, and most people can do this hike. It goes up and down over lava beds in some portions. Probably not so good if it's been raining as there can be slippery parts. The reward is the Upper and Lower (two different paths, not well marked) Proxy Falls, which are breathtakingly beautiful. The Lower Falls has at the bottom, a lot of logs to cross and isn't recommended for some as it's difficult although it arrives at the base of the falls for that must-get photo opp. There are actually better view points before you get to the bottom. The Upper Falls, by contrast, is beautiful and the water frigid, temps chilly even in the middle of summer. Youngsters and oldsters alike can enjoy this hike but it's actually a moderate hike for some; know your limits as you're far away from help if you get stuck. There are a few picnic spots, and many wild huckleberries on the trail. Bring a water bottle if it's hot. Temps vary over 30F on the trail any time of the Spring or Summer. Yes, it's worth it! Note that this leg of road isn't good for long trailers or RVs, there are very sharp switchbacks that make them dangerous or even impossible to navigate the curves. Quite a bit of parking is available. There is a park fee, payable later or the Golden Age Pass makes it free as it's a National Forest resource. read more

Looove this trail! It's a short loop that takes you by 2 gorgeous waterfalls. The setting is diverse and fun, starting off winding through a lava rock field and leading into the beautiful forest, off-shooting to both Lower and Upper Proxy Falls. If you read the info at the trailhead you'll see that the loop is meant to be a one way trek, however it seems that most missed that part as we encountered plenty of hikers coming at us. Not a biggie, as except for the lava section the trail is decently wide. You'll get a great view of Lower just past the directional sign, but I highly recommend if you're able to continue on down and right up the base of the falls. It's a bit steep heading down, and you've got to shimmy over and squeeze under a few downed trees, as well as using a massive downed tree-bridge to get across to the base. It's a bit of work, and probably not ok for everyone but definitely worth it. Lower Proxy is simply stunning and jaw dropping from right at the base. Upper is just a quick trip from the main trail, clearly marked by signage as well. While not quite the spectacle of Lower, it's definitely pretty and easily accessed. There are some picnic tables and a decent amount of shoulder parking at the head. The 1 1/2 mile trail is so much fun...it's like an adult playground...climbing around the rocks and trees, good times. From the gorgeous and varied scenery you encounter along the route to the stunning falls, Proxy Falls Trail is a don't miss. read more

See all

Beautiful Waterfall and streams at the end of this 1 and a half mile hike. Not too strenuous of a hike with mostly shaded areas. read more

See all

Beautiful fall hike, waterfall was stunning. Hiked through lava rock, super cool trail. We all enjoyed this hike and the kids wanted to go back to this trail days after. Great hike for families with children. Fall colors were stunning! read more

See all

In all my years, I've never been to Proxy Falls until this week. Wow. I've bicycled the Old McKenzie Highway. That's always fun, and it goes right by the trail It's a short trail, and while maybe it's not worth the drive to JUST go to this one place, it's pretty damn cool. I'll go back when I have the chance. It's a SHORT trail -- about a mile and a half. It gets lots of use, or it did the beautiful fall weekend, but people are encouraged to go one way (counter clockwise) to help minimize interactions with other groups. The trail is a loop that starts out hiking over basalt (it's described as lava, but since it's no longer molten, it's actually basalt), then moves through an alpine forest with Chinkapin, vine maple, cedar, Doglas-fir, huckleberry, Oregon grape, and other plant life. Two side trails lead to two waterfalls. The first is lower Proxy Falls. Quite impressive. As we looked at the creek flowing out, I marveled how the amount of water flowing over the falls looked like a much larger amount than in the creek below. I know this is often the case, but this was way different flow rates. I know flowing water! I postulated that the volcanic soils allowed a significant amounot of infiltration; the water was traveling subsurface. We got to the second side trail to upper Proxy Falls. This is a shorter trail spur, and there was NO outflow from the falls. It all went into a pool and disappeared. That confirmed my hypothesis about lower Proxy Falls, and it explained some of the moist soil we walked past. In fact, I saw some white chanterelle mushrooms! Just a few more raindrops, and they'll be fruiting all over. But don't harvest along this trail; it travels through a designated Wilderness, so harvesting wild plants and fungus is not allowed. Will I go back? Um, YES! read more

See all

Nice easy hike to the falls. We brought our 3 1/2 year old and she make it down to the falls Alright. Also meet a few seniors there too. The trail is well traveled and there are plenty of foot traffic on a Saturday. No real parking lot, but enough along the road. There is a restroom at the head of the trail. read more

Very easy hike, shouldn't take more than an hour for the whole thing depending on how many pictures you take along the way. It loops around while having 2 short paths off the main loop around, to go to the separate falls which there are signs to guide you to them. read more

See all

I have been to this location a number of times and typically wait for a day where I have plenty of time on the road I have been taking to get here is soo windy. But I recently discovered the other way to get to Proxy falls that is more straight and quick. If you go, I highly recommend you take the 126 highway and not the 242. Google maps make it look faster, but it's not worth it. In addition to the highway discovery, I finally made it to the middle falls here at Proxy. It was not really much of a fall, but a creek. If you are on a time crunch, stick with the Lower Falls first, and then fit in the Upper Falls. You won't regret it! read more

See all

This is a beautiful hike and one of my favorite waterfall hikes in Oregon. Beautiful any time of year.