community guide to Eugene and beyond

Sahalie Falls

Because we are nestled between the Coastal and Cascade mountain range, we have many attractions within about an hours drive. Approximately 1 1/2 hours from Downtown Eugene is Sahalie Falls. The word Sahalie is Chinook for sky, top, or celestial. The falls are one in a series of three falls created by lava damming the McKenzie River almost 3,000 years ago. The McKenzie headwaters begin at Clear Lake, a naturally formed body of water. This raging 140 foot free-fall can be seen from developed viewing areas both above and below the falls. The turnoff from Highway 126 is 6 miles north of Belknap Lodge and Hot Springs.