Sahalie and Koosah Falls

Hi friends! Three thousand years ago volcanic activity here in Oregon sent thick flows of basaltic andesite lava into the McKenzie River from nearby Mount Washington in what is now called the Willamette National Forest. That activity created two beautiful waterfalls - Sahalie and Koosah.

Sahalie Falls is a loud roaring cascade of water that plunges 100 feet straight down into the McKenzie River producing misty sprays of icy cold river water that float in the air. As James and I stood at the viewing area watching the falls and feeling droplets of cloudy water-mist on our skin, we breathed in the fresh mountain air and looked in wonder at all the green that surrounded us.

We then walked along the McKenzie River following the 2.6 mile foot trail from Sahlie Falls to Koosah Falls. The trail takes you through a conifer forest of mostly Douglas Fir, some old-growth Douglas Fir, and other species such as Hemlock and Cedar. There are a variety of mosses, ferns, wild flowers and fungi as well. Koosah Falls flows 70 feet down into a deep pool of cold water.

Of course I did some exploring with my camera as I do have a fascination with scouting out nature compositions. And because there was a slight tinge of autumn beginning to show itself I was interested in capturing the forest as it looked in that moment on that particular end-of-summer day.

In 1893 U.S. President Grover Cleveland designated the Willamette National Forest as part of the Cascade Range Forest Reserve. This official designation came about as a result of campaigns conducted by Oregonians concerned by wood choppers intent on exploiting the resources of the forest. It is said that the famous naturalist and explorer John Muir spent a considerable amount of time in Oregon exploring, lecturing and gathering information which aided his efforts in helping to establish the Cascade Range Forest Reserve. In his call for Oregonians to protect their forests, Muir is believed to have stated "The trees and their lovers will sing their praises, and generations yet unborn will rise up and call them blessed".

Blessed indeed!