The trail is a easy to moderate hike, but it is not appropriate for wheelchairs or strollers. The lower snow gate usually closes in late November. It is simply one of the most stunning waterfalls you will ever see and certainly one you will never forget. * The top three placers will have their photos featured in the print and online version of the Statesman Journal. One of my favorite activities during winter is a sport known as "Winter Waterfall Hunting.". At the first junction (0.4 miles from the Proxy Trailhead), stay left to visit Upper Proxy Falls, a 126-foot cascade. The idea is pretty simple: Visit as many waterfalls as possible covered with ice and snow during the year's coldest months. In deeper snow — when there's significant coverage at the gate — snowshoes or skis are best. All that's required is to take pictures of waterfalls anywhere in Oregon between Nov. 22, 2014 and April 30, 2015. This is generally the busiest – yet we rarely have rain in the summer and always good water flows keeps visitors coming back for more. The photos will be judged on quality, composition, creativity and originality. The two waterfalls on this easy hike off McKenzie Pass Highway are among the most frequently photographed in Oregon and often draw a crowd on weekends. * Photographers retain all the rights to their pictures. And so, when a system of mid-elevation snow finally arrived at the end of December, I decided to spend New Year's Day fulfilling my resolution to see Proxy Falls encased by snow and ice on the first day of the year. Next stop was Proxy Falls, which is actually Lower Proxy and Upper Proxy and they are a ways apart. The Statesman Journal would only have permission to use the picture, with credit, in print and digital editions as well as affiliated social media sites. All rights reserved. Your almost sure to be alone. Find him on Facebook at Zach's Oregon Outdoors or @ZachsORoutdoors on Twitter. When snowpack is minimal and there's a good path, all you really need are waterproof boots. Proxy Falls Trail Map – Highway 242, McKenzie River, Oregon. Come back in winter, though, when the highway is closed to vehicles and the preferred mode of transportation is skis or snowshoes, and it's a far different experience. Toilet facilities are available near the trail head along the highway. Your almost sure to be alone. McKenzie Bridge, Willamette Valley . This figure will not take into account the winter months when the waterfall may freeze, because in such cases the … Winter. https://oregonwaterfalltour.wordpress.com/.../11/proxy-falls Crafted of our durable 100% nylon shell, this Proxy Falls Jacket is the perfect layering piece and first line of defense to combat the cold. The Trail begins at the marked trail head along Hwy #242. The Forest Service encourages everyone to stay on the trails to avoid damaging any of the plants along the trail. The trail meanders through old volcanic flow, chaparral and, at lower elevations, temperate rain forest. 4 reviews of Proxy Falls "Very easy hike, shouldn't take more than an hour for the whole thing depending on how many pictures you take along the way. Beautiful picture! Directions: From Eugene, follow Highway 126 east, past Mckenzie Bridge and Paradise Campground, and turn right onto Mckenzie Pass Highway 242. Proxy Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls located an hour and a half from Bend, over the Mackenzie Pass. Proxy Falls in Winter, a year in the making…. Hello Bend! The lower gate normally opens late April or May for car access to the trail head. Check with ODOT or the Forest Service for exact dates. The journey to Proxy Falls is longer, colder and sometimes requires a bit of route-finding during winter. Thanks for sharing!!! Weather and road conditions permitting, a winter visit to Proxy Falls is a treat. Be sure to pack out all your trash – including micro items like bottle tops or snack wrappers. The problem last season and the beginning of this year has been crummy snow conditions. Happily pay the fee as it is one of the reasons there is a decent toilet there. To see if the highway to the trailhead is open, click here. Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a 1.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Blue River, Oregon that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. 10:14. Back in late 2010 I had the idea to hike into Proxy Falls in Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness, to visit this amazing display of falling water in its winter glory. There is a trail to the bottom. Proxy Falls . It is a loop trail. Oregon Hwy 242 closed in winter. * The public will vote on the 10 finalists from May 15 to 30 on the StatesmanJournal.com. Fall is the one of the best time to go, with a sunning display of fall colors, less weather variations in early fall and less people visiting. Proxy Falls is One of Oregon’s Most Gorgeous Hikes. I guess it was a good thing that gate was closed because it turned out that the snow came down really hard just a few minutes later. Our August visit was actually our second try at seeing the Proxy Falls. Backup cache in use. This figure will not take into account the winter months when the waterfall may freeze, because in such cases the … From Highway 126 — coming from either Santiam Junction or Eugene — simply turn onto Highway 242 and follow it until you hit the snow gate. Proxy Falls. All 10 finalists will receive their printed, framed photo from the exhibition. Double rewards for a wayside ramble that's only accessible in the summer season before snow closes the road. He is the author of the book "Hiking Southern Oregon" and can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. At Proxy Falls, you can see three different types of terrain in one hike. On the first go-around, we were turned back by the onset of a snow storm as well as a gate not far from the trailhead that prevented our rental car from proceeding further on Hwy 242. Midweek mornings are the best time to visit with less people around. These are necessary for the website or application to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. If you are coming from the west, Proxy Falls is much closer, but a drive to the observatory is still cool! Columbia's lightweight, winter-ready jacket is the ultimate warmth provider and an everyday style piece. Route: 2.6 miles up closed McKenzie Pass Highway 242, 1.8 miles on Proxy Falls Trail, 2.6 miles back down McKenzie Pass Highway. Your privacy is important to us and we will never rent or sell your information. Trailhead coordinates: N44 10.062 W121 57.966, Winter Waterfall Hunting photography contest. My day started with plenty of snow, so I tossed on snowshoes right away and kept them on the entire time. Check out the video at the bottom of this page to see the waterfalls along with some stunning Fall Colors. 40 Miles Alone on the Timberline Trail - Duration: 1:30:05. Lower Proxy Falls. Ryan Borden 5,740 views. Proxy Falls may be open again by June of 2018. They are usually only set in response to actions made by … The snow gate's elevation is 2,100 feet, but the waterfalls are at 3,200 feet, which means you're likely to pick up a fair amount of snow during the trip. The trail continues south over an old lava flow, then entering a mixed conifer forest. General location: East of McKenzie Bridge, southeast of Santiam Junction, Elevation: 2,100 (trailhead) to 3,200 (waterfalls), Information: McKenzie Bridge Ranger District, Oakridge, (541) 822-3381, Activity:Snowshoe, cross country ski or hike. The trail is blocked in a few places by fallen trees/logs that are circumnavigated by impromptu trails left by … From Highway 126 — coming from either Santiam Junction or Eugene — simply turn onto Highway 242 and follow it … Click on the following links for more images and details about winter hiking the trail. Best time for Proxy Falls in Oregon 2020 - Best Season - Rove.me The cool spray, drifting off icicles into a forest of white was so refreshing that it didn't take long for my brain to feel clean and cobweb-free. Take a hike on Proxy Falls Trail during summer or autumn, and there's a good chance you'll have company. Proxy Falls is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon and is certainly among the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire country. Upon finding a great viewpoint for the falls you will find yourself awestruck when you see the entire length of the two cascading fall legs. On the right day – after a fresh dose of snow – a winter trip to Proxy Falls Trail is far better than anything you'd experience in summer. But it's also more rewarding, offering the chance to travel a highway that becomes a tunnel through snowy forest and experience Upper Proxy Falls (126 feet) and Lower Proxy Falls (226 feet) ornamented by icicles. There's a small parking area on the side of the road. Proxy Falls is a gorgeous 226 foot veil waterfall that cascades down a wall of mossy columnar basalt.Accessed by a short half mile to mile hike directly off McKenzie Highway 242, Proxy Falls is easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oregon. A father and son enjoyed a shower at the base of Lower Proxy Falls. For how busy this hike is in the summer months, the trailhead does not offer a lot of parking. (As dry as it was, winter has brought a lot of snow and water and it’s still not enough.) Proxy Falls Trail #3532 is located just east of McKenzie River off Hwy 242 in the Cascade Mountains.. One stream cascades into two separate shimmering veils dropping 226 feet (68.885 m). The route from Eugene is about 10 minutes quicker). Thanks for sharing!!! Proxy Falls as one of Oregon’s top 7 winter snow hikes, more information on that gorgeous winter snow shoe hike. There is a $5 fee to park at the falls. The tranquility of this once hidden place along with the roar of this majestic 200ft. Both falls are almost 200 feet tall at an elevation of 3, 120', Farns, vine maple, moss, Back to the junction, I headed right and reached a viewpoint of Lower Proxy Falls, a more dramatic 226 feet. Third place will receive a choice of an Oregon State Parks Pass or Northwest Forest Pass for third place. The idea is to capture Oregon's natural wonders as they roar with swollen flows of the rainy season or are covered by snow and ice. The trick once you arrive is deciding what equipment to bring. I was also glad to have snowshoes, since there were many downed trees that would have been a major hassle in skis. Make sure to visit both waterfalls-upper and lower. * Each photographer can submit up to 10 high-resolution pictures of waterfalls large or small taken in Oregon between Nov. 22, 2014 to April 30, 2015 (pictures from past years or other times of the season will not be accepted). Go ahead – touch the waterfall. See below for details). Oregon is overflowing with waterfalls, particularly west of the (well-named) Cascade Range. * Prizes will be awarded to the top three vote recipients, including gift certificates valued at a minimum of $100 for first place and $50 for second place. The Statesman Journal is hosting its second Winter Waterfall Hunting Photography contest. McKenzie Bridge, Oregon 97413 . This is one of those unique waterfalls that you can get right into. Call ahead This experience may be open for on-site visitation; however, offerings and/or operating procedures may have changed due to COVID-19. Expect to get drenched from the waterfall; bring … The easy trail takes you through a lava field and into dense forest, rewarding the visitor with two beautiful waterfalls. * Email any questions to Zach Urness at zurness@statesmanjournal.com. (You can also take Highway 22 east of Salem and head south on Highway 126 to the same place. Proxy Falls - it is difficult for words to fully describe Proxy Falls. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. * Ten finalists will be chosen by the Statesman Journal staff. It is easy to understand why it is frequently included on lists of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. The Proxy Falls trail head is on Oregon Scenic HWY 242 … Proxy Falls is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon and is certainly among the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire country. Hwy #242 (from Sisters) seasonally closes for winter and can open as late as July. Ten finalists will all have their pictures printed, framed and showcased in a public exhibition in Salem along with competing for prizes that include $100 gift certificates and state park passes. PROXY FALLS WITHIN RADIUS OF BEND GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The name Proxy Falls refers Ito two Central Oregon watelfalls located just off the McKenzie,Pass Scenic Highway. Update: 9/27/2017: Due to wildfires, this area is CLOSED including a stretch of Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19), McKenzie Highway 242, and a portion of the Three Sisters Wilderness. The loop trail branches off to both the left and right. From up on the trail before dropping down, you see a very tall waterfall. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. It fans out in summer, but was a thin string of silver covered in icicles on my trip. Zach Urness has been an outdoors writer, photographer and videographer in Oregon for seven years. The route, which includes stretches of highway and trail, is seven miles out and back with 1,100 feet of climb. Take a hike on Proxy Falls Trail during summer or autumn, and there's a good chance you'll have company. CAPTURING PROXY FALLS OREGON // with winter gate closed // Oregon Landscape Photography - Duration: 10:14. The Orgonian has named Proxy Falls as one of Oregon’s top 7 winter snow hikes. * All photos entered in the contest will be featured on the StatesmanJournal.com. This loop trail meets 2 trail junctions before … Stop to play in the creek, look for pretty rocks, or just keep hiking to the base of the falls. From the observatory, Proxy Falls is still about 15 or so miles past that. If you can hike up from the lower snow gate and are willing to snow she the trail – Proxy Falls offers a special treat. It is an amazing experience. From the gate, the route follows the highway for 2.6 miles before you arrive at Proxy Falls Trailhead, marked by signs and a restroom. Follow to the gate and park on the right. * The finalists will all have their pictures printed, framed and showcased in a public exhibition during May 2015 (location to be determined). Proxy Falls. 541.822.3381. It is definitely worth the trip! Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email, Beautiful picture! Within the Willamette National Forest and accessed via the McKenzie Highway (closed in the The trip to Proxy Falls during winter is simple enough. The downsides are no set date for gate opening as it depends on snow levels and the potential for spring showers. It’s steep and required a bit of scrambling both over and under logs, but it’s well worth the trouble. Beginning at Proxy Falls Trailhead, Proxy Falls Trail #3532 starts by heading west and immediately entering the Three Sisters Wilderness. The trail isn't marked by blue diamonds, so if you're the first one out after a big snow dump, as I was, staying on the correct route is a challenge. If you can hike up from the lower snow gate and are willing to snow she the trail – Proxy Falls offers a special treat. If you have babies, consider a baby backpack. Fed by a spring, this waterfall doesn't thunder but rather slides down mossy tiers into a pool below. I planned winter trips to Proxy Falls multiple times last year, only to cancel them when the weather brought rain instead of snow. Based on our experience, we were living proof that t… The lower snow gate usually closes in late November. ... See MoreSee Less, .Top Ten Area Attractions, Area Waterfalls, Copyright 2019 VisitMcKenzieRiver.com by Watkins, James & Assoc LLC | All Rights Reserved. Oregon Department of Transportation closes the snow gate during winter which effectively cuts off car access to the trail head. Submit pictures at: StatesmanJournal.com/waterfalls. "Many times the snow line is not all the way down to the gate, which makes it more like a hike," said Tyson Cross, winter recreation programs manager with Willamette National Forest. It’s a must-see trip, and can be done with kids, dogs (on-leash), and is considered a great hike for all skill levels. The trip to Proxy Falls during winter is simple enough. Proxy Falls is a beautiful easy hike off of McKenzie scenic highway 242 which is only open for a few months out of the year (usually mid-June to early November, but it depends on snowfall). I made my way carefully down to the base of the falls — the creek had a mostly frozen top — and snapped some pictures, enjoying a winter waterfall that eluded me for over a year. The gate may be closed, but a bike ride can take you from the gate to the waterfall trail. The journey to Proxy Falls is longer, colder and sometimes requires a bit of route-finding during winter. It makes a fun scavenger hunt when combined with snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling, and for photographers, it creates unique scenes. free Winter Waterfall Hunting photography contest, Winter Waterfall Hunting Photography contest, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. This message is only visible to site adminsProblem displaying Facebook posts. The spray of a winter waterfall is so refreshing it clears all the cobwebs from your brain. Proxy Falls — along with many of Oregon's great waterfalls — sits at 3,100- to 3,200-foot range, which these past few seasons has been too low for consistent snow. Her’s more information on that gorgeous winter snow shoe hike. (The Statesman Journal is hosting a free Winter Waterfall Hunting photography contest, by the way. © 2020 www.statesmanjournal.com. The advantages of a spring visit are larger water flows, spring flowers and less visitors. It is really cool! Check with ODOT or the Forest Service for exact dates. Come along with me and learn some tips and tricks on my adventures! Be prepared to pay a $5 per vehicle parking fee (rates are set by the Forest Service and subject to change). 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