📷 U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region, Public domainProxy Falls
McKenzie Bridge, OR
Two waterfalls spilling over mossy cliffs on a 1.5-mile loop across old lava. The trailhead is a roadside pull-out on OR-242, which is closed in winter; a Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Proxy Falls lies in the Three Sisters Wilderness in the Oregon Cascades, east of McKenzie Bridge on Oregon Route 242 (McKenzie Highway). A one-way loop hike of about 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles, roughly 50 meters or 170 feet of climb) leads to the two falls, Lower and Upper Proxy Falls. The trail crosses an old lava flow of boulders, and short side trails lead to both falls. Follow the loop in the signed direction, as the spot is very popular.
From McKenzie Bridge, drive east on Route 126 to Route 242, then 9 miles (about 14 kilometers) to the trailhead. The road is closed in winter, and the western gate often closes as early as October or November. Check current conditions on tripcheck.com (as of October 2026). At the trailhead you need a Recreation Pass and, for day hikers from June 15 to October 15, a free self-issue Wilderness Permit.
- Nearest town
- McKenzie Bridge, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.1675, -121.9265
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Limberlost Group CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Proxy Falls · 11 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Patio RV ParkMotorhome stopover13 mi from Proxy FallsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Quinn Meadow Horse CampCampsite14 mi from Proxy FallsTentsCaravans
- Big Lake CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Proxy FallsTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Cold Springs CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Proxy FallsTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Sevenmile Horse CampCampsite20 mi from Proxy FallsTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Proxy Falls?
Proxy Falls is in McKenzie Bridge, OR, at GPS 44.1675, -121.9265. It is about 18 mi from Mount Bachelor.
Can you camp near Proxy Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Alder Springs Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Proxy Falls?
Proxy Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass loop from Eugene.
What is there to see near Proxy Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tamolitch Blue Pool (9 mi), Dee Wright Observatory (9 mi), Sahalie Falls (13 mi) and Clear Lake (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Proxy Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)