AboutSubmit a waterfall
✓ Sourced from the managing agency's own page

Proxy Falls

📍 McKenzie Bridge, OR🥾 1.6 mi round trip · moderate🎟 Recreation Pass required at trailhead; free self-issue wilderness permit required June 15–Oct 15

A moderate 1.6-mile hike in a designated wilderness area; recreation pass required, free wilderness permit required June 15–Oct. 15, and seasonal road access applies.

Getting there

moderate1.6 mi round trip

Recreation Pass required at trailhead; free self-issue wilderness permit required June 15–Oct 15

Our take

Proxy Falls is a moderate 1.6-mile hike in the Three Sisters Wilderness. A recreation pass is required; a free self-issued wilderness permit is required from June 15–Oct. 15. Access is seasonal via Highway 242, which typically closes in early November.

This outing suits hikers comfortable with wilderness bureaucracy and seasonal access planning. Confirm Highway 242 opening before driving. The moderate distance and wilderness setting offer scenic alpine or forest experience for intermediate hikers.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

The accessing Highway 242 is typically open late June through early November (exact seasonal closure dates vary by year); confirm status before driving.

How long to budget

two to three hours

What to bring

  • Recreation pass ($5/day or equivalent)
  • Free self-issued wilderness permit (June 15–Oct. 15)

Who it suits

Good for

  • exploring the Three Sisters Wilderness
  • a wilderness permit outing
  • hikers seeking alpine or forest scenery

Skip it if

you cannot plan around seasonal Highway 242 closure, or you're seeking an easy, unrestricted walk.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Proxy Falls?

Recreation Pass required at trailhead; free self-issue wilderness permit required June 15–Oct 15

How do I get to Proxy Falls?

Via a 1.6-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.

Proxy Falls in Willamette Valley

We track 4 waterfalls in Willamette Valley.

Other waterfalls near McKenzie Bridge

There are 2 other waterfalls we track in Lane. All Willamette Valley waterfalls →

Quick facts

HeightNot published
Trail1.6 mi round trip
Difficultymoderate
Fee / permitRecreation Pass required at trailhead; free self-issue wilderness permit required June 15–Oct 15
Managing agencyU.S. Forest Service — Willamette National Forest (Three Sisters Wilderness)
DogsNot published
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyLane
RegionWillamette Valley
Official pageView source ↗

Source

fs.usda.gov

USFS Willamette National Forest official trail page, checked Aug 2026; access depends on seasonal Hwy 242 closure

Checked August 2026.