Bend, OR (Part 2)

by Durene Scott · October 19, 2024

Sahalie & Koosah Falls—The Waterfall Falls Loop trail connects two waterfalls via an easy 2.4-mile hike in the Willamette National Forest. I loved the trail because it follows the water flow from one fall to the other, so you are accompanied by the sound of rushing water for most of the hike. We never tire of seeing waterfalls and seek them out when we visit a new place.

Proxy Falls—We went to the next waterfall, which was very interesting. The hike starts by going through a lava field. This type of terrain is rocky, and the obsidian rock is often pointy. Steps should be taken carefully, or one could get hurt. After the lava field, the trail begins to meander through the forest. The exciting part is that the trail becomes an obstacle course before you get to the lower falls. Fallen trees block the path several times, and the debate is over or under to pass. Being only 5 feet tall, my choice often goes under. From there, walking on a huge fallen tree is the only way to cross the stream to get to the falls. By the time we got to the falls, I felt like a little Ninja. We sat on a log in front of this magnificent waterfall, grateful to have been allowed to have this experience. On our way out, a fellow hiker took our picture and sent it to me. I was glad she took the time to share. We then hiked to the upper falls and pondered how the water must seep back into the porous ground as the water at the bottom never seemed to overflow.

Lava River Cave—This self-guided tour is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The cave is 1.1 miles long. Flashlights are a must, as darkness encases the cave, and without a light, one cannot even see one’s hand in front of them. This is where my daughter would say I am a negative Nellie. About a quarter of the way, it was determined there wasn’t much to see, but we trekked on. From our past experience with caves, stalagmites, and stalactites, various rock formations maintain our interest. On a positive note, it added to our step count.

Tumalo Falls—One last fall, before heading out of Bend, we took a trip to Tumalo Falls in the Deschutes National Forest. This is a popular site, but there were no parking spots by the time we got there, so we had to park on the side of the road. This dazzling 90-ft waterfall is easily accessible from the parking area for those who do not wish to climb the steep trail to see other vantage points. Of course, hiking boots on, we took the trail through the wilderness to see some magnificent views of the falls and its surrounding area. I took so many pictures on this hike that I thought I would share some in a slideshow.