Takoda’s Restaurant
A casual McKenzie Bridge stop with pizza, burgers, and a large garden patio.
View current hours, reviews, and location
Photo from the That Oregon Life archiveCentral Oregon and the Cascades · Near Sisters
Upper Proxy Falls
Upper Proxy Falls is a hike waterfall outing near Sisters in Central Oregon and the Cascades. This guide rates the visit moderate and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.
- DifficultyModerate
- AccessHike
- Round trip1.8 mi
- Nearest townSisters
The place
Why Upper Proxy Falls is worth the stop
Upper Proxy Falls is a public waterfall destination near Sisters, set in a lava-shaped landscape along seasonal McKenzie Pass. The visit is best understood as a 1.8-mile round-trip hike rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.
What the experience feels like
Expect 1.8-mile round-trip hike with a moderate difficulty rating. Seasonal note: McKenzie Pass is seasonally closed by snow.
Visit details
Plan your trip
- Waterfall status
- Natural waterfall
- Public access
- Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
- Region
- Central Oregon and the Cascades
- County
- Lane
- Nearest town
- Sisters
- Access type
- Hike
- Round-trip distance
- 1.8 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Parking
- Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
- Seasonal access
- McKenzie Pass is seasonally closed by snow
Trailhead and parking
Start at the documented public access point
Coordinates: 44.160700, -121.929400
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects hike access and approximately 1.8 mi round trip. Expect more effort or route complexity than a developed roadside viewpoint or very short walk.
EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.
Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at Upper Proxy Falls
Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Independent local picks
Eat and stay near Sisters and the McKenzie River
Services thin out quickly along the river and seasonal passes; reserve ahead in summer. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.
FivePine Lodge
An exceptionally well-reviewed Sisters retreat with craftsman cabins and an easy walk into town.
View current hours, reviews, and locationLoloma Lodge
A historic riverside lodge that makes a quiet base for the McKenzie waterfall corridor.
View current hours, reviews, and locationRecommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.
Keep exploring
Other waterfalls nearby
Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.
Make a day of it
More around Sisters
Useful food, lodging, town, and attraction stories from the That Oregon Life archive.
