Proxy Falls - Willamette National Forest, OR

I hiked a 1.6-mi loop within the Three Sisters Wilderness of the Willamette National Forest in order to see two waterfalls.

An early section of the trail snaked among the large and small rocks of a lava field.

Trail Through the Lava Rocks

Seemingly Impossible Place to Grow

I next entered a forested area of towering trees and scattered bushes and plants.

Plenty of Shade

Vine Maple

I then took the first of two spur trails. I descended a short hill, clambered over several large tree trunks that had fallen across the trail, and carefully crossed partway into the shallow runoff to stand in front of Lower Proxy Falls.

First View of Lower Proxy Falls

Full View of the Falls

I returned uphill, continued along the main trail, and later followed the next spur to Upper Proxy Falls. I experienced a more gradual descent until I arrived below the falls where the water collects and disappears underground into the porous lava rock before flowing away.

Upper Proxy Falls

Undulating Cascade

It took a final 15 minutes or so to return to the main trail and make my way back to the trailhead.