McKenzie Passfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Willamette National Forest.
Right now in McKenzie Pass · September
- Ice Cap campground by Koosah Falls (2026 dates) · May–Oct
- Wilderness permits at Proxy Falls · Jun–Oct
24days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:41 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Willamette National Forest
First frost usually in ~2 weeks
Oct 10Average first fall frost
May 1Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Mckenzie Rvr Rs station (2.4 mi away, 1,478 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Willamette National Forest through the year
- Ice Cap campground by Koosah Falls (2026 dates)NowMay–Oct
- Wilderness permits at Proxy FallsNowJun–Oct
- Santiam Sno-Park seasonNov–Apr
Best spots around Willamette National Forest
- McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic BywayAn 82-mile loop; allow five hours with stops
- Proxy FallsLoop trail to Lower and Upper Proxy Falls, off Highway 242
- Sahalie and Koosah FallsThe Waterfalls Loop Trail links the two falls on the McKenzie3,300 ft3,300 ft
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Proxy Falls Trail #3532 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Sahalie and Koosah Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Willamette National Forest 2026 seasonal campground schedule (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Santiam Sno-Park (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Willamette National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Willamette National Forest yet. Statewide for Oregon: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Willamette National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 24 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Do I need a permit to hike to Proxy Falls?
Between June 15 and October 15, yes: day hikers fill out a free wilderness permit at the trailhead (overnight trips need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit). The trailhead is 9 miles up Highway 242.Source: US Forest Service, Proxy Falls Trail #3532 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the McKenzie Pass highway open in winter?
No. The McKenzie Highway (Highway 242) closes in winter; the Forest Service points to TripCheck for current conditions.Source: US Forest Service, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Willamette National Forest?
McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway: an 82-mile loop; allow five hours with stops; Proxy Falls: loop trail to Lower and Upper Proxy Falls, off Highway 242; Sahalie and Koosah Falls: the Waterfalls Loop Trail links the two falls on the McKenzie.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Willamette National Forest?
Wilderness permits at Proxy Falls (Jun–Oct).
What is Willamette National Forest like through the year?
Ice Cap campground by Koosah Falls (2026 dates) (May–Oct), Wilderness permits at Proxy Falls (Jun–Oct) and Santiam Sno-Park season (Nov–Apr).