Once in awhile, if you're lucky enough, the gorge will get cold enough for enough consecutive days to create a winter wonderland. This happened last winter, and it was stunning to say the least. To view the waterfalls requires driving with a series of mini-hikes; more like walks down to them. It is very little effort, but it will obviously be cold and windy (it needs to be for these creations to be made).
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Three unique waterfalls make up this easy hike along the Lewis River. From the Lower River Falls trailhead, take advantage of a few spots for different views of the falls (I think the best of the 3). You are able to walk around on top of the falls with minimal danger. After exploring this falls, continue on the trail through the campground. There will be branching trails, just keep right along the river. The next falls will be Middle Lewis River Falls. When we came upon the middle falls, there was a trio of hippies swimming here. They told us that you could also snorkel there. It was a chillier summer day and we weren't prepared for a swim but I would like to try snorkeling here. As you continue to meander on the path, you will reach Upper Lewis River Falls. Return the way you came. The Hike:
I had driven past this spot dozens of time before entering this gorge. It was brought to my attention by my mom who had seen a picture on Pinterest. I was very pleased to learn that the beautiful photo was taken less than an hour from Portland and that it was easy to do (if you don't mind getting a little wet!). You need to don water sandals or shoes for this hike because the only way into the gorge is to walk up the river. The reason I don't consider this hike "easy," is because you need to wade in waist deep water and you need to climb over a large log dam in the beginning. We did this hike in August and the water was still very cold. After you traverse the dam and wade through the water, you will find yourself at the spot pictured above. There are some places to sit but though whole area is pretty wet. You can also swim at the base of the waterfall. On hot summer weekends you can bet on crowds.
After this mini hike, we hiked one of my favorite trails to date: Horsetail falls to Triple Falls to Franklin Ridge to Multnomah Falls. To date, this is my favorite hike in the Gorge. The hike starts at Horsetail Falls. You hike up and behind Ponytail Falls. Then, you enter the forest and begin some switchbacks. There is a suspension bridge that passes over the Oneonta Gorge. We did this hike the same day we had visited Oneonta, so it was neat to then be on top of where the waterfall we were just playing under begins. The hike continues for about another 30 to 40 minutes. The next waterfall you come to is Triple Falls. There is a shorter option to hike to Triple Falls from a direct trailhead. Triple Falls is great because you can sit on top of it to eat lunch (I did this with Sarah Smart when she visited me in 2011). There are pools of water so you can have your feet wet without the rest of you. After crossing Triple Falls, continue hiking for a few more miles following the river. You'll pass the river again and continue to hike up minimally graded switchbacks. Continue onto Franklin Ridge. This trail joins to Multnomah Falls. It passes by a few more waterfalls (Ecola and Weisendanger) before you come to the top of Multnomah. When Aaron and I hiked the trail, we didn't see anyone from the time we hiked past Triple Falls until the top of Multnomah. This distance was about 5 or 6 miles. Once you reach the bottom of Multnomah Falls, you'll have to walk 2 miles on the road to get back to your car. A more convenient option would be to have two cars and to leave one at Multnomah before you start (or just have your really nice boyfriend run back to the car while you wait at Multnomah Falls people watching. I prefer this option). I really enjoyed every part of this trail. It is diverse and keeps changing so you never get sick of the scenery. I can't wait to do this one again! The Hike:
We stumbled upon this hike after a failed attempt to hike Cooper Spur on the NE side of Mt Hood. The access road to Cooper Spur was closed late summer in 2013 because hundreds of trees had fallen down from a fire that had happened. The trees had stood dead for years after the fire and finally fell all at once. We stopped at the Cloud Cap Inn (where we learned about the fallen trees) and asked the bartender where to hike. She told us about Tamanawas Falls and provided us with a map to take with us. We stopped and bought blackberries from a local farm and drove to our new destination. The hike is very easy. It starts by crossing over a large log bridge. After crossing the bridge, keep right. Continue to follow signs for Tamanawas Trail. You will cross a creek again. You will come to a spot where there are massive, exposed rocks. In not too much time, you will see the falls. You can walk behind it: there is plenty of room under there. I read that right of the falls, you can climb up over to reach the amphitheater behind the falls. The Hike:
This place is another prime example of how amazing the Oregon State Park system is. If this place were anywhere else, it would be a huge tourist destination. But because it is in Oregon, and waterfalls are a dime a dozen here, it is unknown to people who aren't from the area. The relatively easy hike features 10, yes, 10 waterfalls. The park is a busy place; with hikers, campers, bikers, swimmers and picnickers. I've only hiked here, but I plan to camp here in the winter, as it is open year-round. Start the hike at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead. The hike starts with a bang as you walk behind this roaring falls. The hike meanders up and down with a net elevation gain of 1,300 feet. To me, it is not very strenuous as there are plenty of places where the trail is level (you're not just trudging uphill for extended periods of time). Because of the up-close and personal experience with the falls, you will find yourself on some slippery terrain. Walk carefully and use rails when they are available (says "PT Megan"). What these waterfalls lack in name creativity, they make up for with personality. Silver Falls is Oregon's largest State Park with 9,000 acres. In addition to the trail of 10 waterfalls, there are many other trails covering the land. It's near Detroit Lake so come to this park to camp and make a weekend out of it. The Hike:
Everything about this hike is enjoyable! You can access this by parking just before crossing the Bridge of the Gods on the Oregon side. Display your NW Forest Pass. You can find the trail on the south side of the road. It is kind of a wonky start: you walk in the side of a road, under I-84 and then continue straight up a gravel road where you will soon see a sign for the trail. It is marked "Pacific Crest Trail." Join the trail here and walk through a swampy area. The trail begins to ascend and you'll soon be in a thick forest. The trail hugs next to the side of the mountain. The grade is slight so it is not taxing at all. A mile in you'll come to power lines, stay right and continue on the trail. The next intersection you hit you will take a right up the dirt road. If you go straight (continuing on PCT), you will soon come to a wooden bridge. I haven't explored the trail past this spot. When you take the right, it's the steepest part of the trail which concludes at Dry Creek Falls. It's a good spot for lunch or a beer! There is also a camping spot right next to it. The Hike:
Eagle Creek is a very popular hike because of it's close proximity to Portland and because the parking lot is right off of I-84. Because of this, at least I have read, it is popular for car burglary. I have been there multiple times and haven't experienced this myself. On a weekend with good weather, I would advise to go the earlier the better. Starting by 9am should suffice. If not, there will be crowds for at least the first part of the trail: to Punchbowl Falls. Aaron and I were lucky enough to catch sight of kayakers plunging down the falls. This can be seen looking down into the falls by a wooden fence. There is a side trail leading down to the falls which is totally worth it. This is also a spot to get your feet wet and possibly have a snack. To Punchbowl Falls is only 2 miles and is quite easy to complete. The next destination on the trail is High Bridge, it spans the gorge and is a great spot for photos. I haven't gone beyond this point, but I plan to reach Tunnel Falls this summer (a total of 12 miles round trip).
Watch out for idiots on this trail. Because it is so popular, there are inexperienced people on here and there are some dangerous parts where you are holding onto a wire rail and a steep cliff is on your right. Again, this is why I emphasize to either go early or go during the week if your schedule allows. |
I moved to the Pacific Northwest in August of 2012. I quickly identified myself as a hiker. I want to document my experiences so that I can refer to them for myself and others to provide the best hiking experience. I also hope to learn more about hiking from others comments and recommendations. Archives
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