Archive
Horsetail Falls, Columbia Gorge
Took advantage of the great weather to take a hike up to Horsetail Falls. A nice hike, with three falls. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go all the way to Triple Falls as a landslide has blocked the hiking trail. But it was a nice hike, and the views of the Gorge are spectacular.
Lower Horsetail Falls
Middle Horsetail Falls
Underneath Middle Horsetail Falls
A view of the falls from behind
Main view of Middle Horsetail Falls
Upper Horsetail Falls
This was a little disconcerting, it was a long way down
And this kept us from getting to Triple Falls
A view of the original road tunnel
A view of the Gorge, looking east
A last waterfall hike
Well, we will shortly leave the NorthWest, and it was inevitable…. our last waterfall hike. Labor day, beautiful weather, so off to an early start. Good thing too, the trails and parking lots were jammed by the time we left.
Anyway, we chose Triple Falls. A moderate but steep and rough hike. And some serious drop offs right next to the trail, so we had to watch where we put our feet. But again we had a great hike, enjoyed every bit of it, both the uphill and downhill. And the waterfall was beautiful as well. Looking forward to next year!
The switch back gives some idea of the steepness of this trail.
Don’t look now, but that is a LONG way down on the left!
The trail gets narrower and bumpier as we get higher
A peaceful scene before the waterfall itself
Better have decent hiking shoes!
At last, Triple Falls
Oneonta Gorge/Triple Falls
The Oneonta Gorge is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in the Pacific Northwest. It is laced with many trails along the river, with waterfalls all over the place. But the Gorge is steep and rough, making some of the hikes dangerous. During the three weeks we’ve been here, two hikers fell to their deaths in the Gorge.
However, if you stay on the trails and use some care it all is easily doable. So we selected to hike up to Triple Falls and beyond, a nice hike totaling about 4 miles. Great way to spend a day.
The trail up
The trail does get steep and rough
A look upriver
Some pretty flowers along the path
A view of Triple Falls
To get that picture, you've got to get close to the edge
On the way back, watch your step... it's a long way down!
Laninga's Travel Blog 