Horsetail Falls is beloved for its jaw-dropping 176-foot drop and proximity to Interstate 84 and Historic Columbia River Highway Triple Falls, meanwhile, is one of the most-photographed waterfalls in the region, thanks to its unusual shape.
The Horsetail Falls/Triple Falls Loop introduces hikers to two of the most popular waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. The creek feeding Triple Falls breaks into three separate streams before falling 100 or more feet below. Take note: The Bridge of the Gods trailhead is closed during the winter months, so hikers may need to start on nearby Moody Street. It's a leisurely 2.2-mile hike (which offers beautiful fall colors every autumn and vibrant wildflower displays every spring), and the destination is a 75-foot waterfall that cascades over a wall of (appropriately-named) columnar basalt. But it won't take long before you're in the midst of dense woods and en route to one of the hidden gems of the Columbia River Gorge. You can be forgiven for wondering if you're in the right place before setting out on the Dry Creek Falls hike: The trailhead sits in the shadow of the impressive Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks. Want to learn more? Check out our guide to winter camping at Silver Falls State Park.ĭry Creek Falls falls into a creek that once served as the water source for the nearby town of Cascade Locks. The appropriately-named Winter Falls, for instance, is a leaky faucet every summer (when crowds are at their heaviest), but weeks or months of regular rainfall turns it into a memorable destination in the colder months. Ten majestic waterfalls range from 27 to 177 feet tall along the route, but hikers get to enjoy deep, opal pools, lush, green canyon views, and well-maintained trails in between viewpoints.Įven better: The falls become more majestic as winter wears on, thanks largely to ongoing rain. Silver Falls State Park attracts nearly a million visitors every year, and it's not hard to see why: The 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls loop hike delivers better waterfall views-and more of them-than just about any waterfall hike in the state.
Silver Falls State Park promises up-close glimpses of 10 beautiful waterfalls. Punchbowl Falls provides an ideal turnaround spot for those pressed for time, but the 175-foot Tunnel Falls is the trail's crown jewel for serious day hikers.Įagle Creek is worth a standalone visit on its own any time of year, but the recent rains-which give the trees and plants their vibrant hues of green and bolster the raging waterfalls-only add to the charm in fall and winter. The Eagle Creek Trail is among the finest treks in the Columbia River Gorge, and for good reason: The hike introduces outdoor enthusiasts to roughly 20 waterfalls (some more dramatic than others) over the first seven miles, delivers awe-inspiring canyon views, and can be done as a quick day hike or longer weekend adventure. Hikers get to walk behind the impressive Tunnel Falls along the Eagle Creek Trail. Here, five of our favorites, from a new twist on the well-worn Multnomah Falls hike to the underrated Dry Creek Falls trip near Cascade Locks. The Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley are home to some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes around Portland (and beyond) that look great in any weather and are usually accessible year-round-and the steady rainfall means powerful, scenic waterfalls all winter long. But that doesn't mean you have to put away the hiking boots for another six months. Portland-area hikers face a challenge every fall and winter: How do you stay active on the trails when so many hikes depend on nice weather to unveil breathtaking viewpoints? Given that we're solidly in the midst of Oregon's rainy season once again, can hikers really hope for sun breaks to illuminate clifftop views and other spectacular viewpoints throughout the region?
0 kommentar(er)
