Seven Waterfalls Columbia Gorge, Oregon

April 20, 2017

Just east of Portland is a magnificent collection of several dozen waterfalls.  I deem it likely that such a concentration of unique and interesting specimens has no equal elsewhere.

The day begins at a visitor center and overlook that no one should miss:

Crown Point Vista House

Now armed with a map of the area's most prominent features, Gary and I set out on the historic US-30 frontage road that will keep us off the unwanted freeway and provide access to the goodies.

Columbia Gorge

As on the previous two days, today's 'hike' will be comprised of visits to a number of falls.  Accesses to the various viewpoints will range from a few yards to a couple of miles.  Also as before, we will be at the mercy of the weather.  Rain will not keep us from our appointed rounds, but it could wreak havoc with potential photo-ops.  Both of us have waterproof cameras available as well as our regular units.

Latourell Falls, 249'

Enjoying my favorite spot of the day

Fringe Cup
Western Corydalis

Pacific Bleeding Heart
Chickweed Monkeyflower

Blue-eyed Mary
Salmonberry

Shepperds Dell Falls, 220'

Nuttall's Toothwort
Western Trillium

This next cascade is in a state park that lies between the frontage road and the freeway.  Oddly enough, it cannot be seen from either roadway.

Hooker's Fairy Bell
Annual Honesty

Bridalveil Falls, 139'

The highway bridge is visible at the top

Western Trillium
Oregon Grape

Wahkeena Falls, 242'

Dwarf Oregon-grape
Swordfern

The next stop is crowded, as expected; for this is Oregon's tallest and best-known waterfall.  All the tour buses stop here, and there even is a restaurant.

Multnomah Falls, 620'

Naturally, we must make the obligatory ascent to the fancy bridge up there.

The Upper Falls are 542'

An off-center perspective

Having frittered away most of the day on paved trails, Gary and I have of course captured some good photographs.  The last trail, however, involves a serious hike, and I am looking forward to that.

We are the only ones on this trail

Red-flowering Currant
More Oregon Grape

Bypassing a junction over toward Horsetail Falls, we continue upward on a route that becomes quite rough in places.

Within an hour of climbing we learn first-hand why this attraction is so-named.  As Gary and I stand here viewing the spectacle, the sun appears for the first time today, lighting up the falls as well as the tears in my eyes.

Triple Falls, 64' (see Addendum)

A happy guy

Gary spots a bridge upstream.  We'll check it out.

Beside the trail

A side view of Triple Falls — and you saw it here first

This bridge is built upon a single log
Looking upstream

Just as Gary and I turn to start back, a rain commences in earnest.  Now the going is not only rough, but slippery as well.  The route is handled without incident however, and we are enjoying ourselves despite the downpour.  This walk has been an unqualified success.

The finish line

Finally, we finish up at a waterfall that plunges down right beside the highway; so no walking is necessary.

Horsetail Falls, 176'

§: This was a wonderful day.  We took in more sights than most visitors ever do; but more importantly, we got some good photos despite the inclement weather.  That's why we're here.

Total Specs:

• Distance: 6 miles
• Rating: 8

Scenery
Difficulty
Flowers
Solitude

From Horsetail falls it is eleven miles to Cascade Locks, our headquarters for the next three nights.

The view from our motel room

ADDENDUM & UPDATE

On September 2, much of the Columbia Gorge was burned by a teenaged boy who threw lit fireworks into the forest while his companions watched.

This is what Triple Falls looks like eight months later:

As of 2021, the trail has been reopened