My friend G had the idea to go for a hike, and I remembered the Oneonta Gorge “trail” that I have been wanting to see since I moved here. It’s the way to the beautiful Oneonta Falls. No trail is possible, since it’s through a narrow creek canyon, so people access the falls by walking in the creek. I was warned ahead of time that the water is cold and the canyon is shaded and can be chilly, so save the trip for a hot day.
Well, we have certainly had some hot days!
We planned the trip on Wednesday, assuming that the weekday would decrease the number of people joining us. The weather overruled that idea: the place was packed. But just imagine how much worse it could be on the weekend.
The trailhead is just off the I-84 east of Portland, only 40 minutes from G’s house (and the Blue House where Tara and I used to live). We found parking along the Historic Columbia River Highway, in the shade! It was a short walk past multiple trailheads that leave from the Oneonta Gorge area. There are no signs alerting us to the beginning of the Oneonta Falls trail, but we are clever people and realized that since the trail is the creek, we would just walk into the creek and head upstream.
Also, we could just follow the people.
The first challenge was to clamber over a large log jam of trees that pile up every spring against an enormous rock in the middle of the creek. In some places there was only one good route, so all the people had to wait behind whomever was in front. When someone had unsteady legs, or was carrying a toddler, it brought movement to a halt. We also had to stop our forward progress for the people who were making their way out and had to use the same route.
Most of the walk was in water ankle deep or calf deep, and the deepest part of all was up to the bottom of our ribcages. Now that was cold! We were walking on the wobbly rocks underwater, while balanced on our tippie toes, trying to keep our tops out of the water. It’s amazing no one fell.
We stopped periodically to gaze in awe and admiration at the sheer cliff walls covered in moss and ferns, and topped with trees. The light was incredibly bright at the top of the gorge, and rather dark at the bottom, so I struggled to get decent photos that showed it all. I don’t have the camera skills to pull that off.
At the end, there is an inviting pool at the base of the falls. While Tara and G swam and climbed and jumped into the water, I stood waist-deep in the pool and took photos. The spray was blasting throughout the hollowed out spot, so I did not get very many photos in focus.
When we were all cold and thoroughly delighted, we turned around and headed back out.
Conscious Engagement 
Wonderful scenery Crystal – and brave girls going in that cold water! I am amazed at the amount of folks about though – one of the joys of hiking for me, is to NOT see too many other people!
I completely agree with you. None of us likes to hike with people. But we had made the plans, found a parking spot, and there we were. We all decided to go through with it. The other trails would have been even more crowded that day, I think. I know I live near a city, but it still amazes me how many *people* are crammed into it. ha ha! 🙂
When I lived on the edge of the ocean I would always feel slightly indignant when I saw people on ‘my’ beach. It is one of the better things about living in a country with less than 5 million people – there is always opportunities for walks without other people around. xoxo
Oh dear!… The place must be terrific! the shots show it… no words are need…
Thank you Rosa. It truly was spectacular, even with all the people. I hope you are healing well and will be walking around soon. I won’t take you on any hikes for a good long while yet. 😉
What a lovely place. And I am sure best place for a sunny day. I have no doubts about the people flocking outside of their home to enjoy each day of happiness, samething happens in the UK 🙂
Loved the photos and hiking can never be a bad idea.
xx
Aanchal
I completely agree with you Aanchal! About hiking and people heading outdoors on a sunny day. You and I both live in places famous for their dismal weather. Sunshine transforms us all.
Lovely shots of lovely spots. Pity everyone in the State appears to think so too 🙂
Ha ha ha!! I think you are right: everyone showed up. Thanks for the laugh, Derrick.
That looks like so much fun! Were you gasping from the beauty or from the frigid waters, ha ha! It reminds me of Zion National park where you also walk through a canyoning in the water. Thanks for sharing, I love seeing what life is like on the other coast.
good call Michael! We will just keep it a secret about the gasps, and I’ll keep my dignity. Zion has always been one of my very favourite National Parks. I didn’t know there was a water hike there, but I will look for it next time.
It’s between the canyons but it’s very dangerous at times because of flash floods. So you need to pay attention to the the flood warnings, cause it can be sunny and nice where you are but a few hours away stormy and that stuffs shots down those canyons like nothing else.