I had a friend visiting over a sunny weekend in September, so we darted out to the Columbia River Gorge for a day trip and hike. Because after you eat your fill of Portland, a hike and the stunning views are the best thing for the stomach and soul! It was a warm day, but autumn was just beginning to peek in among the trees. We first stopped on a bluff to get a good view of the Gorge. It was a dry summer here, so the water level looked surprisingly low.
After stretching our legs we headed further down the Historic Highway until we reached the Oneonta Trailhead. A waterfall awaited before the hike even started, as Horsetail Falls cascaded into the pool. Further on we spotted Ponytail Falls, and then after a moderate (read: I was huffing and puffing) hike we ended up at Triple Falls, where the creek splits into three cascades. That’s right, if you include all three separately, we saw five waterfalls in one hike!
At the top of Triple Falls we hopped rocks into the middle of the stream, where we rested and pushed our tired toes into the cool water.
The hike winds in and around Oneonta Creek, which at one point descends into a gorge. This hike stays on top, crossing a bridge over the gorge, but Oneonta Gorge is a great hike in it’s own right (I haven’t done it yet, but I want to!). The trail is in the creek itself, in a green, mossy, slot canyon. Check it out here. Passing the bridge, we could hear the yells and exclamations of people in the chilly water down in the gorge. Another hike for another sunny day!
If You Go:
Park at Oneonta Trailhead, about 5 miles after the Bridal Veil exit onto the Historic Highway (coming from Portland, 45 min drive). Triple Falls says it’s a 3.2 mile round trip hike (but honestly, it seemed a lot longer. Lots of switchbacks!). Make it shorter by turning around at Ponytail Falls, or longer by continuing past Triple Falls to Larch Mountain. Alternatively, instead of turning toward Triple Falls, make it a loop by turning right back toward the highway.
Related Hikes and Trips:
Beacon Rock Hike / Hood River, Oregon / Day Trip in the Gorge
Katrina Emery 