Vacation: Day 3

Today was crazy and very tiring! We got up around 9am and fueled up with some breakfast, then headed out to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area to set out on the first hike, which was 5 1/2 miles.

We started our hike around 10am. The hike started right at the bottom of Wahkeena Falls, which was probably our favorite waterfall of the entire day:

Sandy under the sign right before we set out

The last part of the falls

Wahkeena Falls

Just above the falls:

About 1.5 miles later, we arrived at Fairy Falls.

Another half a mile up and we took a rest at Wahkeena Springs

I thought this moss covered tree was cool

We don't see trees like this in California!

Part of the trail...beautiful isn't it?

The next falls we hit was Weisendanger Falls:

Just below Weisendanger Falls:

Another mile or so down the path and we came to the top of the most famous one, Multnomah Falls. This is just a baby waterfall from the viewpoint we had at the very top of the 550 foot fall.

Here is a shot of the actual falls

Sandy and I had to take a picture in front of it

That concluded the first part of our journey. We stopped at Multnomah Lodge to get a bite to eat and recharge our batteries. 5 1/2 miles of steep rocky paths takes a lot out of you!

About 3pm, we set back out for the second part of our hike. This time we started at Horsetail Falls.

Next on the list was Ponytail Falls. This one was really spectacular. The path winds around and goes underneath a rocky overhang and behind the actual waterfall. It was amazing.

At this time we had the option to head back down, but we decided to tough it out and head up to Triple Falls. To get there, we had to go over this little bridge that crossed an awesome moss covered gorge.

The path to Triple Falls was the hardest of the entire day. Note: It's possible that by this time we were just so exhausted that we thought the path was the toughest...who knows for sure ;). The hike was worth it though...the falls were gorgeous.

This was taken from a bridge just above Triple Falls.

FINALLY! Our hike was done and we headed back down. On the way, there was a viewpoint of the Columbia River.

Check out this clip that Sandy shot as we hiked under Ponytail Falls....



Wow, I can't believe I was able to write this much...I'm dead tired and ready to pass out! Well this concludes day 3. Tomorrow we head out early to the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach), which we are driving all the way down to our next stop, the Rogue River. Be sure to check back soon for more vacation fun!