Just a short two hour and twenty-some-odd minute flight away exists a place almost inconceivable to residents of Los Angeles. The effect of a year full of rain producing clouds can be seen from the plane during the final descent into Portland, Oregon. Green. Everything is green. I could go on for days about the city itself, but I'll save that for another day, or rather another article.
Forty minutes outside of Portland, along the Columbia River Gorge, is the largest waterfall in Oregon. We set out on a hike to visit not just the largest, but several waterfalls set against backdrops of stunning rock formations and endless greenery. Multnomah Falls is the largest and first waterfall you see. At 611 feet it's hard to focus your eyes on the whole waterfall. Each section is different and all worth stopping for a while to view. Once taking in its majesty from the lowest viewpoint, a short walk will take you to a bridge that cuts across the waterfall, offering another stunning, different part to see.
The size of Multnomah Falls is enough to impress and strike awe in many, but lesser known, arguably more impressive falls are tucked deeper into the mountains and are accessible via the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop Hike. A series of 11 brutal, yet paved, switchbacks take you to the Multnomah Overlook - a portion of the hike I enjoyed the least. The lookout is at the top of the falls, but the view includes the Multnomah Falls Lodge parking lot and the highway; not my idea of scenic landscape.
From the overlook, instead of doubling back down the switchbacks, head in the direction following the trail marked: Larch Mountain Trail #441. At this point the crowds dwindle and all surroundings are suddenly greener and serene. The sound of rushing water starts to increase in volume until the sound culminates in a series of three waterfalls that feed into each other called Dutchman Falls. Plucked from the Shire, the falls are small, yet magnificent.
From there the next stop is Weisendanger Falls. The ability to reach the shore of the falls with very minor log and slick rock scrambling, combined with the beauty of the waterfall, made this my favorite stop on the trail. I highly recommend feeling the icy water - after the climb it will feel refreshing, I promise. If you packed a lunch, this is also a great place for a picnic. When you're recharged, it's time to continue your ascent to the next waterfall.
Less than half a mile from Weisendanger Falls, rushes Ecola Falls, sometimes called Hidden Falls. The picture below explains the nickname.
Whether you turn back here, continue for a full day hike to Larch Mountain, or complete the loop, visiting a few more waterfalls on the way, you won't be disappointed. The journey is there; the path you take is up to you.
