One of my favorite sections of trail in the Gorge is located just a short walk from my least favorite section of trail.
We arrive at Multnomah Falls early on a rainy Saturday to avoid the swarm of tourists that will inevitably flock to marvel at the iconic, magnificent 611 foot Multnomah Falls. And no wonder. The falls is a stunning force of nature. It is worth the visit despite the crowds.
Multnomah Falls through the fog.
A steady cold rain falls but I don't mind - at this point, I've become accustomed to it. A rainy winter day means fewer hikers on the trail and enchanting sights. Do I dare say I even welcome it?
I snap a few photos of the falls and we begin our ascent of the dozen or so switchbacks to the top of the falls. Once at the top, we continue south along the Larch Mountain Trail - and I feel as if I have been at once transported back in time to a primordial forest.
Wiesendanger Falls in the rain.
The scene along Multnomah Creek before it crashes over the formidable falls will make you feel as if you've gone back to the beginning of time. I am delighted by cascade after beautiful cascade, in awe of the stunning green moss blanketing every inch of tree, captivated by the power of this place.
In the rain I attempt a few longer exposure shots of Wiesendanger Falls, the upstream companion of Multnomah Falls. At this point the rain is falling steadily - so I put my camera away so I don't break it - and we continue onward along the rushing creek that carves its way through the forest.
We reach an intersection with the Wahkeena Trail and continue steadily uphill away from the Multnomah Valley. I can't help but look behind me as the creek fades - the narrow valley is framed beautifully by towering, mossy Douglas Firs.
Multnomah Creek tumbling its way towards the Columbia.
Soon, we enter a beautiful section of forest.
After about a mile we reach a junction and begin our descent towards the Wahkeena Valley. We are rewarded by another beautiful creek scene and cross the creek a few times.
Crossing Wahkeena Creek
I attempt to capture the beautiful Fairy Falls but the spray from the falls is too intense and soaks my lens. Next time! We make our way down switchbacks to the base of Wahkeena Falls and head back to the car. As we take our boots off I look back towards Multnomah Falls for one last view. I am not disappointed.
“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.”
Distance: 4.9 miles / Elevation gain: 1,600 feet