The Twisting Path Winding Through Paradise
by Jeff Swan
Title
The Twisting Path Winding Through Paradise
Artist
Jeff Swan
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Hike Description
This is a waterfall lover's paradise. There are 10 named waterfalls on this trip as well as countless cascades and intermittent falls. The loop can be hiked either way and it can be started from either trailhead. I prefer to start at Multnomah Falls, so I can end there with munchies. I like to get the boring stuff out of the way quick, so this describes a route that goes to Wahkeena Falls first, then up and around.
Start in the west end of the Multnomah Falls parking lot at a small sign pointing out the Return Trail #442. This trail goes up a bit before dropping below an overhanging basalt cliff. Working it's way along just above the highway, the trail passes a weeping wall, then a good sized talus slope. In half a mile the trail reaches the Wahkeena Trailhead.
The Wahkeena Trail (#420) starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. The trail climbs in one long switchback to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Expect a bit of spray on the trail here year-round. In winter, things can get really icy. From here, the trail starts up a pretty steep section, climbing about 300' in about half a mile. There are beautiful rock walls, another bench cemented into a wall and better views the higher you climb. At the top of this first climb, you'll crest a ridge. Follow the pavement out to the point, called Lemmon's Viewpoint. A plaque here commemorates a firefighter who gave his life fighting forest fires near here. The views from the point are really good up and down the river.
The main trail turns to dirt here and quickly enters Wahkeena Canyon. This is a very narrow canyon, just wide enough for the creek and the trail. Every step is up, but every step is rewarding as the creek tumbles past. (Please be aware that a footbridge washed away during the winter of 2007 and has not been replaced the crossing can be negotiated with some care thanks to a new bridge improvised by hikers.) The trail switches back a few times and soon you'll reach Fairy Falls, a beautiful fan form falls right next to the trail. There's a bench here to relax on while you take in the views. Above Fairy Falls, the trail makes several more short switchbacks and reaches a junction with the Vista Point Trail #419. Stay to the right here on Trail #420 and climb another 200 feet to a junction with Angel's Rest Trail #415. A quick 100 yard side trip will bring you to Wahkeena Spring, well worth the jaunt, even if you're carrying your own water. Back on the Wahkeena Trail, continue climbing to a 4-way trail junction. Continue straight on the Wahkeena Trail. The great news here is that you're done climbing. The trail traverses the ridge eventually dropping down after almost a mile to join the Larch Mountain Trail #441.
Turn left on the Larch Mountain Trail, relax and enjoy the walk. You'll pass beautiful cascade after beautiful cascade. The trail goes right past the lip of Ecola Falls, once known as Hidden Falls. There's a scramble down the creek level for those of us that are quite mad. The next plunge Weisendanger Falls, once known as Twanlaskie Falls and Upper Multnomah Falls, has much better access, with an overgrown trailside view from the top and numerous easy photo spots below. The trail passes through a natural rock overhang called Dutchman Tunnel, then passes three 10-15' food waterfalls known as Upper, Middle and Lower Dutchman Falls. Soon you'll cross Multnomah Creek on a creatively hidden culvert and you'll enter Oregon's tourist mecca.
When you feel asphalt under your boots, head down the side trail to the Multnomah Falls Upper Viewpoint. The view is really spectacular, if overly populated. Turn around and take a good look at Little Multnomah Falls just behind the viewing platform. Hike back to the main trail and turn left on the pavement. There's about 100 yards of climbing and then close to a mile of knee jarring downhill to the Benson Bridge. Grab a mocha and a munch at Multnomah Falls Lodge. (The polish dogs are better than the regular ones)
Uploaded
June 22nd, 2013
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Viewed 4,844 Times - Last Visitor from Norwalk, CT on 04/19/2024 at 3:03 PM
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Comments (43)
Don Columbus
Congratulations, your work is Featured in "Photographic Camera Art" I invite you to place it in the group's "2020-2022 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!
Robyn King
Congratulations Jeff your beautiful artwork is being featured in Images That Inspire Meditation:-) Please take a moment to add your wonderful art to our archives in the message area and have a fantastic day!
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your fantastic photographic art has been chosen as a Camera Art Group feature! You are invited to archive your work in the Features Archive discussion as well as any other discussion in which it would fit.
Jan Mulherin
Congratulations!! This stunning image has been selected to be featured for the week in the “Art for Ever with You” Group Home Page. You are welcome to add a preview of this featured image to the group’s discussion post titled “2019 February: Stunning Group Featured Images and Thank-you’s” for a permanent display within the group, to share this achievement with others. Also feel free to post your feature on our group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/296998814248643/ . If the activity is allowed, your image will also be posted to Twitter. Thank you for your participation in the group! ~Jan (February 10, 2019)
Kay Brewer
Gorgeous forest paths and presentation! LF and nominated for a Special Feature in the 10000 views group.
John M Bailey
Congratulations on your feature in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Elizabeth Tillar
Jeff, this image is fantastic! I love the trails and the forest colors, the texture of the trees, the lush green foliage! That is quote a description and so helpful to anyone wishing to see the 10 waterfalls and all else that the trip has to offer! Superb work! l/f/g+