For a change I was joined by a couple of skilled hikers, Mark and Morrie, for a hike in the Columbia River Gorge. And, what a delightful outing it was.

Parking near the Horsetail Falls parking area, we began walking west along the old Columbia Gorge Highway. Soon we were switchbacking up the cliffs to an overlook above Oneonta Gorge. Another mile and 120-foot Triple Falls was reached. We hiked further up the Trail, crossing a well-built foot bridge across Oneonta Creek, to see large Douglas firs, scattered mature cedars and maple trees in the bottom of the canyon.

Returning down the trail, we crossed Oneonta Creek on a footbridge near a small waterfall. Then it was up the east side of the gorge, around the face of the cliffs and into the next canyon which held 80-foot Ponytail Falls. This is always an interesting part of the trek. The Trail leads through an open cavern behind the falls.

After heading east for a short distance, we switchbacked down the cliffs beside 175-foot Horsetail Falls before returning to the parking area.

All in all the hike was 4 1/2 miles in length with 800 feet of elevation gain. A nice outing with enjoyable companions and world-class scenery.

Morrie, your humble scribe & Mark at Triple Falls

Fairy Bells

Hikers underneath Ponytail Falls

Green Comma Angelwing (Thanks for the ID Matthew. What a unique butterfly!)

Chocolate Lilies

Thimbleberries

Triple Falls

Blue-eyed Mary

Fringe Cup

Top of Horsetail Falls

Valerian