On a late December day with the promise of a little sunshine, I headed to the east side of the Columbia River Gorge. My goal was to explore the Catherine Creek area.
Like Coyote Wall, the area is a tilted basalt formation extending a few miles north of the Gorge, rising to around 2,300 feet above sea level.
To the north there is a pleasant trail that crosses a footbridge over Catherine Creek. Soon I reached an old corral below a high natural arch carved out of the basalt cliffs.
To the north, Catherine Creek cut a north-south deep canyon through the basalt. After reaching the top of the rimrock cliffs, I enjoyed the views to the east of the desert-like scenery.
Returning to the trailhead, I crossed the road and did a short loop on a paved path past a small waterfall on Catherine Creek.
The trek made for a wonderful early winter outting.
The edge of the storm
A mature Ponderosa Pine that has seen its share of wildfires
A classic stone-filled anchor for a barbwire fence
Natural arch above an old corral
Small waterfall on Catherine Creek
An old corral
Natural arch
Enjoyed this peaceful walk around Catherine Creek, John. I find the natural arch especially curious and beautiful. Your photos are a joy, thank you.
Thanks for the kind comments. Unlike the Southwest, we have few natural arches to photograph in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a joy to find one.