Portland, OR
Elevation: 50ft. 

With my cousins traveling through South Africa and REI having me on a regular schedule I have been in the city more consistently now. It’s been lonely and has been driving me a bit stir crazy but that’s what the days off are for. This week I decided to explore more of the Portland and Columbia River Gorge areas. Since arriving her in May I have travelled all over Oregon and much of Northern California but have deflected the natural areas around my own home base. Hiking part of Forest Park yesterday I was inspired to get further away from the sounds and smells of the city and decided to hit the gorge today. I hiked a loop that started off by none other than the famous Multnomah Falls!

Multnomah Falls (620 ft.), 2nd tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S.

A view of the gorge. 

A view down from the top of Multnomah Falls. 

Another view of the gorge with I-84 in the foreground and Washington in the distance.

Past the falls the trail becomes unpaved and more natural.

And more so - if this were pokémon I would need a Rhyhorn to cross this.

Log POV.

Welsendanger Falls (55 ft.), one of the many smaller waterfalls along the Multnomah Creek.

Wet with fog and rain, the mossy forests of the PNW create an almost haunting energy. 

At times the water and trees seemed two parts of an endless corridor. 

After a certain elevation a fog bank settled into the forest giving me very strong “Over the Garden Wall” vibes.

Inspired by Ant Man. My Banana Slug friend.

Fall is here in the PNW and the Big Leaf and Vine Maples are casting their eerie glow through the wet wood. 

mëh.

Breaking through the fog I began my descent. The hike to Larch Mountain would have to happen another day.

This small fall flowed straight over the trail. 

Downstream of another large waterfall. 

Fairy Falls (20 ft.)

Cedars frame the babbling creek.

This part held a bittersweet reminder of Dolly Sods.

50/50

A memorial to a fallen firefighter. 

The gorge.

Wahkeena Falls (242 ft.) 

Wahkeena Creek’s junction with the road. 

My first journey into the gorge was a success. I had to cut my hike short because of sunlight but I am certainly smitten with the gorge and will be back soon!

Love and miss you all,

Chris