Hike: Oneonta Falls, Cascade Locks, OR

Getting There

Since the Historic Highway 30 is closed between Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls, you have to take I-84 to Ainsworth and double back to the Oneonta Falls Trailhead.

I was the first to arrive but the rest of the work crew showed up shortly thereafter. 

I left both water bottles at home. Fortunately, Oliver showed up and had extra. He gave me a full bottle of water. Thank goodness because I needed it.

We had the safety talk and geared up. 

The Hike

Distance: 3.52 miles
Elevation Gain: 765 feet
Highest Elevation: 650 feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a trail work party with TKO but we did a decent hike so I added to the stats.

The original project plan was to replace the gabions on one of the switchbacks but scrapped due to unfavorable weather forecast. So they would be stolen at the trailhead, we carried the the gabion cages up to the #400 Gorge Trail junction.

I carried a grub hoe and snatch block. We were going to be fixing the tread along the way but the main goal was to clear some trees and root balls near Triple Falls.

At our first big task, we had to bring down a tree that was suspended over the trail. While evaluating the cut plan, I started limbing the trunk as far up as I could reach. I felt fine but out of the blue, I got really woozy. I had to sit on a rock and let it pass over me. I didn't want to alarm the new orange hats. After 10 mins, I finally felt good enough to start moving again.

I went back to my pack and ate one part of my sandwich and drank some water. I didn't want to be the "new" guy that needed help. Note to self: make sure you hydrate and eat sufficiently before a strenuous hike & work party.

We cut down the log but it didn't roll off the trail. We used the old "butts & boots" method to got it off the tread. Basically, you sit on the ground or hillside (on yer butts) and collectively push the log (roll it) with your boots. There wasn't much tread repair so we wrapped it the task. The rest of the team was already having lunch at Triple Falls.

We met them and started out lunch while reviewing the next task.

It was a bit of a complex situation. There was a big root ball right off the trail. The goal was to cut it off and roll it off the hill. There were some other trees that it was rest on, a bind. We spent a lot of time preparing the root ball by removing dirt and rocks to expose the wood (roots).

We had two crosscut saws working in parallel and some long-bladed hand saws.

A hiker showed up but had to wait while we B&B'd a log off the trail. When the coast was clear, I learned he was just hanging out to watch us work, fascinated by the process.

The main root ball turned out to be a tough task than expected. We used a rope and winch to pull the cut pieces but it was quite stubborn. After cutting the root ball off the trunk and pull it upright with winch it landed in the middle of the trail instead of tumbling over the side of the cliff. Crap!

It was getting later in the day and we still had to hike back down to the trailhead. We could leave it as-is.

We identified some roots that could be cut to make the ball actually roll. We took turns on the saw as folks' energy was waning.

Triumphantly, we got the job done. The piece fell into the ravine and we quickly repaired the tread. Woohoo! Teamwork.

We packed up and started our descent.

 

Hike: Angel's Rest and Devil's Rest via Wahkeena Creek, Corbett, OR

Getting There

The weather was amazing, the temp were in the upper 50s and blue skies for miles. Recently, it's been pretty rainy so I jumped at the chance to get outdoors.

I took I-84 east and took the exit for Bridal Falls (Angel's Rest, Wahkeena). I knew the Historic Highway 30 was closed between Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls, and has been for a several months so far. I took a gamble that there was an open spot given the limited number of spaces.

All the spots were full (except for the handicap spots). I knew getting to the parking lot for Multnomah Falls was going to be a hassle since there are no eastboard on-ramps at Bridal Veil. I had to wait. I noticed a couple walking back to their car and queued up to take it. Woohoo!

The Hike

Length: 10.22 mi
Elev. gain: 2,900 ft
Moving time: 4:32:21
Avg pace: 26:39
Calories: 2,400
Total time: 4:58:00

 

 

 

 

 

This was my longest hike since Smith Rock in Oct 2024 and the most elevation gain since climbing Mt St Helens in Sep 2024, a great accomplishment considering my lingering foot issues and lack of consistent hiking. It felt great to be out there on a favorite trail.

My usual route has been Wahkeena to Devil's Rest and back, or making it a loop by returning to the car via Multnomah Falls. This time, I took the Angel's Rest Trail after passing Fairy Falls. I'd been down this way after leaving Devil's Rest but I'd never hiked all the way to Angel's Rest from this direction.

There were several downed trees that I had to climb over, several I could have cut if I'd brought my saw but a few of huge, like 16-20"+ in diameter.

The approach to Angel's Rest is great: you see the outcrop and a few people enjoying the sunshine and views. I hiked to the loop and went clockwise. I stopped at a spot where I could take off my pack and have a few bites of my sandwich. I had plenty of daylight but I didn't want to push it since the next section of the hike was unknown to me.

I started toward Devil's Rest via some well-marked user trails: Foxglove Way trail to Red Shorts Cut to She Devil. It was a welcome sight to see the familiar destination.

As I continued back to the trailhead, I had a great view of Mt St Helens peaking out.

This photo was edited but when I finally got down to the Wahkeena switchbacks, the sun was going down and colors getting more orange and saturated.

It was a great way to spend the afternoon. I will definitely do this loop again. I loved the distance and EG, and you can hardly beat the views.

Hike: Hamilton Mountain + Hardy Creek, N Bonneville, WA

Getting There

Just after Doetsch Ranch you'll see the Ranger Station on the north side of the road just before the Beacon Rock parking lot, then another road across from the bathrooms. The road winds up the hill for a bit.

It was early afternoon and the weather was slightly overcast but I expected some nice views from up above. Not too cold, but I was hoping for some snow along the ridge between the top and the Saddle.

The Hike 

Length: 9.32 mi
Elev. gain: 2,487 ft
Moving time: 4:12:52
Avg pace: 27:08
Calories: 2,228
Total time: 4:54:56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd been a month since my last hike. I was dealing with a sore toe (ingrown nail, something else?). It was bothering me when I hiked Coyote Wall but fortunately my hiking boots are big enough that it wasn't an issue, esp. on the descent when you might be more likely to rub toes on the front of boot.

Anyway, I was looking for a conditioning hike and knew my favorite trail would deliver. I rarely start this hike thinking I'm going to CRUSH it. It's more "I hope I make it to the top."

As usual, by the time I reach Rodney Falls, I'm pretty well warmed up and ready for the rest of the ascent. This was no exception. I was ready to go. I remember seeing a pair of hikers and a dog (maybe two) leaving the parking lot just before I did.

I saw them again above Rodney Falls. I figured that was their destination and continued on. While taking a brief rest stop on the switchbacks I heard voices and recognized them. I'm not really competitive but the desire to stay ahead of them becomes are motivator.

They never were too far behind but I keep a comfortable lead. Near the top of the upper switchbacks, I found a dead rabbit on the trail. I did my best to move it off the trail but figured I'd try to alert them so the dog wouldn't mess with it.

I waited until they were within shouting distance. All I got for a response was "okay". Sometimes I wonder why I bother. Oh well.

As I reached the top and found a bit of snow. I passed some hikers on their way down wearing microspikes and exchanged the obligatory "you don't need 'em but might as well use 'em". At the top, I fished my own microspikes out of my pack and put them on just as those two guys and the dog were arriving.

I said hello again and started toward the Saddle. 

I stopped there to munch about half of my sandwich and enjoy the quiet and solitude. I need to remember to do that more often on my hikes, even the conditioning ones.

I opted to skip Don's Cutoff this time and took the Equestrian Trail down to the Lower Hardy Creek junction. I stopped there to adjust my boots.

There were a few trees down across the trail but I'd left my folding saw at home. D'oh.

Near the bottom, I did my obligatory side quest to Little Beacon. There was a guy taking photos and told me he'd planned to camp but didn't realize the campground was closed for winter. I climbed up the steep incline to the eagle's nest on top of Little Beacon. I wasn't sure if the guy would follow, and sure enough he did. No matter: I wasn't planning to linger up there.

I pointed to the view and started down but this guy was close to follow. I was going to head to the car but waited for him to leave. I didn't get a creepy vibe but it was like chatting with someone, then saying goodbyes but walking in the same direction. In fact, instead of walking back to the trailhead through the campground, I doubled back to main trail and went that way.

I found a warning on my windshield from a park ranger. I'd posted a NFRP parking pass instead of a Discover Pass. I had to buy a $10 day pass and send proof of purchase to the ranger email. Oops. Sucks that I used the NFRP for nothing (wrote the date on it). 

The ranger that replied to my email was super cool. "Thank you for your quick response, the wrong pass is a simple mistake. Please consider the notice you received void, you will NOT be issued a citation. Thank you for supporting Washington State Parks! Hope you have a good weekend and come back to Beacon Rock again soon."

Hike: Coyote Wall, Bingen, WA

Getting There

Another later start. I kind of had a plan to stay in the Gorge but wasn't sure. My initial plan was to hike Dog Mountain, however, after I crossed the bridge in Hood River, my mind immediately went to the work party at Lyle-Cherry Orchard. 

I was driving east on Hwy 14 and passed the Coyote Wall trailhead. I'd seen this place on Instagram posts (or maybe Portland Hikers on FB). New plan. I did a u-turn and drove back to the parking lot. It was about 75% full but no one was around. I looked for a trail near the parking lot but didn't see anything. 

I geared up, stowed what I could under the backseat and set out on the frontage road.

The Hike

Length: 7.28 mi
Elev. gain: 1,644 ft
Moving time: 2:44:00
Avg pace: 22:32
Calories: 1,445
Total time: 3:23:39

The paved frontage road had rocks and boulders from the rocks above. I knew there must be a trail around here somewhere! Eureka! I found it. I'd stopped that signage at the trailhead and knew there was a network of trails to choose from. 

As I started my ascent, I noticed some hikers coming from the west. I figured they'd done some kind of loop so I went right and started what I guessed was a counterclockwise loop. The trail was pretty muddy and I saw tire tracks immediately. A few hundred yards above me, I noticed some hikers, so I knew I was on the right path: I didn't want to stray too far east.

From down below, it was difficult to see the "top", if there was one. Upward and onward.

From the USFS website for this area:

"A massive formation of columnar basalt, Coyote Wall is one of the Columbia River Gorge's most recognizable features from all directions. Known around the Gorge as "The Syncline", local amateur geologists enjoy debating its proper geological classification over a craft brew.

From Coyote Wall Trailhead, bikers, hikers, and riders can access a 30+ mile network trails with an open feel and breath-taking views. Trails include:

• Bitterroot Trail #4422 (Ca2)
• Coyote Wall Trail #4428 (Co1)
• Labyrinth Trail #4423 (Co7)
• Little Maui Trail #4425 (Co5)
• Little Moab Trail #4424 (Co3)
• Old Ranch Road Trail #4426 (Co4)
• Raptor Trail 4424 (Ca1)
• Upper Labyrinth Trail #4424 (Co8)

Mountain bikers love the range of mountain biking challenges which reward those who climb the trails with amazing panoramas of the Gorge! Naturalists can appreciate the diverse population of rare and sensitive plants found here. The thin, fragile soils were created by Missoula floods, and the habitat remains important for wildlife species.

Please avoid the area directly below Coyote Wall to the west, as it is private land. Trails in the area have been gradually rehabilitated in recent years according to a long-term site management plan, so user-created trails that once damaged natural resources are being decomissioned. New signs make it easy to stay on official trails, but use maps with caution as most are now out of date. (This planning map shows temporary names used during the planning process to label approved trails.) Today's signs do not match the shorthand codes, but they do make it easy to stay on official trails. Please respect signs indicating decommissioned trails and sensitive areas under restoration."

When I reached the highest point of the loop, I noticed some hikers above me. I thought I could get a bit more elevation and maybe better views. As I continued further, the trail gets close the edge of the Coyote Wall cliff. I saw on the trail map that there is a loop. Unfortunately, part of it on private land. I wasn't sure if this just a technicality and the public could pass through.

I kept pace with the couple of hikers I'd seen earlier. Eventually, the trail disappears into the trees. I was surprised when I saw them coming in the other direction. I was hoping to follow them on the loop.

When I reached Atwood Road, I realized the sun was getting lower and if I continued, I'd probably be descending below the wall in darkness. I decided it was better to go back the way I came, enjoy the views and sunshine. Wise choice.

At some point, I caught up with those hikers. I didn't want to crowd them so I picked an alternate route down. About 30 mins later, I caught up again when the two trails converged. I stopped to take some pictures and let them gain some distance.

I descended along the Coyote Wall Trail #4428 (Co1), zigzagging through the rocky switchbacks. Several folks were coming up the trail.

I was happy to reach that frontage road again. I still had plenty of sunlight. Great to hike somewhere new.

Post Hike

I knew I was gonna stay the night in Hood River so I headed east on Hwy 14 to cross the river near The Dalles. I'd gone this route when I left the Lyle-Cherry Orchard work party. The town of Lyle was further east that I'd remembered. There was huge Trump 2024 billboard. Ugh! Fuck that guy and his crony oligarchs.

Anywho. I continued on my way. Oddly, I didn't even notice the Lyle-Cherry Orchard trailhead. I think when I went this direction last time, I'd taken the road towards the dam but turned around and went further east past Maryhill and crossed over the Hwy 97. This time I kept going south on Hwy 197. When I reached Dallesport Road, I stopped dead in my tracks: the setting sun was behind Mt Hood.

I drove a ways west to try to find a better location to take a picture with the foreground. By the time I got there, the sun had moved but it was still beautiful.

 

Hike: Devil's Rest via Wahkeena Creek, Corbett, OR

Getting There

The weather was amazing, the temp were in the upper 50s and blue skies for miles. Recently, it's been pretty rainy so I jumped at the chance to get outdoors.

I took I-84 east and parked in the Multnomah Falls parking lot between the eastbound and westbound lanes. Plus, real or imagined, I'm guessing this parking lot is "safer" due to high turnover and cameras.

The lot was about 1/2 way full, plenty of open spots.

The Hike

Length: 9.84 mi
Elev. gain: 2,582 ft
Moving time: 4:36:41
Avg pace: 28:07
Calories: 2,438
Total time: 4:58:42

It was so good to get out on a hike, my first of 2025. As I mentioned in my previous post, I hadn't really done much hiking since Oct, when I was in Bend, OR. I did a hike up Eagle Creek at the beginning of November, then I got sick at the beginning of December, which lasted the whole month. I did a hike up Hamilton Mtn on New Year's Eve.

I parked at Multnomah Falls and hiked the Return Trail to Wahkeena Falls. It's a good thing, since the parking was full, that I opted for ample parking. At this point, I didn't know if I was going to do the Wahkeena-Multnomah loop or something else. I was sort of keen on reaching Devil's Rest but that depended on how I felt.

Just around the corner from Wahkeena Falls, there was a rock slide over the paved trail but it was easy enough to step through on the edge.

On the switchbacks, I passed a group of three college kids, one wearing Chuck Taylors. While waiting for them to pass by, I noticed an old trail marker for the Perdition Trail. I've never heard of this trail but it was obviously defunct, or at least unmaintained by TKO or parks.

Rock slide at the start of the switchbacks

Sign for defunct trail

First bridge crossing over Wahkeena Creek

There was a sprinkling of hikers doing the clockwise loop. At Fairy Falls, I met a woman that was hesitant to cross through the creek. The crossing needs some repairs. She said she was going to watch how I crossed. I did and stopped on the other side to make sure she made it through safely. When she reached where I was, I gave her a fist bump and celebrated her success. I wished her well on the rest of her hike.

I keep pushing steadily to the apex of the trail. I paused briefly to consider my options. I felt good and had lots of energy in reserve. Fuck it. I'm heading to Devil's Rest. A few feet up the trail, a kid passed me but stopped to ask about the views and trail options. I said Devil's Rest was in the trees but that Angel's Rest overlooks the river. He didn't have any gear, water, maps, phone?, just a beanie. Who am I to say? 

When the Devil's Rest trail leveled out, the sun was out and it was nice & warm. Gorgeous colors.

Sunshine on the Devil's Rest Trail

Loving the colors

More gorgeous colors

I passed a few more people on the trail. One pair said I was almost there (true) and another guy with 3 small dogs told me about the trail options. I said thanks and wished them all well.

At the top, I paused briefly to snap a couple of photos but didn't stay long. I thought I might eat lunch but wanted to start the trip back since I was losing light. The whole Oregon side of the river was in shade due to low winter sun.

Last time I was there, I descended down the front of hillside but ended up on the Devil's Slide, a very steep route. I still wanted to check out the Vista Point viewpoint and taking this route would have put be below it. I made my way around the rocks and found the Primrose Path, which reconnects with the Devil's Rest Trail and is the safer way to descend down the front.

Devil's Rest Summit

Devil's Rest Summit

Mt Adams

Mt St Helens

Finally made it to the Vista Viewpoint. I'd stopped several times to clear some small trees over the trail and cut off jagged remains of the branches that were hazards when climbing over larger logs.

The sun was going down and it was getting dark quickly. I had two flashlights but I could still see well enough without. I knew it'd get darker when I go lower into the canopy.

East: Columbia River, Archer Mtn, Beacon Rock/Hamilton

West: Columbia River, Cape Horn

Thanks to the long exposure on the iPhone 15 Pro, this photo came out really well despite the low light.

Wahkeena Falls

My hike back to the parking lot on the Return Trail was almost too dark to see the ground and tripping hazards but I still didn't want to stop to find my flashlight. I made it without incident. There were quite a few cars still in the parking lot. 

Great hike to start the new year.