Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

Welcome to the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, a colossal natural wonder dividing the states of Oregon and Washington, and undeniably one of the most magnificent, dramatic landscapes in the entire United States. You are about…

Welcome to the starting point of our journey, the bustling highway pullout at Horsetail Falls. As you step out of your vehicle, you are immediately stepping onto a marvel of early twentieth century engineering. …

As we approach the very base of the lower cascade, the true magnitude of Horsetail Falls reveals itself in a magnificent display of hydrodynamics. Towering above us, the water plunges an astonishing one hundred and seventy six…

We now begin our ascent, leaving the immediate vicinity of the highway and engaging physically with the steep topography of the Columbia River Gorge. The trail leading upward is an exercise in both stamina and scenic reward. …

As the arduous switchbacks finally relent, the trail levels out and gracefully curves into a deeply recessed, hidden gorge. Before you, framed by a lush, green canopy and dark basalt walls, stands Upper Horsetail Falls,…

You have now walked directly behind the plunging curtain of Ponytail Falls, stepping into a vast, naturally eroded cavern. This is undeniably one of the most magical and sought after experiences in the entire Columbia River Gorge. …

Emerging from the misty cavern of Ponytail Falls, the trail presses onward, transitioning into a truly rugged, remote hiking experience. For those with the endurance, the path extends up to three point six miles out and back,…

Just beyond the Oneonta Creek bridge, the character of the trail undergoes a dramatic and noticeable transformation as we officially cross the boundary into the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness Area. This designation is crucial; it…

We have finally arrived at the stunning culmination of our extensive, three point six mile round trip journey: the magnificent Triple Falls. Emerging from the rocky, fire scarred wilderness trail, you are suddenly presented with…

As we conclude our extensive exploration of the Horsetail Falls trail system, returning from the wild, rugged heights of the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness back down to the historic pavement of the Columbia River Highway, it is a…