Well, i know we had decided to get up early in the morning and go for hikes. That resolution went down the drain a little too soon ! Never mind, i'll make another one :).
So this was a fine saturday afternoon and we decided to hike the Angel's Rest near Multnomah Falls at the very scenic Columbia Gorge. The drive is as beautiful as the destination once you leave behind the city traffic. Speed limits increase, winds get a little chilly and the beautiful Mt. Hood is a pleasure to the eyes. The hike is listed as "moderate" with a 2.3 mile climb to an elevation of 1450 feet. Of course the downward 2.3 mile journey is pretty easy.
The journey began after we found a rather "off the road" parking spot. Yes, the place was filled with people and their dogs. The trail was muddy, soggy and slightly slippery. As usual, tall green trees filtered the sunshine creating a nice ambiance. A beautiful waterfall added rhythm to our initial ascent. The climb simulated a cardio session that was interspersed with breaks for water.
After about 50 to 60 minutes, the trail is full of stones and grassy bushes. The view of the Columbia river is simply put "majestic".
I saw a couple of people just hanging out here and thought this to be the end of the climb. But upon asking realized that there were a few more steps to go. Marching forward i couldn't really figure out where this trail is going to end. There were rocks of all shapes and sizes blocking the view ahead. Only after a pretty lady told me that a few more steps would lead to a better view did i take the effort to do so !!
And she was so true. The entire stretch of the Columbia Gorge was now before me. On the other side of the river were snowy mountains and grassy plateaus. Time spent up there was totally worth it ! After the usual photo session, granola bar chewing ceremony and some sips of water, we began the descent. In about 45 mins we were back to our car.
Since Multnomah Falls and the Vista View Point were within driving distance, we had to visit them. Multnomah was charming as ever but with plenty more water as commented by an experienced fellow visitor. The sunset at Vista Point got the day to a logical conclusion. Nature's Bliss !
So this was a fine saturday afternoon and we decided to hike the Angel's Rest near Multnomah Falls at the very scenic Columbia Gorge. The drive is as beautiful as the destination once you leave behind the city traffic. Speed limits increase, winds get a little chilly and the beautiful Mt. Hood is a pleasure to the eyes. The hike is listed as "moderate" with a 2.3 mile climb to an elevation of 1450 feet. Of course the downward 2.3 mile journey is pretty easy.
The journey began after we found a rather "off the road" parking spot. Yes, the place was filled with people and their dogs. The trail was muddy, soggy and slightly slippery. As usual, tall green trees filtered the sunshine creating a nice ambiance. A beautiful waterfall added rhythm to our initial ascent. The climb simulated a cardio session that was interspersed with breaks for water.
After about 50 to 60 minutes, the trail is full of stones and grassy bushes. The view of the Columbia river is simply put "majestic".
I saw a couple of people just hanging out here and thought this to be the end of the climb. But upon asking realized that there were a few more steps to go. Marching forward i couldn't really figure out where this trail is going to end. There were rocks of all shapes and sizes blocking the view ahead. Only after a pretty lady told me that a few more steps would lead to a better view did i take the effort to do so !!
And she was so true. The entire stretch of the Columbia Gorge was now before me. On the other side of the river were snowy mountains and grassy plateaus. Time spent up there was totally worth it ! After the usual photo session, granola bar chewing ceremony and some sips of water, we began the descent. In about 45 mins we were back to our car.
Since Multnomah Falls and the Vista View Point were within driving distance, we had to visit them. Multnomah was charming as ever but with plenty more water as commented by an experienced fellow visitor. The sunset at Vista Point got the day to a logical conclusion. Nature's Bliss !
hello what a hiking and beautiful as the scenary as your naration though not present your climb we can feel as you take a rest fora while yet far away to go for the final reach yet so fast you leave a trail to get down
ReplyDeletethanks narain !
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ReplyDeleteMy girlfriend and I just hiked the 5.8 mile Multnomah/Wahkeena loop this past weekend and it was fantastic, although on our descent my left knee started giving me problems and I had to use a walking stick and limp 1.5 miles down. One of these days I'd like to hike up to the Larch Mountain summit, that should be a good time. Hey, I really enjoy your blog, I'm glad I discovered it.
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