When All Else Fails...Punt

So I fell asleep last night with dreams of snow capped mountains, animal tracks in the snow and waterfalls all around me.  When I awoke, the sky was cloudy and there was a bit of rain starting to fall.  I would say that I was disappointed, but this is typical for the Pacific Northwest.  The best thing to do in this situation is deal with it as best as possible.  Before I left Chicago, I packed my rain gear for both myself and my camera equipment.  I would rather have it with me and sitting in my hotel room unused than trying to buy something when the pressure is on.  This morning I was really happy that I brought it. 

I fueled up with a good breakfast.  Packed some sandwiches so I wouldn't waste time stopping to buy food, loaded up the car and off I went.  The only thing I didn't do well enough was have a better idea of where I wanted to start my journey for today.  I was so excited about getting out there that I neglected to create a starting point.  So, when all else fails...punt.  I grabbed the map in my car and started to drive to Mt. Hood.  The scenery  along the way was magnificent.  I was in awe of all the different shades of green that I saw in the landscape.  As I continued on my quest to "The Hood", I drove in and out of rain clouds as well as through some low lying ones.  There even was a tunnel on the way and in true fashion, I honked my horn as I drove through it.

The drive went by pretty fast and before I knew it, I was at the Ranger Station.  Since I was basically going on web-articles about where to begin my journey, I thought it best to stop at the ranger's station and get some advice on the trails.  Good thing I did.  After I told him my plans and asked for his assistance on where to begin my trek, he looked at me and said, "You might want to rethink your plans".  He shared with me that there was a recent snowfall on the mountain and that the trail was covered up.  In addition, there was a young man that lost his life there this week right by Mirror Lake.  He fell into some water and was unable to climb out.  And, to make things even more interesting, a young woman was just located on the mountain after having gone missing for 3 days.  With the brace on my leg and the lack of crampons or snow shoes, no knowledge of the trail that can even be seen, and traveling alone, I decided that it was in my best interest to revisit Mt. Hood another time.  The Ranger suggested that I hike the waterfalls that surround the mountain.  There are plenty to choose from.  They're on marked trails and very picturesque.  So, I took his advice and started off on my journey.  There are enough hiking trails and waterfalls to keep one busy for weeks.  I decided to stop at some of them and save some for when Shannon was with me.

The first one I saw was Wahkeena waterfall. 

Rocks at Base of Wahkeena Waterfall

Flowing Water Past Base of Wahkeena Waterfall

Looking up at Wahkeena Waterfall

It was beautiful.  There was a little bit of rain falling, but with a camera cover and a raincoat, I was fine.  I can't say much for the other tourists as they were very ill prepared for the weather.  This waterfall was right off the road.  Lots of parking and had a trail that you could walk to to get a closer look at the first drop of the water into the top basin.  Very cool.

Multnomah Falls
A little but further up the road was Multnomah Falls, tanding at 620 feet.  This is the second tallest waterfall in the United States.  And, you can feel the power that the water has on it.  The entry way to the falls lies just past the tourist trap snack and souvenirs stand.  As you approach the falls and look up you will see a bridge that travels across the fall in front of the water.  You can hike up to the bridge and get a closer look at this water monster. 

Multnomah Falls - Bottom Basin

Multnomah Falls - Bottom Basin Slow Shutter

Multnomah Falls Full Falls Photo with Bridge

I skipped the hike to the bridge as I wanted to save that for when Shannon joins me on the hike.  This waterfall is amazing and is definitely worth coming back to see again. 

Horsetail Falls
The last waterfall that I drove to was Horsetail Falls.  This one can be found as you head toward 84 East.  This waterfall is unique in that it has an area where you can actually go in the water.  Now, I'm not saying that you should stand under the water as the pressure of it will probably kill you, but it is pretty cool to go into the water by the rocks as the water is blasting down.  As long as you stay by the edge, you should be ok.  There were a couple of guys drinking by the falls daring each other to stand under the pounding water.  Luckily, neither one was foolish enough to do it. 

Side view of Horsetail Falls. 

Horsetail Falls, straight on.  The bottom basin is deep but shallows out.

This is me, facing the waterfall to give you a little perspective as to the size of the fall.

Although I only saw three waterfalls, I spent a lot of time taking in their beauty and setting up my camera for the perfect shot.  The weather was rainy all day but that didn't stop me from enjoying all  that Oregon has to offer.  With a list of waterfalls yet to be photographed, I have my work cut out for me before I return to Chicago. 

I came back to my hotel after being out in the fresh air all day and reflected on what a great day I had experienced.  I didn't realize how much energy I had used climbing all around, scooting under branches, and reading maps as I was driving.  I was completely exhausted and yet as I looked out my hotel window I contemplated grabbing my camera and getting in my car in search of my next adventure, but, a wave of sleepiness came over me and I fell asleep in my wet and dirty clothes. 

Tomorrow morning another adventure will come my way, but this time, I know where my journey is going to begin.