Wednesday, October 7, 2015

In Over Our Heads - Oneonta Falls, Oregon

In Over Our Heads – Oneonta Falls, Oregon

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Oneonta Falls, Oregon
After cycling Crater Lake, we decided to take the scenic route home and explore Mt. Hood Territory and the Columbia River Gorge.  The most challenging part of our day was deciding where we should go and what we should do.  I would suggest you could spend an entire year in this area and not come close to exploring all of the trails, rivers and streams that make up this wonderful outdoor playground.

At 12,000 feet, Mount Hood is the highest point in Oregon and considered to be the crown jewel of the Gorge.  We were lucky enough to be driving on a beautiful, sunny day and were rewarded by incredible views of Mt. Hood for most of the day.  The mountain called out to us and as we drove by we made a promise to return!

Our route took us through acres of orchards and wineries all nestled in the mountain valley.  We arrived at the Town of Hood River and were immediately captivated by the bright colours of the kites and windsurfing sails.  To call this a windsurfing mecca is an understatement.  The Gorge is famous for its wind and Hood River is the place to be when the wind blows!

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Hood River, Oregon

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Windsurfing Capitol of the World
After leaving Hood River we decided to get off the main road and explore the historic Columbia River Highway.  This route has been nicknamed the “King of the Roads” because of its waterfalls, gorges and panoramic views of the Columbia River.  We usually prefer to avoid the busy tourist attractions, but we could not resist a stop at Oneonta Falls.

The parking lots were full and we laughed as we joined countless others trekking to the falls.  We were fully expecting a “sanitized” and “controlled” hike…..marked trails, paved walkways, boardwalks, railings, fenced viewpoints.  To our delight, the walk was anything but paved!  We descended a few stairs into the gorge and then Mother Nature took over.  Mossy tree limbs and deep green ferns lined the canyon.  The river was the trail!

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
The Gorge at Oneonta Falls

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Ferns and Moss line the route

Before we knew it we were wading upstream.  We rounded a bend and came across a big log jam.  Dozens of people were attempting to climb the logs in their quest to view the falls.  It was like a pilgrimage!  Young and old alike assisted each other over the slippery logs – nothing like a good ol’ log jam to bring folk together.

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Can't go round it...gotta go over it!

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Oneonta's version of Walk the Plank

After successfully negotiating the climb, we found ourselves at a deep pool.  Before we knew it, we had joined the masses and were chest deep in the water pushing forward to the falls.  We finally arrived at the base of the falls, cold, wet and exhilarated!  It was there we met Dave.

What a character!  Dave was huge!  He loomed over six feet tall and was easily 250 pounds.  Picture an offensive lineman from your favourite NFL team….that’s Dave!  What made Dave extra special was his leadership style.  One of my favourite leadership videos is called First Follower:  Leadership Lessons from the Dancing Guy.  It is the story of how a lone nut attracts a second follower and before you know it a movement is created.  Watch the video….it will make more sense!



Well, Dave and his buddy created a movement.  Rob and I watched in amazement as hiker after hiker jumped in to the deep waters below the falls.  Led by Dave, the crowd cheered each and every swimmer on!  Under Dave’s supervision, not a single hiker left the gorge that day without taking the plunge! It was FANTASTIC and yes, we are card carrying members of Dave’s Go for a Swim Club!

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
In Over our Heads
 Giggle of the day:

Do you remember Dave, the offensive lineman who led the group swim at the falls?  As we were making our way back out of the gorge, we bumped into Dave at the log jam.  Rob and I were perched precariously on the logs inching our way forward, when all of a sudden Dave commanded us to STOP.   This huge, hulk of a man had spotted a frog.  Dave beckoned Rob over to snap a picture and then took control of the hikers.  He positioned himself above the frog and began directing traffic.  The image of this gentle giant dangling from a tree in an attempt to protect a tiny frog is something we will never forget.  Giant Dave – King of the Frogs and Master of the Falls!

Discover Outdoors Oneonta Falls, Oregon
Apologies for the blurry picture....Under Dave's direction, Rob was literally hanging almost upside down to get the shot



Map and Route Tips:

Things to do and see - The Columbia River Gorge

Hood River

#iloveoregon #traveloregon #hike #windsurf #pnw #discoveroutdoors #waterfalls