Tails of the Woods
One of the most well known attractions in the northwest corner of Oregon is the infamous Columbia River Gorge. With over 40 waterfalls, most can be accessed from about 25 miles of highway and scenic routes. Some can be seen from the road; many others take a little work to get to. With the weather skipping over late spring and jumping right into summer, the day called for a good hike; and what better place than horsetail falls trail which lies just east of the well known Multnomah Falls. From the parking lot you get a good glimpse at Horsetail Falls, which empties into a pool right along side of the road. For those looking for more of an adventure one needs to make a trek onwards and upwards. About a mile or two up the steep switch backs you can begin to hear the noise of the next destination.
Walking around the bend Ponytail Falls comes into view. The trail approaches the falls from the side and wraps around underneath of it. A shelf in the floor of the rock acts as shelter to keep you dry form the water raining down from above, but on a hot day like today its helps to get a little wet. One spot along the trail on the west side of the falls creates a blowing mist, working better than any AC I have ever used. Continuing on the trail follows the ridge before winding down switchbacks again to Oneonta Falls.
We spent some time relaxing at Oneonta Falls before heading back to Horsetail. While there we had an encounter with a couple who had gotten married at Ponytail and was enjoying their honeymoon taking pictures by the waterfalls that were part of that day. Can't imagine any church standing up to that backdrop.
We did  ascend up a steep unmaintained trail in search of an old rock formation, but before long decided to turn back for another day.  We have hiked most of the trails in the gorge, but once again all expectations went out the window.
