February 2, 2012 - Hike 47

Horsetail Falls - Oneonta Gorge Hike 2.7 miles




Second hike at the Gorge today. This one is easily accessed from Portland by taking the Bridal Veil exit, #28, off I-84 from Portland. Drive east on the Historic Highway about 5.5 miles to the Horsetail Falls parking.

After parking, you will need to walk along the highway a short distance to the old tunnel. Walk through the tunnel to access the trialhead on the other side.

The trail begins with some easily graded switchbacks. At about a half mile into the trail, you will come to Ponytail Falls. The falls are very pretty and the trail goes under the falls to the other side of the valley.

After leaving ponytail falls behind, continue west along the bluff. There are some very nice views.The trail then continues into Oneonta Canyon.  Just past a weeping wall, the trail begins to switchback down to a crossing of Oneonta Creek. There's a view into the upper end of Oneonta Gorge from the second switchback. The trail crosses Oneonta Creek on a metal bridge.

This was a very nice hike. Being the second hike of the day, we left very tired and hungary. We stopped at Multnomah Falls lodge for some Cream of Red Pepper Soup, yummy and warming to the tummy.