Friday, April 19, 2013

Gorge II: Eagle Creek

IMG_3062

We spent our last full day with Cheryl hiking up the amazing Eagle Creek trail. I think this is one of my favorite hikes.The weather was great; the sun even came out.

 

 

 

The trail had lots of pretty things to look at, like mossy trees and colorful pools.

IMG_4141IMG_4144IMG_3187IMG_1791

Magnus got to ride on Daddy’s shoulders most of the time.

IMG_1771IMG_1967

It is an interesting trail that often cuts into the cliff side and you get some nice views of canyon.

IMG_3084IMG_3086IMG_1799

Metlako Falls, the first waterfall.

IMG_3106IMG_3093

We hiked down to Punchbowl Falls. It sits in a very nice natural amphitheater with a nice rocky shore. We ate lunch here. Magnus liked sitting on the big rocks.

IMG_1844IMG_3113

The creek was so full that to see the falls you had to walk out into the very cold water, but it was worth it.

IMG_3143IMG_3155

Punchbowl Falls:

IMG_3164

Having fun by the creek:

IMG_1914IMG_3169

Lower Punchbowls falls is in the same area.

IMG_3178IMG_3179

We hiked a little further to see Punchbowl from above:

IMG_3198

IMG_3212

An often over-looked thing on the side of the trail is this petrified tree stump.

 

IMG_3220IMG_3216

Eagle Creek is also the site of the first Forest Service campground. Built in 1915, it is no longer in use, but most of the old structures are there and you can picnic there. We also found this old picnic table amongst the trees. It is a very mossy, forgotten table.

IMG_3236IMG_3232

On the way back home we stopped for ice cream in Cascade Locks, and looped back around on the Washington side of the Gorge. We made a quick stop at Cape Horn. It was a good day.

IMG_2012IMG_3246

Cheryl flew out the next evening. We had a lot of fun while she was here, and we are glad she got home safely. Thanks for visiting us Cheryl!

IMG_4191

No comments: