These Boots Are Made for Walking

And that's just what they did for over 13 miles on the Eagle Creek Trail in late July. My Aussie friend, Sue, was visiting from Philadelphia, so I gathered up some Hood River buddies and we organized a shuttle to do the AMAZING hike from Wahtum Lake to Eagle Creek. We got the feet moving, the blood moving, the mind moving and solved about half the world's problems that day. ;)

Vicki, Erin, Carley, Me & Sue at the trailhead.

Our hike started off with light rain, which makes sense since Wahtum Lake's terrain is brushy, damp Pacific Northwest rainforest.

Arr, me hearty.

Carley carried her pirate sword in case in case we be swashbucklin'.

Nature's nectarous treats.

Erin found some delicious orange marionberries along the trail. Yum.

Erin and Carely keeping their feet dry.

We had the trail to ourselves for the first six miles, which is rare on gorge trails in July. There were a number of little creek crossings that had us rock-hopping through the lush, green landscape.

REALLY lush and REALLY green. We nearly lost Erin.

The smells of the rainforest were incredible through the thick brush. I'd like to bottle that earthy freshness and take it home.

After about six miles, the trail meets up with and snakes along the cliffs above Eagle Creek. We enjoyed some lunch on a ledge with a waterfall view. Long hikes and chocolate are best friends.


The Eagle Creek trail is home to six immense waterfalls. Carley stops to admire Tunnel Falls.


About 2.5 miles from the end of our hike, we took the spur trail down to the base of Punchbowl Falls, where Carley, Vicki and I went for a shockingly cold swim. It makes your crotch hurt and is the best therapy going. :)


The Eagle Creek trail—a masterpiece of trail construction—was built in 1916, blasted into sheer basalt cliffs to provide the best views of the most spectacular series of waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.

Trees are the coolest.

After a day's walk through the woods, free from all worldly engagements, everything has twice its usual value. Hot shower + cold beer + good mexican food = grande rewards. I heart the gorge. :)