Winter Waterfalls

Winter arrived suddenly in here in Oregon.  The past two weeks we've battled cold temperatures, freezing rain, and even two snowstorms!  This past Sunday I was tempted to head up skiing on Mt Hood.  But then I heard reports of freezing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. 

Frozen waterfalls are an uncommon occurrence here.  And many times when these cascades freeze, the roads are too icy to attempt driving.  So when a chance to photograph these lovely works of nature comes around, I take it.

Multnomah Falls

That's why I spent the final Sunday before Christmas not shopping, not skiing, not hiking (although I considered visiting the ornament trail).  No, I took advantage of the rare frigid conditions to travel through the Gorge and capture nature's incredible works of beauty.

And so, dear readers, I present my Christmas gift to you.  No words, just a collection of beautiful winter scenes. 

Lower Multnomah Falls

Benson Bridge, Multnomah Falls

Ice coated tree branches

Icy rock wall below Multnomah Falls

Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls

Icy splash pool below Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls close-up

Icy shoreline

Wintry creek

Ponytail Falls

Icicles behind Ponytail Falls

Frozen vegetation from the waterfalls' spray makes interesting patterns

Another view of Ponytail Falls

Behind Ponytail Falls

Wide angle view behind Ponytail Falls

Creek below Ponytail Falls (with one cold photographer!)

Ponytail Falls parting view

To all my readers, Merry Christmas!  May you have a wonderful holiday.  Enjoy this special time with your loved ones.