A Winter Waterfall

I love to photograph waterfalls.  Lucky for me, Northwest Oregon boasts many beautiful cascades, many just a short drive from home.  Although waterfalls make wonderful photo subjects any time of the year, I think winter is the absolute best time to capture them.

East Fork Hood River surrounded by frosty trees

Located in the Northeast foothills of Mt. Hood, Tamanawas Falls is hands down the top waterfall to visit during winter months.  Merely a 2-mile hike (or snowshoe) to reach, it's also quite accessible.

More white beauty

One late December day, I saw that the mountain had received a fresh coat of new snow.  Time for a trip to my favorite wintertime waterfall!

White trees close-up

Arriving at the trailhead, I noticed a good six inch layer of powder covering everything.  From past visits, I knew this popular winter trail often got packed solid quickly and snowshoes weren't always necessary.  However, the snow looked deep enough, and since I wasn't sure what conditions would be further up the trail, I elected to strap on my snowshoes anyway.  Better to have them than not!

Snowmen surround the Cold Spring Creek bridge

From the parking area, the trail first crossed over the East Fork of Hood River via a tall, wooden footbridge.  The trees lining the river were coated with frost, making it a most lovely scene.  Although I'd planned to head straight to the waterfall, I couldn't resist taking a few minutes to make several images of all this beauty.

Cold Spring Creek, even more lovely with snow

Beyond this first bridge, I trudged a half mile uphill before losing all that elevation, as the trail took me downhill to a crossing of Cold Spring Creek.  

Someone built snowmen on the bridge rails!

Cold Spring Creek is a gorgeous little stream, bubbling though mossy rocks, its waters an icy blue hue.  The creek bank was lined with an impressive forest of fir and cedar trees.  I always make it a point to stop here and get a few photographs.

Upstream view of Cold Spring Creek

A surprise was waiting for me.  Someone had built a dozen small snowmen at one side of the footbridge crossing Cold Spring Creek.  Not only that, three tiny snowpeople had also been perched on the bridge rails.  Seeing these cute snow creations, I couldn't help but smile.

Mother Nature's flocking

From Cold Spring Creek, I trekked onward.  As suspected, despite the prior night's snowfall, the trail was packed solid snow.  Although they provided some traction, my snowshoes were not necessary.  However, having no way to strap them to my backpack, I elected to keep snowshoes on my feet for the duration - easier to wear than carry.

First view of the falls

The trail followed Cold Spring Creek as it rushed along its snowy banks.  Powder-dusted bushes and trees lining the creek were all quite lovely.  I navigated a large rockslide slope, clambering up a very steep and slippery grade - thankful that my snowshoes provided sufficient traction.

The waterfall is surrounded by white vegetation

And just when I was starting to wonder if I'd ever reach that waterfall, I rounded a corner and there it was!  Plunging 100 feet over a tall basalt cliff at the end of a picturesque mountain valley, Tamanawas Falls was a sight for sore eyes.

Tamanawas Falls base area

The waterfall was surrounded by a forest of white-shrouded trees and bushes.  Although it had been snowing the prior evening, early winter temperatures had not been cold enough yet to form icicles from its top.  (Later in the winter these ice formations can be quite dramatic.)  But the newly fallen snow made for a gorgeous winter scene.

Looking good in white!

I shuffled up to the waterfall's base area hoping for some close up photos.  But if I got too close the cascade's spray began to freeze on my camera lens.  In the end, my best images came from further away.

More Cold Spring Creek views on the return trip

I sat, enjoyed a snack, and admired the beautiful waterfall I'd snowshoed 2 miles to see.  During that time a few other people came and went - most just snapped a few pictures before heading right back.

Snow-covered leaves

After a good hour spent photographing and generally admiring this wonderful winter scene, it was time to trek back to my car.  I clomped along the packed snow trail, feeling a bit sheepish for wearing snowshoes when nearly everyone I met were using microspikes or yaktrax.  However, I did see a few people without any kind of traction devices on their feet, and wondered how they would be able to climb that slippery slope through the rockslide area.

This fallen log gives an idea of snowfall amount

I took my time on the return trip, stopping to photograph a few interesting spots I'd noticed on the way in.  Back at the Cold Spring Creek bridge, I was disappointed to see that someone had knocked down the cute snowmen from the bridge rail.  Seems like there's always one grinch that ruins it for everyone!

Another view of the footbridge

Approaching the trailhead once again, the midday sun was now out in full force, quickly melting the morning's frost from all the tree branches.  Now I was thankful that I'd photographed the trees at the beginning of my hike.

Parting view as the snow was starting melt

It was a great morning to be outside in a winter wonderland and visit a favorite waterfall.  

A Tale of Two Waterfalls

One of the things I'd looked forward to in retirement was midweek visits to some of the more popular local waterfalls.  Bonus if I could capture them covered in snow and ice.

 

Tamanawas Falls

 

I picked a Tuesday in early February for my winter waterfall excursion.  Although a warmer-than-normal January hadn't produced a lot of snow and ice thus far, I decided to check out conditions anyway.

 

Tamanawas Falls close-up

 

First on the day's agenda - lovely Tamanawas Falls.  Located on Mt Hood's east side this impressive 100-foot cascade was found at the end of a steep canyon.  It's higher elevation meant a better chance of seeing it surrounded by snow and ice.  (And, fun fact, the name "tamanawas" means "friendly guardian spirit" in the language of the Northwest Native Americans.)

 

Icy rocks at the bottom of the falls

 

Although I packed snowshoes, the trail's snowpack had been melted and refrozen so many times, it resembled a slippery icy ribbon.  Leaving my snowshoes in the car, I instead attached microspikes to my boots and headed down the short 2-mile path.

 

Different photo edit (what do you think?)

 

The trail was a delight, following beautiful Cold Spring Creek.  After traversing an icy rockslide, I came upon my first view of the falls, framed by steep canyon walls.  Although there were no icicles hanging from the canyon rim, nor thick snowpack, the scene was still mighty beautiful.

 

Ice close-up

 

Besides the lack of snow, my other disappointment was the early morning light was horrible for photography.  The falls were backlit, and high overcast skies made for a lot of contrasting light.  But I was here to get photographs, so I set up my tripod and waded through the creek to get in position.  Despite the poor conditions, I had a great time trying to capture the stunning scenery.

 

Last of the fall leaves

 

 

I started early and luckily had the waterfall to myself the entire time.  It wasn't until I'd packed up and started back down the trail that I met the first hiker of the day.

 

Cold Spring Creek

Besides Tamanawas Falls, the other highlight of this area was the lovely, blue-gray waters of Cold Spring Creek.  Remembering that this creek was especially scenic at the midway bridge crossing, I made a point to stop and set up my tripod on the return trip.

 

Snowman near the creek

 

The surrounding forest here was especially scenic.  It provided the perfect backdrop for some long exposure water shots.  Someone had even made a snowman on a nearby stump and I couldn't resist a few pics of it's smiling face.

 

Cold Spring Creek

 

After spending most of the morning at Tamanawas Falls, it was time to head to my second destination of the day, Wahclella Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.

 

Flowing water long exposure

 

After driving through a downpour for nearly a half hour, I almost didn't take the exit to my second stop.  But the heavens cleared just as I was approaching the turnoff, so waterfall hike number two was on.

 

Tanner Creek

 

The trail to Wahclella Falls is extremely short - a distance of a mere mile will get you to this Gorge gusher.

 

Tanner Creek flowing water

 

The trail follows gorgeous Tanner Creek the entire way.  Despite this area being burned in the huge 2017 Eagle Creek wildfire, it had rebounded nicely.  After being closed for nearly three years, the trail had recently reopened to the public.  I was happy to return to this favorite place.

 

Unnamed seasonal waterfall

 

Several prior days of heavy rain had produced some seasonal waterfalls that were running down the steep canyon walls.

 

Steep canyon walls

 

As I walked closer towards Wahclella Falls the canyon walls became higher and the area around Tanner Creek narrower.  Finally, hearing the sound of roaring water I came upon Wahclella Falls, churning mightily through a crevice in the cliff.

 

Wahclella Falls

 

This cascade was so wide it was hard to get a good photograph.  There was so much white it threw off the camera's exposure meter.  I did use a polarizing filter for my waterfall shots, but it didn't seem to be quite enough.  (Time to invest in some good neutral density filters!)

 

Nearby seasonal waterfall

 

There was also another tall, slender seasonal cascade tumbling down the nearby canyon wall.  So delicate and beautiful, I couldn't resist grabbing a few images.

 

Wahclella Falls canyon

After attempting many shots from all different angles of Wahclella Falls and it's rocky grotto, the rain started up again.  Trying to hastily pack up my camera gear I accidentally dropped a lens hood and it rolled into a deep rock crevice next to the creek.

Oh no!  I peered down the crevice, and spotted the lens hood resting on the gravelly creek bank.  But it was at least 15 feet down.  Too far for me to safely retrieve it - I wasn't about to risk life and limb climbing down a slippery rock face.  I almost wrote off my loss and walked away.  But then I spotted a huge pile of logs and downed limbs that had been washed up by the creek.  Maybe I could find a stick long enough to reach it?

 

Wahclella Falls downstream

 

After trying two different sticks, I finally found one that would extend to the crevice bottom.  Now it was just a bit of skill and patience to coax the lens hood onto the stick's end.  Luckily for me, a man came by and once he learned of my predicament, offered to help.  The man was able to hook my lens hood on the stick and carefully bring it up.  When it was close enough I was able to grab the hood.  Hooray!

 

Huge mossy boulders downstream

 

Now soaking wet and covered with mud from trying to retrieve my wayward camera gear, I decided it was time to head back to the car.  But passing by a section of Tanner Creek lined with huge mossy boulders, I couldn't resist one last photo session.

 

Tanner Creek view on the way back

 

Although I wasn't able to capture snow-covered icy waterfalls this time, the two cascades I did visit were still extremely photogenic.  Another wonderful winter's day spent in the Pacific Northwest!

 

Another Waterfall Friday

October 24th.  In less than a week, my right foot would go under the knife.  It happened to be my Friday off, and I was chomping at the bit for a woodsy ramble.  Of course the weather forecast wasn't very promising.  Rain predicted to start after 11 am.....ugh.

Fall colors are here!

But it was my last chance to hike for several months - a final opportunity to catch some fall colors.  I just couldn't stay home.  Rain be damned!

Usual trailhead signage

After pondering destination choices, I decided to visit a couple favorite trails on Mt. Hood's east side.  Located in the mountain's rainshadow, I hoped this would guarantee a little drier weather.  Not only offering spectacular scenery and fall colors, these treks also boasted a pair of lovely cascades.  Yessiree, it was gonna be another waterfall Friday!

A few larch trees

I've found that when planning to hike the more popular trails, it pays to get up early.  I rose at my normal weekday time, and instead of heading to work, pointed my car towards Mt. Hood.  I arrived at Tamanawas Falls trailhead just a little after 8, second car in the lot.

Scenic bridge crossing Cold Spring Creek

I was delighted to have the trail to myself.  From the parking area, I immediately crossed the East Fork of Hood River over a sturdy log bridge.  For the next half mile, I meandered along its banks, taking in the green fir forest, accented with an occasional burst of yellow deciduous leaves.

Leaf-lined trail

At the first junction, I left the East Fork behind, climbing up a small ridge, with views looking over a cluster of golden larch trees.  Shortly thereafter, I came upon a smaller log footbridge crossing Cold Spring Creek.

Fallen leaves make cool patterns

Besides the destination waterfall, this bridge was one of the most scenic spots of the trail.  Cold Spring Creek gurgled merrily, framed by tall firs and mossy boulders.

Tamanawas Falls

From here on out, the trail paralleled the banks of Cold Spring Creek.  The walk here was a pure delight.  Golden leaves lined my path.  Frothy rapids churned below.  Huge mossy trees towered high above.  Gorgeous!

A closer look at the falls

Besides the amazing natural beauty and waterfall at the end, this trail is also popular due to it's short length.  From Cold Spring Creek, just over a mile of trekking will bring you to the base of 100-foot-high Tamanawas Falls.

Gigantic mushrooms

The approach to the falls is dramatic.  After crossing a huge rockslide at the base of some high basalt cliffs, the canyon narrowed.  Rounding a forested corner, the trees suddenly thinned out, and there before me, framed by the canyon's end, Tamanawas Falls suddenly came into view.

Hangin' out with the falls

A truly stunning location.  The falls spilled over the top of an ancient lava flow, creating a white curtain of water.  The high basalt cliffs and adjacent green forest framed this cascade nicely.  Although disappointed by a lack of fall colors, it still made a perfect photo subject.

Color is everywhere!

I hiked down slippery rocks, getting as close to the fall's base as I dared.  Recent rainfall had the cascade roaring, and the spray forced me to keep my distance.  Still, I set up my tripod and captured tons of shots, wiping water droplets off my lens in between takes.

Gold-lined trail

After a lengthy photo session, I retreated into a stand of trees for a quick snack.  While enjoying my cliff bar, I spotted a cluster of huge mushrooms - each as large as a salad plate.  Besides the obvious waterfall, another photo subject!

Wonderful, mossy Cold Spring Creek

Although the base area here often gets crowded with hikers, I had the place to myself the entire time.  It was nice to be able to take all the photos I wanted and not have to wait for people to move out of the way.  I also enjoyed the silence.  Some people don't understand why I like to hike by myself.  Although I do enjoy sharing the experience with friends, there are times I crave the solitude of nature.  Today was one of those days.  Spending quiet time in a spectacular area does wonders for the attitude.

Red leaf standout

Darkening clouds in the sky finally convinced me it was time to head back.  One of the great things about an out-and-back trek on such a fine trail was getting to see it all a second time.  Although I stopped to photograph a few of the sights I'd missed, the return trip was much quicker.

Nice creek views along the trail

I didn't see a soul until I was almost back to my car.  By then, half a dozen vehicles had crowded in, and I spotted three parties heading towards the first bridge.  Being an early bird has it's rewards!  I was glad I'd gotten my butt out of bed at o-dark-thirty.

Not only did I miss all the people, the rain held off the entire time.  Although prepared to get wet, I was happy to be loading a dry backpack and coat into my car at hike's end.

Bridge selfie

But now it was barely noon - way too early to head home.  Although the sky was threatening to pour, there was one more trail on today's agenda.  After a quick lunch break, I drove further up the road to check out Umbrella Falls.  Crossing my fingers, I hoped my luck would hold out long enough to beat the rain a second time.

Join me for my next post and see what happens!


P.S.  To my faithful readers, I have comment word verification turned off in my blog settings, but that pesky box keeps showing up anyway.  According to one of my blogging buddies (thanks Stewart M!) you can ignore the word verification and your comment will still post.  I love reading all your comments, so please don't let that darned thing stop you from saying hello!  :)

Sharing with:  Outdoor Wednesday and Wednesday Around the World.