Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

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Don Nelsen
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Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Don Nelsen » January 5th, 2017, 6:53 pm

I didn't plan on going this far today but by the time I got to my initial goal, I was so close to Tunnel Falls, I just had to check it out.'

It was 19 degrees at the Eagle Creek TH at 10 this morning but with only a very light wind it was fine. I've been hiking Eagle Creek every day so far this year, enjoying the rapid growth of the ice formations and heading for a different goal each day. Today, I planned to only go to the falls just before the Eagle-Benson cut-off trail at about mile 5 but I couldn't get a decent shot of that falls so added this to my agenda.

Links to two videos at the end of the photos.

A few photos of the trip:
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A couple of videos:
https://youtu.be/qv2Yp-Hk84g
https://youtu.be/QL0H13T2Ma8
Last edited by Don Nelsen on January 10th, 2017, 6:38 pm, edited 2 times in total.
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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Double Tree
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Double Tree » January 5th, 2017, 7:08 pm

Spectacular photos!

I've tried to hike Eagle Creek when things were frozen over - but found the trailhead taped off/closed/dire warning signs. I see now what I've missed.

Kelly

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Eric Peterson
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Eric Peterson » January 5th, 2017, 7:09 pm

Holy daggers of death Batman!

Great shots!

Limey
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Limey » January 5th, 2017, 7:18 pm

You're a brave man. That 7th photo is absolutely fantastic. Next years calendar, just sayin'.

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retired jerry
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by retired jerry » January 5th, 2017, 7:19 pm

yeah, amazing! You've outdone yourself.

it wasn't probably quite as difficult as it looked from the pictures

I predict you'll miss Saturday or Sunday :)

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Don Nelsen
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Don Nelsen » January 5th, 2017, 7:24 pm

Double Tree wrote:Spectacular photos!

I've tried to hike Eagle Creek when things were frozen over - but found the trailhead taped off/closed/dire warning signs. I see now what I've missed.

Kelly
Thanks for the kinds words!

I think it is reasonably safe provided the temperature is low enough. Once the ice builds as it is now and the temperature again rises to close to freezing or above, those big chunks of ice can come down too fast for you to get out of the way. The FS is probably wise to close the trail then.

dn
Last edited by Don Nelsen on January 5th, 2017, 9:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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Don Nelsen
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Don Nelsen » January 5th, 2017, 7:25 pm

Eric Peterson wrote:Holy daggers of death Batman! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great shots!
thanks Eric.
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

pablo
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by pablo » January 5th, 2017, 7:27 pm

Hey Don,

Nicely done, great photos, thx.

--Paul
The future's uncertain and the end is always near.

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Don Nelsen
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Don Nelsen » January 5th, 2017, 7:29 pm

retired jerry wrote:yeah, amazing! You've outdone yourself.

it wasn't probably quite as difficult as it looked from the pictures

I predict you'll miss Saturday or Sunday :)
Thanks Jerry,

I will probably miss Sunday since the road will likely be closed if the current forecast hold. (though I am tempted to just hole up in a motel in Cascade Locks or car-camp Sat. night and snowshoe in. Of course, who knows when I might get back!!) Miss Saturday - nah!!
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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Peder
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Re: Tunnel Falls Wonderland of Ice

Post by Peder » January 5th, 2017, 7:54 pm

Wild photos Don!
Some people are really fit at eighty; thankfully I still have many years to get into shape…

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