Mist Falls Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Mist Falls Trailhead
- End point: Mist Falls
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 0.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Year round
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
NOTICE: Most trails on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. The closure involves ALL trails between Rooster Rock State Park and Hood River. It is anticipated that most of these trails may not reopen until Spring or Summer 2018. Please check the list of Columbia Gorge trail closures before you plan for a hike.
This hike is an odd mix of easy and difficult; it's very short, but also very steep, with loose rocks in places. This is definitely a hike for good boots.
The first few feet from the Mist Falls Trailhead are deceptively easy. You'll pass a plaque commemorating Rose Lenske, the woman who donated this land for use as a park. Just after the plaque, the trail reaches Mist Creek.
There's a quick side trip available here to the ruins of the Multnomah Lodge. Look for an unmarked use path across the small creek. This 30 foot long path leads to the remnants of the fireplace and chimney from the original 1916 Multnomah Lodge. It's not obvious at first, but if you aren't looking, you might walk into it. If you miss it, don't worry. It's a bit easier to find on the way back, and those with good eyes can even see the chimney's profile from the parking wayside.
The Mist Falls Trail follows the western side of Mist Creek, so go back and re-cross Mist Creek and turn uphill following a steep talus slope. This trail wasn't as much built as trampled into existence by hikers just like you. There are rudimentary switchbacks, but the route is basically straight up the slope. Expect loose rocks to tumble beneath your feet here as you take one step up and slide back a half step.
At the top of the talus slope, the trail works its way around a large rock on a narrow ledge. As you round this rock, you will get your first view of Mist Falls. There's another talus slope to work up, but this one is more stable than the first. The "trail" goes right to the base of the waterfall. This is fun place to watch the water dance in the wind as it plunges down the cliff.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Mist Falls
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Mist Falls
Guidebooks that cover this hike
More Links
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)
- Jen Thomas