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Gorge Views from "The Far Side"

Posted by Splintercat (2008-02-23)

I returned from the Eastern Gorge via Highway 14 today, and was inspired by Steve's photos of Angel's Rest to take a few very long images of some Oregon landmarks from "The Far Side". Apologies in advance for some weird colors - these were taken at maximum 18x zoom, then cropped to enlarge still further. Here's a rundown of some surprises:

1. When I zeroed in on Starvation Creek Falls, I was very surprised to see an upper tier! I hadn't seen that before! Here are a couple of shots, the first showing the upper tier quite clearly -- I'm guessing that Zach will shimmy down that tree to get to the upper splash pool at some point:

Looks like another "necktie" up there, and a good 60-80 feet, based on the surrounding trees. Here's another view, with the more familiar portions of Starvation Creek Falls showing, plus a bit of the upper tier:

2. Moving west, there was a nice view of the upper tier on Cabin Creek Falls, revealing pretty much a plunge and hidden splash pool:

This one has been visited by canyoneers, believe it or not. I'd love to see some pics from that midpoint splash pool!

3. Gee... a cliff with no waterfall, right? Well, sort of. This is where Warren Creek Falls ought to be pounding over the huge cliff in the middle, but unfortunately, it's still being diverted into a tunnel and spit out as Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. I hope to live long enough to see a huge washout block that tunnel and restore the mighty falls to it's former glory (if you know where to look, you can see the top of the fake falls in this photo):

4. I used to hold it against the historians for picking this falls to honor Samuel Lancaster with, but over the years it has grown on me. Because it's so hard to view, it will always be obscure - but from the right angles, it is a truly magnificent falls. I've photographed the full height from the shoulder of I-84, but only from across the river can you really appreciate the size of Lancaster Falls! Check out how tiny the lower tier near the trail is, for comparison:

I really need to get up there and climb to the base of the upper tier. That cavern looks magical!

5. On the topic of obscure, this image shows the mysterious "Old Wagon Road Historical Area", west of the mouth of Lindsay Creek. Looks pretty inviting for exploration (btw, that is river below the highway - fades into white):

6. Moving waaaay west (and almost into darkness), the familiar shape of Coopey Falls was a lot taller than what you can appreciate from the base or cliffs above. An added bonus in this view is the upper falls, peeking out from behind the firs:

I tried to scope out some other waterfalls on my "intrigue" list, including Rowena Dell and a host of others. But no such luck this time, at least from the convenience of the windshield..!

I also stopped and photographed Dog Creek Falls, just to check it off my list. It's not my favorite falls, but I had never bothered to actually take a photo as a result. Yahoos climbing the cliffs, as usual..!

Tom

Re: Gorge Views from "The Far Side"

Posted by Splintercat (2008-02-24)

Well, since I raised the topic of Warren Creek Falls, I thought I'd dig up a photo of the magnificent cavern that the Highway Department diverted the creek from. Here what it looks like today:

Some of the best columnar basalt in the Gorge, and it forms a huge overhang on the west side of the (former) falls. The diversion tunnel has apparently overflowed more than a few times, as there is a tremendous amount of debris at the base of the dry falls that seems too recent to be from before the tunnel was constructed.

To get to the (former) falls, just hike up the dry stream bed to the left of Hole-in-the-Wall Falls until you curve into the amphitheater that was once Warren Creek Falls.

Tom

Re: Gorge Views from "The Far Side"

Posted by AlexanderSupertramp (2008-02-25)

3. Gee... a cliff with no waterfall, right? Well, sort of. This is where Warren Creek Falls ought to be pounding over the huge cliff in the middle, but unfortunately, it's still being diverted into a tunnel and spit out as Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. I hope to live long enough to see a huge washout block that tunnel and restore the mighty falls to it's former glory (if you know where to look, you can see the top of the fake falls in this photo):

Hey Tom,

School this gorge rookie if you please :-) I noticed the little tunnel when I visited Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and wondered about it's origins. What is the reason/ history behind diverting the creek?

Thanks,

Adam

Re: Gorge Views from "The Far Side"

Posted by chameleon (2008-02-26)

That's a really good idea Tom! (getting to the base of the upper Starvation splash pool) I may have to give that a shot this weekend. However, my current fancy is trying to get above the first falls on Wauna creek (low on Eagle creek), and then past those next two that have been tempting me these past few hikes up Eagle Creek, and then up to that elusive third one on the map! Has anyone ever been to that? From the terrain, I'd highly doubt it!!

-Zach

-BTW - Great shots on these falls. Even if they are blown up and "noisy" they are pretty nourishing for the imagination!

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