What a wonderful under the radar waterfall this is...Beaver Falls!…read more Located 6 miles east of Clatskanie, Oregon, this area near the Columbia River is beautiful. Let's get straight to the heart of what Beaver Falls is all about... If you plug "Beaver Falls Trailhead" into Google Maps, you'll have no problem finding it. Then just park along the side of Highway 30 and hike 1/3rd of a mile through the forest to the base of the falls. It's that easy. When I visited on a Thursday in early afternoon of July, there was hardly anyone around which was good for taking quality photos. Best of all, you can swim in the waters. So definitely bring a bathing suit, towel and a pair of water shoes so the rocks won't hurt your feet while entering the pool beneath Beaver Falls. The water is cold but once you jump in and get comfortable, it's a terrific setting. There's also a long rope where you can swing across and splash down below. It's great for kids (and adults too, lol) to have playful times. For me, I was content soaking in the pool and appreciating the surroundings. More info... - It's free to visit. - Cell phone reception works fine. - You can walk underneath the falls! This is a Must-Do. You can capture some amazing moments standing beside Beaver Falls. It's not hard or dangerous and offers a unique perspective. - Beaver Falls is just one of many outstanding waterfalls situated around Oregon and especially near the Columbia River. There's also Lower Lewis River Falls, Panther Creek Falls and Spirit Falls, to name a few. - You can spend a few hours hanging out or as little as 30 - 40 minutes. It depends on your time horizon. But overall, it's really pleasant to be here that I'd suggest bringing snacks, lunch and maybe having a picnic. This Beaver Falls is absolutely so much fun to hang out at. When you can swim in the waters, swing from a rope and even walk underneath the falls, It makes for a worthwhile summer visit.

This is a beautiful lake. It sits within view of Mt. St. Helen's near the Johnston Ridge…read moreObservatory and the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. You can miss it if you are on the way to the observatory given there a good sign on the way up. There's a trail that goes around the lake that is well established. One kayak here and I hear there's some pretty good trout in the waters. I though the lake and the surrounding scenery were quite beautiful, especially along the trails. It's a great place for pictures and such. There are restrooms available, potable water, but to motor boats nor overnight camping is allowed.

Mount St Helens is the first glacial mountain I ever climbed. I've also hiked the entire Loowit…read moretrail along with many of the other trails in the park. Love this place! Been visiting Coldwater Lake for as long as it's been open. It used to be a well kept secret but in more recent years it's become difficult to experience the serene experience that it once was due to it's increasing popularity. The Rangers and park staff are awesome as is almost always the case in National reserves. They do "require" a national pass here and elsewhere in the park but that requirement is rarely enforced and I've never seen it enforced any place other than at the Johnston Observatory. There is a boat launch area and they may well be checking for passes in vehicles over there. I am so thankful that the Park Service is so committed to monuments like this one. Been coming here for many, many years and hope to do so for a long time to come. Coldwater Lake is one of our very favorite places to visit at almost any time of the year.

Had been stalking the White Pass/Shoe Lake area for windows of good weather the last month or two…read more(every weekend, it would conveniently be rainy/snowy up there!). Recently I saw the forecast open up for some sunny conditions---during the work week. I decided to make the trip---isn't that what vacation days are for?? I drove up to White Pass, from the east side, with clear blue skies the entire way. I parked on the highway (across from the Kracker Barrel at the base of the White Pass slopes). I slapped on my 35lb pack, grabbed my dogs, and we scrambled up the slopes. I like going this route (vs. starting at the Trailhead) because there are nice views and it cuts down on distance. It's a bear of a workout though! Once on the PCT, it's a nice, fairly flat, and scenic hike---y'know, the usual. Near the new ski run up on top, I heard/saw workers cutting/burning trees to clear way for the ski run (sometimes I wish I could make them turn the ski lift ON, so I could be taken all the way up to the Miriam Lake Basin....but what fun would that be?? I had seen evidence of recent snow every here and there (1-4" patches of snow). Once at the Miriam Lake Basin/Hogback Ridge, I made my way to Shoe Lake. There's one stretch of this big open piece of trail where there was quite a bit of hard icy snow. Camped above the beautiful Shoe Lake. I heard an elk bugling at around 7pm---it must have been south down the hill. Such a cool sound to hear! But it was also scary, because within seconds I also heard something very big plodding around nearby--definitely an elk. It was so close I could hear it breathing. A wee bit scary! (and cool) Oh, I did spy some huckleberries along the way, amazingly enough---but they weren't as good as the ones I picked 3weeks ago. Such a late season! The night yielded beautiful views of the Milky Way, constellations, Jupiter, satellites, and the like. The hike back was nice for most of the way. I saw a herd of mountain goats in the Miriam Lake Basin. The snow/ice mentioned earlier was pretty scary in the morning. The first clouds of the trip rolled in around 1pm...but I was pretty much done. While unloading at my car, an employee from the Kracker Barrel rode his bike to me. He was wondering where I was and if I was ok. Apparently, I forgot to roll my driver's side window up---so it was open for 24hrs!! Everything was fine, but I sure felt dumb. Anyway, probably my last backpacking trip of 2011. A great way to end the season!

Just went to visit this hike, I've done it before and the expierence was amazing. Went last week…read moreand the bridge was close so it cut out hike short but the view was beautiful and worth it

A very unique and beautiful area to visit!…read more The trailhead has a nice parking area, with bathrooms. The trail to the winding, aqua blue stream is wide and well maintained. You can view the main attraction from trails on both sides, as well as looking down from the bridge. We took the trails on both sides of the water. The trail across the bridge is much easier to traverse, and winds down to the (closed down) suspension bridge. The opposite side leads down beyond the suspension to the waters edge, but even to get down to that point isn't for the faint of heart. It includes a narrow, steep downhill trek...including a section over running water (with a wire handrail for support). Once you arrive at the water at the bottom you can view the suspension bridge above, and if you dare, the waterfall below. We did attempt to continue on a little ways down the trail from there, but as reviews describe, the next section is even steeper with a very loose and dangerous footing. I got vertigo trying to look over the edge at the falls right before that section, so continuing on was a huge no. I'm sure that many people without height woes have no issues moving on, but if you're like me, the trail ends there. This area is stunning. The waters and canyon are a site that pictures simply cannot do justice. Highly recommend!!

Easy loop hike. A little bit of up then down then up kinda stuff. Its beautiful nature but really…read morenot much real view until the waterfall. Compared to skyline loop it isn't much. But its easy and quick.

Good hike through the woods. This provides "forest bathing" and good falls. Many huckleberry bushes…read morebut not too many fruit. Reverse hike! Uphill when you are hot and tired ...

I have plans to climb Ranier 7/2026, but I've never had exposure to snow trekking. My friend…read moregraciously offered to give me a 101 crash course on MSH. Of course, I took the opportunity and flew to Portland and drove out to MSH. The day was perfect and the hike was incredible. I learned so many new skills. MSH is just beautiful and we caught the sunrise on a clear day. Get your parking before hand. I grabbed mine at REI in Portland. Please come and create your own adventure.

Mount Saint Helens is a must see. The beauty and history is unmatched. It's a great place to…read morespend the day.

Harry's Ridge is one of the best hikes you can do at Mount St. Helens National Monument! The…read morestarting point is at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, so throughout your entire time on this trail, you'll spot Mount St. Helens and find other gems along the way. We hiked Harry's Ridge on a Saturday afternoon after visiting the Johnston Ridge Observatory. I would highly recommend hiking Harry's Ridge as soon as you get to the visitor's center as this hike was a little over eight miles round trip, and you'll want to stop at different points for the views. Although it's a longer hike, it's not steep/difficult. It just takes some time. My favorite part about Harry's Ridge is that you can still see the trees that have collapsed from the eruption into Spirit Lake, even after all these years! Pretty incredible to think about, and reminds you of the history of Mount St. Helens. And if you haven't figured it out yet, this trail is named after Harry Truman, the beloved man who refused to leave Mount St. Helens even after several warnings of the eruption. On this trail, you'll see a memorial of all those who passed from the eruption. We hiked Harry's Ridge in the fall, which was a nice time to visit because we saw the fall colors along the trail. We purposely wanted to see the sunset from here, which was stunning. However, it does get super dark and the observatory does close by a certain time, so plan accordingly. As we were leaving the trail in the dark, that's when the animals came out, so we spotted a lot of elk. It was a memorable trip - and would recommend all who are visiting the Johnston Ridge Observatory to hike Harry's Ridge.

Perfect place to see Mt Helene faraway any case eruption happens…read more Be careful with all surroundings

The map was a little confusing at first. We did the hiking trails and we're surprised how the paths…read moreare mainly kept up. We loved going out the falls. We didn't see the upper falls but the middle and the bottom. Was a little ways to figure how to get inside the waterfall but was awesome when we made it over :) but there was alot of trash at the bottom that needs to be cleaned like beer bottles.

Really solid place to hike. Very clear trails with varying difficulty. We chose to go to the falls…read more The maps and markers were very clear which was great. The walk to the falls had good elevation and an amazing view.

Located just off the Columbia River Gorge lies this beautiful, unique waterfall that flows…read morebeautifully down the rocky moss. Getting here on the side road can be a little risky, so please drive safe, drive slow, and share the road. Parking is right after the crossing signal in an open dirt lot across from the falls. There's two paths, the upper view point which will no give you the view you see in Al the pictures, but it's easy for a quick teaser. Stay to the left and up to go down to the falls and there you'll see this beautiful fall. The path can get muddy from the cliffs and water running on the sides. The multiple fall streams on the moss is what makes this fall so eye pleasing. The rocks are slippery so mind to the paths and enjoy beautiful fall!

Well what can I say besides this is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on. The hike…read moreto get to the waterfall is short enough and once you get there, you could literally watch the water fall for hours. It looks like something out of a movie, a fantasy movie with fairies and goddesses. The path to get there can be a little bit narrow, so I recommend wearing shoes with good grip and don't take too much with you, it's best to pack light for this one. You could truly sit there for hours with nothing but the water entertaining you. It's so pure and cleansing and definitely something you will think about the rest of your day, if not week. I highly recommend this beautiful aspect of nature.

Best time for this hike is end of April and May when the wildflowers are in bloom and cover the…read morehillsides with purple widow's grass, yellow balsam root, blue lupine and lavendar bachelor buttons. It's my favorite time to be in this area! Best place to park is right before the Mosier Creek Bridge as you leave the tiny two block downtown area. As you begin the hike you come to the cemetery of the founding father's of this charming town. Continue for another 10 minutes to the falls and the swimming hole below. The falls are small, not like the 7 popular falls you see along the Old Historic Highway by Multnomah Falls, but still lovely. Continue on and up where views of the Columbia River from this vantage point are breathtaking. The river widens In this area and slight turns as it makes it's way through Mosier and onto Rowena making for a beautiful vista to take in and photo ops. Unlike at Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Preserve, dogs are allowed on these trails.

Pretty fun trail with a variety of sites!…read more There's a small parking area right in town just on the other side of the bridge from where the trail begins. You can make a very short hike of it and just go to the falls. Or you can continue on from there and complete the approximately 3 mile out and back with a small loop at the top...I recommend the latter. There's nice signage at the start explaining some trail details. You'll pass by a cool, tiny cemetery and venture on to the falls. Mosier Falls was a bit more substantial than I'd expected, set in a pretty canyon with an overlook for your viewing pleasure. Should you wish to continue on the trail...and you really should...you'll start up the side of the hill on switchbacks and stairs to the top. Tiny flowers popping up were blanketing the entire hillside, and I'm guessing it'll be quite a show in couple of weeks. After zigging and zagging multiple times you'll reach the top and come to an overview with spectacular views of the gorge. There's a bench there should you need a little rest or just wish to sit and take in the view for a bit. From the viewpoint you'll see the dirt trail continue on. It meanders further down to the end of the line...a short loop that offers even more gorge views. The trail is quite narrow and fairly unshaded most of the way and there are regular signs warning hikers of private property lines. We enjoyed it on a Saturday morning, along with quite a few other hikers. It's a decent workout, a pretty waterfall, and some beautiful gorge views...not too shabby!