Go beyond a typical drive-up tourist stop along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway on a short and spectacular loop. After viewing the majestic bottom tier of Latourell Falls, you will ascend a forested hillside to Upper Falls, a stunning double-decker cascade.
The waterfall enthusiast can literally wilt with happiness by embarking on this stunning hike through Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. Even Washington residents have no excuse not to make the pilgrimage to this beautiful park, which holds its own against Washington favorites such as Franklin Falls and Twin Falls.
Spray Falls is the pinnacle of many hikers’ visit to the Park, offering up-close-and-personal views of a gorgeous waterfall towering 80 feet in height and 50 feet in width. Because the trail to the falls itself is only .25 miles, it is well worth the side trip.
The sign mentions that the trail to Joe Lake is unmaintained, and it really isn’t lying. Look for the thin trail branching off to the left of the sign, marked by a cairn. Follow the trail as it plunges into an alpine meadow overgrown with huckleberry, alder and maple. Pay very close attention to where the trail is beneath your boots, as it can be difficult to see beneath the brush (and very easy to lose).
Just outside the town of Gold Bar, you’ll find treasure hidden within the folds of the Cascade Mountains.
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