Yeah, I went there again. I know, I know. I promised myself after the crowds the last couple of times that I wouldn't go back. I have had some extenuating health circumstances that have limited my activity...I curse the doctor and my body every weekend as I pour through my hiking books and resources searching for anything semi-interesting and under 5 miles. It hasn't really seemed worth it to drive far to do a short hike. So...gorge.
Portland is currently bursting at the seams. And, it feels like ALL of the people are going to the gorge on the weekends. The scenic byway is littered by cars parked along the sides of the road due to parking lot overflow. The park service is going to have to start shuttling people through like they do at Yosemite. (I was there last month and thought it was bizarre...then this happened and I was all like, OH, effing brilliant idea.) It does make me a little sad that the area is becoming so populous. Change is hard.
The beag and I had a quick little hike to the falls, and then off roaded up the hill and ended up smack-dab behind the frothy thang. It was super crowded (duh) along the way, but when we scrambled up the hill to the tippy-top everybody else disappeared and we were alone. Just me and the dog in nature. Not overhearing other people's conversations or children screaming. Just breathing in the fresh air and listening to the roar of the falls.
After this hike I realized that there are about a million other falls named "Bridal Veil." I get it. White water cascading down looks like a veil, but come on, there have to be a million other names that are waterfall appropriate.