Like whoa. If you are a fan of the OR side of the Columbia River Gorge, let me tell you, you HAVE GOT to check out the WA side. This is my 2nd stop that way and I have been exceedingly impressed by Washington. I feel like the tree cover and set up on my side of the river lends itself to less picturesque views. I usually have to crop pics to get rid of the highway and stuff. But over here near Bingen, views for days!!!
Just look at that. The entire 8 1/2 miles is like this. Just spot after spot of gorgeousness. The area is sandwiched between the valley and the high desert, so you've got crazy rock formations, waterfalls, wildflower fields, forests, streams, all the things...including critters. I saw a couple of bull snakes and some alligator lizards. You can catch the videos on my Facebook page (Pdxperfection).
The trail was not congested, although you do have to beware of mountain bikers that can bomb through the area. I don't really get mountain biking...it is challenging at times to hike parts of the trail, and imagining biking up them or getting my bike stuck in one of the deep ruts or hitting a giant boulder is terrifying. But, you do you mountain bikers.
The trail has had several changes to restore areas, so be careful if you are using a hiking book. (Mine almost sent me over a hill to my death.) There is also a section of the hike that goes past private property so you have to continue on the correct trail. I seriously couldn't figure out how the hell these people could get supplies to their place. Also, I'm super jealous that someone gets to freaking live in the middle of this!
I would check sites for the latest hiking/trail info. You can also just try to follow people that seem to know where they are going. At the bottom is when it seems most difficult due to the many biking trail tributaries that lead back towards the lot. You can go up past the waterfall first and come back around the area like I did, or go the opposite direction. I sometimes find it more motivating to leave the waterfalls for last, but this hike has fantastic stuff around every bend, so either way will be amazing
I would check sites for the latest hiking/trail info. You can also just try to follow people that seem to know where they are going. At the bottom is when it seems most difficult due to the many biking trail tributaries that lead back towards the lot. You can go up past the waterfall first and come back around the area like I did, or go the opposite direction. I sometimes find it more motivating to leave the waterfalls for last, but this hike has fantastic stuff around every bend, so either way will be amazing
I hiked through a couple of weeks ago, and a ton of wildflowers hadn't even started to bloom. My suggestion would be to get out there soonish if you are hunting flowers. The gorge is awash with color right now...as you'll be able to see in following posts. TEASE!
As usual, this busted beagle needed plenty of breaks, but I must say, she has been doing SO well this year. I continue to dose her with muscle relaxants after hikes over 5 miles and she has yet to have a flare up. She hasn't needed to be carried out in I don't remember how long. Her behavior on the other hand...stubborn...marking everything...rolling all over the ground...whining when we stop for more than a min...typical beag.