If you're curious as to how I stumble upon these gems, it's through word-of-mouth, Instagram, Yonder, internet searches, and Hiking Oregon. This book has never steered me wrong. The hikes that I have been unimpressed with were usually just from searching the net or looking through park information. Get the book. But now...back to the hike...
Eagle Creek to High Bridge is one of THE best hikes in the Gorge. It's a 6.8 mile hike out and back through exposed and rocky terrain. After my experience, I would suggest following the recommendation to hike from May-October, but the dingo and I wanted to see some snow and do a short-ish hike. As you can see from the pic above, it was sheer ice the majority of the way. Beautiful? Yes. Treacherous? Yes. This death march is usually labeled as moderate...but covered in ice it raises in difficulty to almost impossible.
Eagle Creek to High Bridge is one of THE best hikes in the Gorge. It's a 6.8 mile hike out and back through exposed and rocky terrain. After my experience, I would suggest following the recommendation to hike from May-October, but the dingo and I wanted to see some snow and do a short-ish hike. As you can see from the pic above, it was sheer ice the majority of the way. Beautiful? Yes. Treacherous? Yes. This death march is usually labeled as moderate...but covered in ice it raises in difficulty to almost impossible.
Let me set the stage for you...
It was January 1st, and I'm all like, "new year, new hike." I glance through the Falcon Guide and check out a buddy's Instagram...Eagle Creek looks fun. I have the ailing beast in tow, and I am wearing Keen's. Not crampons, not hiking shoes specifically designed for ice or snow, just regular-strolling-on-dirt-Keen's.
I wish I had captured the iron rope line which was completely encased by a couple of inches of ice throughout the hike. Note to self...if there are icy conditions on a hike that regularly requires a rope line you may want to invest in some legit hiking boots for ice. Also, there is nothing more fun than getting your gloves (cotton, because stupidity) stuck to ice on the rope while sliding around on your feet...then foregoing the gloves and freezing your hands into lobster claws for several hours. My fav part was when I was doing the running man almost parallel to the ground and laughing like a hyena as the ice covered rope bounced repeatedly against the rock wall. I kept my grip though, because I'm a thug like that...and because I like life.
It was January 1st, and I'm all like, "new year, new hike." I glance through the Falcon Guide and check out a buddy's Instagram...Eagle Creek looks fun. I have the ailing beast in tow, and I am wearing Keen's. Not crampons, not hiking shoes specifically designed for ice or snow, just regular-strolling-on-dirt-Keen's.
I wish I had captured the iron rope line which was completely encased by a couple of inches of ice throughout the hike. Note to self...if there are icy conditions on a hike that regularly requires a rope line you may want to invest in some legit hiking boots for ice. Also, there is nothing more fun than getting your gloves (cotton, because stupidity) stuck to ice on the rope while sliding around on your feet...then foregoing the gloves and freezing your hands into lobster claws for several hours. My fav part was when I was doing the running man almost parallel to the ground and laughing like a hyena as the ice covered rope bounced repeatedly against the rock wall. I kept my grip though, because I'm a thug like that...and because I like life.
And the bridge was down...but we waded through the creek (not really "we" more like "I" because we all know that beagle hates water and I have to lift her up and carrying her over it). I'm not sure when they'll get it back to working condition. The thing was ripped in half and kind of laying on its side. Plus, downed trees.
Did I mention the waterfall?!!! The Gorge has many...oh so many. You can literally just drive down the scenic byway and see a ton, but the ones that are difficult to get to are usually so worth it. This hike runs past Punchbowl Falls and Metlako Falls. You can add on a little distance and take it all the way to Tunnel Falls for the trifecta! I didn't actually capture a pic of Metlako because the sun was causing a glare and you really just get a sneak peak from far away. Punchbowl falls is a perfect picnic/rest stop. I picked my way through the stones for interesting specimens. The real treasure is stuck in lava rock and submerged under freezing water.
And the sum up: I counted falling at least 7 times. It could have been more. At times, I questioned whether I should just crawl my way back down on all fours. Especially after Tupes quit walking and I was carrying an extra 21 lbs while wearing these stupid shoes. I would like to give myself props for not dropping her squirmy ass. I would also like to thank the young man that offered me his hand for a minute so I didn't die. I'm so proud that I usually refuse assistance, but literally right before I had hit the ground with such force that I heard every bone in my neck crack and saw flashing light. Whip. Lash.
Now would be a good time to have a moment of silence for the Keens. RIP. I'm sorry I had to kill you. I wanted to chuck you over into the precipice...I wanted to light you on fire...but I just settled for throwing them into the dumpster near my home. Those shoes had been through a lot. Those shoes had seen things. But those shoes had to die.
And hello new ice grade Merrell's...we are going to have some good times together...in the snow, in the rain...
Now would be a good time to have a moment of silence for the Keens. RIP. I'm sorry I had to kill you. I wanted to chuck you over into the precipice...I wanted to light you on fire...but I just settled for throwing them into the dumpster near my home. Those shoes had been through a lot. Those shoes had seen things. But those shoes had to die.
And hello new ice grade Merrell's...we are going to have some good times together...in the snow, in the rain...