Threading the film…
Threading the film…
I embark on an epic 2-day adventure on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Wyeth campground is my homebase as I spend the first day scrambling back through the gorge to find a hidden double waterfall: Gorton Creek Falls. Next, I climbed up the side of the gorge along the Wyeth trail which was originally constructed by conscientious objectors from WW2. The trail lead me along a partially burnt forest all the way up to a view of the central gorge and Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. On the second day I drove 5 miles east and stopped off at Starvation Creek Falls before continuing along historic HWY 30 to the Starvation Ridge trail. I saw Cabin Creek Falls, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and Lancaster Falls before heading up along the Starvation Ridge trail. The trail was quite challenging and led me to a dizzyingly high view of the gorge. I continued back along the ridge before turning back. The air became increasingly smoky as wildfire smoke from the Olympic Peninsula crept down heading east through the gorge. This was an interesting trip for many reasons. First, my reserved campsite at Wyeth campground was occupied by someone else. I took someone else's site who agreed to let me stay there as they had decided to occupy a group site. There was no camp host and the people there were upset and confused. I spoke to a few of them who didn't understand the situation. I called the hotline, but was unable to reach anyone. The gorge is a challenging place to hike because of all of the drop-offs and loose earth. The reward of breathtaking views waits for those brave enough to take on the elevation gain on the narrow trails. This experience is one that I will never forget. The unique beauty of the landscape is second to none. No wonder the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area will forever be a premier recreation destination.