In Over Our Heads – Oneonta Falls, Oregon
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| Oneonta Falls, Oregon |
At 12,000 feet, Mount Hood is the highest point in Oregon and considered to be the crown jewel of the Gorge. We were lucky enough to be driving on a beautiful, sunny day and were rewarded by incredible views of Mt. Hood for most of the day. The mountain called out to us and as we drove by we made a promise to return!
Our route took us through acres of orchards and wineries all nestled in the mountain valley. We arrived at the Town of Hood River and were immediately captivated by the bright colours of the kites and windsurfing sails. To call this a windsurfing mecca is an understatement. The Gorge is famous for its wind and Hood River is the place to be when the wind blows!
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| Hood River, Oregon |
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| Windsurfing Capitol of the World |
The parking lots were full and we laughed as we joined countless others trekking to the falls. We were fully expecting a “sanitized” and “controlled” hike…..marked trails, paved walkways, boardwalks, railings, fenced viewpoints. To our delight, the walk was anything but paved! We descended a few stairs into the gorge and then Mother Nature took over. Mossy tree limbs and deep green ferns lined the canyon. The river was the trail!
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| The Gorge at Oneonta Falls |
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| Ferns and Moss line the route |
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| Can't go round it...gotta go over it! |
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| Oneonta's version of Walk the Plank |
After successfully negotiating the climb, we found ourselves at a deep pool. Before we knew it, we had joined the masses and were chest deep in the water pushing forward to the falls. We finally arrived at the base of the falls, cold, wet and exhilarated! It was there we met Dave.
What a character! Dave was huge! He loomed over six feet tall and was easily 250 pounds. Picture an offensive lineman from your favourite NFL team….that’s Dave! What made Dave extra special was his leadership style. One of my favourite leadership videos is called First Follower: Leadership Lessons from the Dancing Guy. It is the story of how a lone nut attracts a second follower and before you know it a movement is created. Watch the video….it will make more sense!
Well, Dave and his buddy created a movement. Rob and I watched in amazement as hiker after hiker jumped in to the deep waters below the falls. Led by Dave, the crowd cheered each and every swimmer on! Under Dave’s supervision, not a single hiker left the gorge that day without taking the plunge! It was FANTASTIC and yes, we are card carrying members of Dave’s Go for a Swim Club!
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| In Over our Heads |
Do you remember Dave, the offensive lineman who led the group swim at the falls? As we were making our way back out of the gorge, we bumped into Dave at the log jam. Rob and I were perched precariously on the logs inching our way forward, when all of a sudden Dave commanded us to STOP. This huge, hulk of a man had spotted a frog. Dave beckoned Rob over to snap a picture and then took control of the hikers. He positioned himself above the frog and began directing traffic. The image of this gentle giant dangling from a tree in an attempt to protect a tiny frog is something we will never forget. Giant Dave – King of the Frogs and Master of the Falls!
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| Apologies for the blurry picture....Under Dave's direction, Rob was literally hanging almost upside down to get the shot |
Map and Route Tips:
Things to do and see - The Columbia River Gorge
Hood River
#iloveoregon #traveloregon #hike #windsurf #pnw #discoveroutdoors #waterfalls
