MYSTICISM ABOUNDS IN THE MAGICAL REALM OF ELOWAH FALLS

The majesty of Elowah Falls Basin - Mount Hamilton and Table Mountain soar across the Columbia River in Washington.
The majesty of Elowah Falls Basin – Mount Hamilton and Table Mountain soar across the Columbia River in Washington.

Recent posts have dealt with history for the most part – military history, mostly – World War 1 and the American Civil War. There are several more to come dealing with the later, so I thought to break it up a bit.

Spring again.  Amazing how that happens every year.  Days lengthen, the geese filter away, flowers pop.  Magic happens.

MAGIC IN NATURE

Flowers emerge from winter's sleep in some of the most unique crevices of the Columbia River Gorge.
Flowers emerge from winter’s sleep in some of the most unique crevices of the Columbia River Gorge. Cliff paintbrush (Castilleja rupicola).

It is time to get out and enjoy the magic up close.  Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with an abundance of nature.  That nature is there all the time to discover.  Every season has its moments.  But a sunny day with calm winds and temperatures pushing near 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of April can be especially theatrical.  Today seemed like the perfect chance to experience some of the enchantment.

I have written about Elowah Falls before – more than once, in fact.  It is a very easy hike with about 430 feet of elevation gain in one mile – two miles of hiking in total.

ELOWAH FALLS – AGAIN

Car park at start of hike to Elowah Falls, Upper McChord Falls and Nesmith Point.
Car park at start of hike to Elowah Falls, Upper McChord Falls and Nesmith Point.

Starting from a small car park shared by some bicycle riders riding on the Columbia Gorge bike path and hikers taking on something a little more serious – the Nesmith Point Trail, now open after being closed for a few years after the nasty fire in 2017.

Mountain corgi checks out the next hike. This time, we go left.
Mountain corgi checks out the next hike. This time, we go left.
Trail post marking distances at the Nesmith Point trail junction.
Trail post marking distances at the Nesmith Point trail junction.

You wander past the Nesmith Point trail junction

The mountain corgi sets out on an old favorite hike.
The mountain corgi sets out on an old favorite hike.

and on slowly gaining ground through a ghost forest, alive in the underbrush but dead in the crown.  Views are farther reaching, but at a cost.

At the first switchback is a second trail junction.  Staying level and going left, the trail formerly crossing McChord Creek beneath the base of the Elowah Falls heads out.  We stay to the right.

Pipe which carried water for power below.
Pipe which carried water for power below
Almost a 150-year pipe remains along the trail.
Almost a 150-year pipe remains along the trail.

At the next switchback, look for the old iron tubes that used to carry water from the upper part of Elowah Creek down to a small pulp mill on the Columbia River in the latter part of the 19th century.

Admiring the view nearing the top of the switchbacks.
Admiring the view nearing the top of the switchbacks.

Look up from each eastern hairpin to see the trail making its way through the basaltic cliffs above.

TRUE MAGIC ENDURES

Looking down on what he has already accomplished. Notice the top of Mt. Adams on the left skyline.
Looking down on what he has already accomplished. Notice the top of Mt. Adams on the left skyline.

True charms truly begin to enchant as you gain the top of the last switchback.

Someone always wants to get a better view!

Elowah Falls basin opens up.

Here, the trail levels out – it was chiseled from the cliffs to gain access for the waterpower.  The views open amazingly as you wander into the Elowah Falls basin.

Stopping for a quick pose on the basaltic path above Elowah Falls.
Stopping for a quick pose on the basaltic path above Elowah Falls.

The path drips a bit.  If you are low to the ground, you get wet.

Rails provide some sense of safety, though some always want to go the extra step.

The majesty of Elowah Falls Basin - Mount Hamilton and Table Mountain soar across the Columbia River in Washington.
The majesty of Elowah Falls Basin – Mount Hamilton and Table Mountain soar across the Columbia River in Washington.

Views across the river give a grand look at Hamilton and Table Mountains on the Washington side of the Columbia.  You can even glimpse the top of Mount Adams farther to the east.

Upper McChord Creek Falls.
Upper McChord Creek Falls.

The trail wheels back into the basin above the top of the lower Elowah Falls.  Walking level, the path gives a great view of the upper Elowah Falls as it winds around coming to the creek just above the crest of the waterfall.

Waters of McChord Creek dashing towards the crest of the upper falls.
Waters of McChord Creek dashing towards the crest of the upper falls.
A tricky crossing with a 35+ pound corgi in your arms.
A tricky crossing with a 35+ pound corgi in your arms.
Happy smile when mountain corgi can ford McChord Creek to take in the view from the top of the upper falls.
Happy smile when mountain corgi can ford McChord Creek to take in the view from the top of the upper falls.

View from the top of Upper McChord Falls in early autumn.

Even the photographer gets into the act.

Without trekking poles – since the hike was taken on a whim – the log crossing did not look promising, especially if one must cross carrying their four-legged friend.

TOO QUICKLY, THE ENCHANTMENT FADES

Homeward bound - back the way we came with the mountain corgi leading the way.
Homeward bound – back the way we came with the mountain corgi leading the way.
Time out to find some grass above Elowah Falls.
Time out to find some grass above Elowah Falls.

The only thing left now is to return the way you came.  Going back through the bewitching trail carved from the dripping cliffs, maybe time for a little snack on the way.

Checking out the switchbacks below - easing out for a better look.
Checking out the switchbacks below – easing out for a better look.
Winding back down the switchbacks to the car waiting below.
Winding back down the switchbacks to the car waiting below.

Back down the switchbacks,

Low bridge on the path. No problem.
Low bridge on the path. No problem.
It is under, not over for this trail-wise veteran.
It is under, not over for this trail-wise veteran.

underneath the obstacles.

Another happy outing for a mountain corgi!
Another happy outing for a mountain corgi!

To your homeward-bound ride.

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