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Last week, we hiked the edgy cliff trails on Cape Horn (Columbia River Gorge) above the river on Washington's north side of the gorge. This year's trip seemed more spectacular than last, but was immensely dulled by the 1 1/2 mile blacktop walk uphill to the temporary parking lot 1/2 mile above Highway #14. Apparently a dispute exists between local property owners and public rights, resulting in a long, hot, hard-surface walk back to the car.
Beyond the hardship, however, is a flat-out gorgeous view hike with several dramatic changes in environments. A temporary trailhead rambles through a glorious, mostly deciduous forest with scattered evergreens. Surrounded by bird song of numerous species, it seemed we were walking through a virtual aviary. The birds were everywhere and wonderfully loud.
With melodic sounds reverberating through our heads, we finally emerged onto a gravel country road and into the meadows at the top of our elevation gain. Now into a tranquil rural scene, our directions led us down hill between two farms, through wildflowers and tall grass past the house which has recently been purchased by The Friends of the Gorge. According to their literature, the house will become part of a designated park in the gorge. We can hardly wait.
Past the house, we enter another delightful deciduous forest that stops at Highway #14. Immediately across the highway, another trail takes us through a wooded area before breaking out into some pretty fantastic wide views of the river and gorge area to the east. Some view points seem almost like a cruise experience. Wildflowers cling to the pillar type rock formations leaning against the cliff, from waterline all the way to the top. Our lunch spot would equal the Riviera's best - and no one else was around. Bliss!
Properly tranquilized by the sun and lapping sounds at water's edge, we continued on through rock switchbacks leading to yet another forest. Large yellow monkey flowers greeted us along the way to a waterfall. Although not the prime time for this particular waterfall, it was still dramatic as we passed behind the falling spray of water and began our final trek to trails end.
Although the asphalt return was unpleasant, the hike is over the top in beauty and sensations and a return will be made when the new parking area has been completed on Highway 14.
Beyond the hardship, however, is a flat-out gorgeous view hike with several dramatic changes in environments. A temporary trailhead rambles through a glorious, mostly deciduous forest with scattered evergreens. Surrounded by bird song of numerous species, it seemed we were walking through a virtual aviary. The birds were everywhere and wonderfully loud.
With melodic sounds reverberating through our heads, we finally emerged onto a gravel country road and into the meadows at the top of our elevation gain. Now into a tranquil rural scene, our directions led us down hill between two farms, through wildflowers and tall grass past the house which has recently been purchased by The Friends of the Gorge. According to their literature, the house will become part of a designated park in the gorge. We can hardly wait.
Past the house, we enter another delightful deciduous forest that stops at Highway #14. Immediately across the highway, another trail takes us through a wooded area before breaking out into some pretty fantastic wide views of the river and gorge area to the east. Some view points seem almost like a cruise experience. Wildflowers cling to the pillar type rock formations leaning against the cliff, from waterline all the way to the top. Our lunch spot would equal the Riviera's best - and no one else was around. Bliss!
Properly tranquilized by the sun and lapping sounds at water's edge, we continued on through rock switchbacks leading to yet another forest. Large yellow monkey flowers greeted us along the way to a waterfall. Although not the prime time for this particular waterfall, it was still dramatic as we passed behind the falling spray of water and began our final trek to trails end.
Although the asphalt return was unpleasant, the hike is over the top in beauty and sensations and a return will be made when the new parking area has been completed on Highway 14.
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