Have you ever dreamed of escaping into the sort of scenery that fills the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy? Walking through the enchanting Oneonta Gorge in Oregon will make you feel as though you've been transported straight to Middle Earth.
Nestled into the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this beautiful hidden gem can only be accessed by taking an epic 1-mile hike. This moderately difficult hike will take you over an enormous log jam and along a misty stream that winds through the narrow, emerald-green canyon before arriving at a majestic hidden waterfall. The experience is absolutely magical.
The trailhead is tucked away in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, just off the Historic Columbia River Highway. There's a small parking lot just beyond the awesome pedestrian tunnel pictured below.
This place is enchantingly beautiful. Emerald-green moss, crystal clear water, and enormous rock walls will make you feel as though you've been transported into a fantasy world.
As you walk upstream, you'll come across a huge pile of fallen logs that you'll have to scramble over. Be very careful and come bring adequate shoes as it can be slippery.
Once inside the gorge, you won't be able to believe your eyes.
Walk along the misty stream, enclosed by sheer rock walls reaching roughly 100 feet into the air.
Above you, a strip of sky illuminates the glowing green canyon.
This place gives off a magical vibe; it wouldn't feel out of place to see an elf wading through the stream on horseback, or Golum crouching in a cave, snatching fish out of the crystal clear water.
To get to the end of the gorge, you'll have to wade through a deep section of the chilly water, so you'll want to bring some extra clothes and leave your electronics at home.
As you rise out of the water, you'll be greeted by a glimpse of the stunning waterfall at the end of the gorge.
This majestic waterfall cascades 100 feet down into a deep blue basin and is a beautiful place to relax and swim. When you're ready to head back, simply turn around and return the way you came.
The Oneonta Gorge Hike is only accessible when the water levels are low, so it's best visited in summer and early fall.
If climbing over 50-foot log jams and wading through ice cold water isn't for you, there are plenty of other beautiful places in the Columbia River Gorge with a similar New Zealand-esque quality, like Multnomah Falls, Elowah Falls, and more. Find out about other magical places you can hike to in the Columbia River Gorge here, or check out these 15 spots in Oregon that look straight out of a fairy tale.
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