With Stream Crossings and Waterfalls, The Little-Known Oneonta Gorge Trail Is Unexpectedly Magical
For those with an insatiable waterfall wanderlust, there’s nowhere better than the Columbia River Gorge. A grand, 90-mile expanse that’s widely considered one of the most pristine places in the country, the Columbia River Gorge a treasure trove of beautiful trails, sublime scenery, and wondrous waterfalls. And while there are numerous well-known falls within this #pnwonderland, the Oneonta Gorge Trail is a lesser traveled and accessible trail that leads the captivating Oneonta Falls.
Columbia River Gorge might be known as the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, but within this wondrous expanse there's another beguiling gorge that's worth seeking out.
Oregon's Oneonta Gorge is a brilliant green slot canyon, where verdant moss and thick ferns cling to the basalt cliffs, and startling cold waters flow through the narrow ravine. At the end of this mile-long trek, Oneonta Falls appears almost like a mirage, with its turquoise waters cascading off the cliffs in the most marvelous way.
The entire scene is a real-life oasis, with a cobalt blue pool, stark black canyon walls, and emerald green foliage. The forest canopy provides a thick ceiling, but during certain times of the day, sunbeams filter through in the most hazy, dreamy way.
Accessing this Oregon oasis requires a hike that's less than a mile long, but as it follows Oneonta Creek, you'll want to make sure you wear proper footwear. To start the hike, you'll descend a set of stone stairs leading into the canyon. From there, take the short dirt path that ventures straight into the tall and narrow canyon walls.
At the beginning of the trail, you'll encounter a logjam that's been known to deter some hikers. Rocks, debris, and knee-deep water can provide various challenges, so proceed slowly and with caution and be mindful of your surroundings.
Another details to note: hiking this trail is nearly impossible in the winter and early spring due to extremely frigid water temperatures and dangerous rapid flow.
But with the right preparation, what awaits at the end of the trail really is worth the effort. Tucked away in a bowl only fully visible to the most intrepid explorers is Lower Oneonta Falls, which tumbles about 100 feet down the canyon. There's a deep pool at the basin of falls that's one of the best waterfall swimming pools in Oregon!
As you journey into the depths of Oneonta Gorge, you'll feel as though you're living out a scene from a Tolkien fantasy. But this is better than a fantasy; this is Oregon, and it's wholly, wonderfully real.
Have you ever hiked the Oneonta Gorge Trail in Oregon before? What an enchanting and memorable adventure in the Columbia River Gorge! Visit the USDA Forest Service website before you go to view current trail conditions and plan your adventure.
