Bridal Veil Falls is one of the first waterfalls that I stopped to see on the Columbia River Gorge. The hike to get there was well worth it. Just as you would expect there's some steep grades to get to this waterfall but the view was definitely worth the hike.
First things first. Brush off my shoes. I found this lovely foot scrub at the beginning of the path. They encourage you to rub off any other dirt, mud or debris that you might have collected from other parks or forests. So naturally I did.
Here's the start of one of the trails.
And a little light reading about the Bridal Veil Trails.
I like to take pictures of the maps and markers for a couple of reasons. One, I like to have a map on my camera just in case I get lost and don't have gps. I haven't gotten lost yet but you never know so I like to be prepared.
The second reason is that I like this information for when I get back home and work on my scrapbooks. I always have a little information to use as facts in my journalling. What can I say. I'm a history buff and I love learning about geology and just nature in general. :)
This is what it looks like when walking on the trail. There are pebbles, small rocks, sharp rocks, chunks of rocks, large rocks you have to sometimes walk around, on top of or over.
It's an adventure. I like it and I enjoy working for the scenery I can get.
Here is part of the trail going up a steeper section of the hill. I loved the rocky wet path with the mossy covered rocks on the side. Then to the right is the "drop off" Kinda cool yet a tad bit scary when you think about it. You could slip and fall and slide right down the hill.
It isn't really that scary only when you think about it. You just have to be cognizant of where you are walking and stepping and don't do anything dumb.
When I hike I feel like Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hide. One one hand I'm determined to get there as quickly as I can because I want to see as much as possible but at the same time I like to stop and take pictures or I'll see something that catches my eye and I just stop walking to take a closer look at it. So it feels like a complete duality to me. The tortoise and the hare.
I would say on this hike I loved all of the texture around me. The hard smooth stones, the rocky sharp edges, the lush green, the large glossy leaves versus the small spiky ferns. All of it was beautiful and intriguing to me.
Here's a peek. Just a glimpse at what's to come. I look at this and think...I wonder what's between those two mossy green rocks? Is it a little oasis? A little pool where you can swim in incredibly cool clear water? hmm.....
I was enchanted by this hidden-away gem. It felt like I was in a whole other world just finding this place for the first time...in reality this is a huge tourist spot.
This is a view from above the pool below. You had to climb down the rocks to get to the side of the small pool and river to get those images above. I don't mind a little bit of danger like that to get a good picture.
If my Aunt is reading this I'm sure she's thinking in her head, "I asked you to please be careful and you still acted dangerously." To which I would say, "It wasn't that dangerous, I was careful and there were lots of people around." :)
Here's looking toward the trail with the waterfall behind me. (See Auntie, it wasn't that dangerous. The unofficial trail was right next to the rocks with good footing.)
A calm part of the pool underneath the waterfall.
Look how the trees are covered in lichens and moss. It makes the forest so magical...in my opinion.
I'm sure there is someone out there reading this post thinking...are you nuts it looks like fungus. LOL
There is a pit stop halfway up or halfway down (depending on your direction) from the waterfall. Most people use it to take a breather. I, on the other hand, use it for a selfie op...since I was alone at the time. My remote camera timer was my favorite tool.
Here's a view of the Columbia River from the start of the trail. Pretty cool eh? I mean, sweet view right?
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you'd like to see more of my Pacific Northwest adventures click here for a link to my summary page that has a link to each site I saw: PNW Road Trip
Awesome pictures.
Posted by: Michelle | August 25, 2015 at 09:59 AM