COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA, OR:
With an early morning start that really felt like the night before, I had plenty of road-time to Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon, a quick stop before my hike at Dry Creek Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. The stillness of the early morning was like a gentle invitation for my thoughts to wander. It reminded me of those quiet moments in life when everything feels just right. When I finally arrived, the gentle roar of the falls greeted me with a mist that felt like a spa treatment in a freezer. The vibrant greens of the ferns and the earthy scents were invigorating, and I couldn’t help but smile, thinking about how each hike reminds me of the simple joys that surround us, often unnoticed.
After soaking up, quite literally, the sight, I hopped back into my car with anticipation as I headed to Dry Creek Falls. With a quick urban jaunt, I stepped onto the path, and could feel the energy shift. The morning sun began to touch nearby mountains and tree tops, waking up the forest. Birds of all types were singing cheerfully, and the woodpeckers, with their vibrant red beaks, added a colorful rhythm section. It reminded me of childhood adventures, exploring the woods with friends. This time, though, I was alone with my thoughts, savoring the unfolding journey.
As I neared Dry Creek Falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder, echoing the excitement that was swelling in me. Standing at the base of this magnificent 74-foot waterfall, I was completely awestruck. Water cascaded down the moss-covered rocks with such raw power that it left me breathless – and soaked from head to toe. The mist was more like a shower, revitalizing my spirit and washing away any lingering worries. In that moment, I understood that this hike, like others, was about so much more. It was a journey of embracing every experience – reflecting on gratitude and soaking in the tranquility. Each step down the trail felt purposeful, carrying with me the lessons learned, shaping my understanding of life’s many adventures.
The Journey…
I kicked off my day bright and early, arriving in the area almost a full hour before sunrise. This gave me an opportunity for a quick hike to Bridal Veil Falls. The sun was still hiding below the horizon. This quick, 1.5-mile hike felt like the perfect warm-up for my main adventure as the clear sky began to glow. The air was crisp at 34°, and as I navigated the rocky path, the hum of the freeway was my soundtrack. But even with the nearby freeway, each breath filled my lungs with earthy scents, mixed with that invigorating, clean aroma wafting from the Columbia River Gorge. When I reached the basin, the thunderous roar of the falls greeted me, and the mist enveloped the area, making everything in sight wet. I took a moment to pause and soak it all in—the vibrant greens of ferns, the rugged texture of moss-covered boulders. Everything felt suspended in time, and I could sense the exciting day ahead just waiting to unfold. It was a refreshing reminder of the beauty that nature offers, even in the early morning chill.
After enjoying the sights and sounds at Bridal Veil Falls and nearby Columbia River Gorge views, I hopped back in my car for the half-hour drive to Dry Creek Falls, where another adventure awaited. I parked at the Bridge of the Gods, and started my hike across a couple roads and under a freeway overpass to the trailhead. Then the landscape transformed as the forest opened up around me. The morning sun had finally made its grand entrance, illuminating towering trees and casting playful shadows across the mountains that flanked the gorge. The air buzzed with the cheerful songs of birds, each note adding to the lively ambiance. As I hiked along, I felt a deep connection to the forest, the soft crunch of dirt and rocks beneath my boots grounded me in the moment. Moss-covered trees lined the path, and though winter’s chill still lingered, I could sense spring awakening just around the corner. Every step drew me deeper into nature, where the stillness urged me to slow down and appreciate the world around me.
The highlight of my hike came when I reached Dry Creek Falls. The sound of rushing water grew louder as I approached the basin of this 74-foot falls, only a few feet from its landing. Standing at the base, I couldn’t help but marvel at the water cascading down the mossy rocks – it was a breathtaking display of nature’s raw power. The invigorating mist soaked me from head to toe, refreshing and revitalizing, even in the cold morning. As I made my descent, the sun’s rays broke through the trees, illuminating the trail and filling the forest with vibrant energy. This hike wasn’t just about reaching the prize; it was about fully embracing the journey, soaking in the tranquility of the wild, and savoring every moment in such a stunning environment. I left the trail with a heart full of gratitude, eager to share both my physical and trail-thought experience. Each adventure feels like a reminder of how vital it is to step away from everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Gratitude…
As I drove toward Bridal Veil and Dry Creek Falls, the stillness of the early morning enveloped me, allowing my thoughts to wander back to that unforgettable moment with Kelly. I recalled our last vacation to Hawaii, we reveled in laughter and joy. Despite my frantic trips back to the hotel to find the flip-flops she…err, I forgot, before we could board the plane and go “Home.” We shared funny moments and basked in the warmth of each other’s company. That special time marked a unique connection that I will forever cherish, a vivid reminder of the love that flourished even in the toughest times.
However, as I reflected, I also recognized that our Hawaiian adventure was not a physical journey. It was a common phenomenon called terminal lucidity, a fleeting moment where Kelly, despite her physical and cognitive challenges, got a burst of energy and imagination, believing she was experiencing the joy of a vacation in Hawaii, a trip we had to cancel only months before. The hotel… was several trips to her walk-in closet to find the exact Havainas that were left behind; and Home… was home with a capital “H” the big house, not our house. It was my cue to let her know it was “ok to go home,” which she did four days later. While my heart ached at the realization that we had never truly left our house, the happiness in her eyes and the laughter we shared transformed that imaginary trip into something profoundly real for her, for us. In those moments, she felt alive, and I was grateful to be part of it.
As I navigated the dark roads, I felt a wave of gratitude. Those precious hours became a testament to the powerful bond we shared, transcending the boundaries of reality. I understood that, for Kelly, that trip was as authentic as any other, filled with joy and connection. The memories we created, even in that fleeting illusion, reminded me of the strength of our love and the beauty of cherishing each moment. Approaching the trailhead, I felt a deep sense of peace, knowing our shared laughter and love would forever touch my heart.
Reflections…
This morning’s hike was a breath of fresh air. It felt like a momentary escape from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind all week. I can’t seem to “un-stick” my thoughts or focus in on any particular theme. It’s a mixed feeling of gratitude, humility, but also feels like I’m in some form of emotional “waiting room.” It’s a curious state, where everything feels suspended, and concepts of patience and uncertainty loom large. My thoughts today embody this duality, and I pondered how waiting can be both a burden and a blessing.
As I walked, I found solace in the stillness both in the forest and my mind, recognizing that this sense of being stuck might just be a gentle nudge to slow down and reflect, to get “un-busy.” Walking through the woods, I was struck by how nature beautifully embodies the essence of waiting. Each tree stands tall, having endured the harshness of winter, and what appears to be a forest fire, seemingly lifeless yet filled with potential. I realized that, much like those trees, I may be in a state of preparation. But I can’t seem to resolve “what I’m preparing for.” I think that’s ok.
With every step, I became more aware of the dew-laden ferns that lined the trail, the scorched trunks of towering trees, and the birds serenading the dawn. These moments of mindfulness anchored me. Instead of pressing for clarity, I found myself just grateful for this space to pause and reflect. There’s something magical about being present; it’s as if the world opens up in ways we often overlook.
Uncertainty, I thought, is as natural as the changing seasons. I’ve learned that life often reveals itself in unpredictable ways, much like the twists, turns, and recently downed branches on the trail. Each switchback could lead to a breathtaking view, or each downed branch could lead to discovery of a small creature. I thought that sometimes the most rewarding experiences often arise from unexpected moments, like a chance encounter with a fellow hiker or the sudden appearance of a hidden waterfall. This thought began to feel more comfortable; uncertainty wasn’t something to fear. Instead, it became an invitation to remain open to new possibilities.
As I descended, I reflected on the intricate dance between waiting and uncertainty. Merging these two concepts creates a powerful combo that might aid me navigating life’s challenges with grace. It’s comforting to acknowledge that it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers or a clearly defined path. Each moment spent waiting allows me to savor the journey rather than rush toward the finish line. I took a deep breath, feeling my thoughts ebb and flow like the creek downstream.
Ultimately, my hike today reinforced a new truth: both waiting and uncertainty are integral to my journey. They invite me to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of the unknown. With each step, I felt a renewed sense of trust in myself and the unfolding path ahead. I am learning to appreciate these moments of stillness, knowing they offer a chance for growth. Returning home, I gained a few more hours of contemplation on the road, exploring a deeper understanding that waiting and uncertainty are not merely obstacles. Instead, they are essential parts of the adventure that shape who I am becoming. The path continues.
-Ken
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
- 45° 39′ 45.036″ -121° 53′ 47.508″
- 7.1 miles | 1,267 ft elevation gain | 3.5 hours
- Sunrise: 6:51 a.m. | Start: 6:15 a.m. 38-48 degrees, clear
Musings 