Short, but lovely hike along the West Fork of Wallowa River
There are tons of trails in the area - it is a gateway to the Eagle Cap Wilderness. I chose a short hike (2 hr round trip) to check out my new knee with something fairly easy (also, I'm not accustomed to the elevation yet - 4600' at the start).
The trail starts at almost river level, switchbacks over a small ridge, and finds the river again at a wooden bridge. The river is running very fast and cold from recent snowmelt.
Lots of flowers . . .
The one orchid I saw was too far past blooming to make a good photo. I don't know what kind it was but my friend Melissa tells me that she has seen Fairy Slipper in the area.
Finally, a glimpse of the lake!
The overlook through some trees to Wallowa Lake would have made a good lunch spot and/or turn-around - but then I would have missed the falls which was just a few minutes ahead.
Then the falls - or a very steep, fast part of the river
Ok, so it's not a waterfall on the same order as Multnomah Falls, but, especially at this time of year, with all the snowmelt - it's still an impressive place to have lunch!!
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| The young man in the photo offered me his arm for the last 10-12 feet of muddy slope to the rocks - I hate looking old!! |
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| Some kids tried crossing the river using these slippery, not attached logs. I was appalled! (guess I am old) |
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