Adventure #21: Dry Creek Falls

December is nuts. School was overwhelming, the holidays require some extra attention, and I am completely drained of all energy.

However, I DID manage to find some time for a wet, soggy, but beautiful hike! Dry Creek Falls was perfect for a post-Christmas stroll through the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. Despite the fact that this area was damaged in the Eagle Creek Fire, it seems to me making a strong recovery, and it's great that the area is open for exploration again. As devastating as this fire was, particularly because it wasn't naturally caused, it's nice to see that recovery is possible.

This trail is a section of the PCT just south of the Bridge of the Gods and the quaint town of Cascade Locks. While I don't think I'll ever take the MONTHS of trail time to hike the entire thing, I would definitely like to spend some time hiking sections.

I knew I was running out of December to get my hike in, so even though it was predicted to rain all day, Mike and I grabbed our rain gear and soldiered on anyway! It's nice to be reminded that I won't melt in the rain. The uphill climb to the falls kept us warm too!

Dramatic basalt cliffs covered in moss would have been a great place to enjoy an afternoon picnic (if we hadn't been so soggy), and I'd love to revisit this place again when the weather is different. The nice thing about the wet weather is that the falls were nice and full!

One of the best things about the hike? Lunch and "small" ice cream cones from The Eastwind Drive-In! Although maybe the ice cream is better left to dry sunny days. We were both pretty chilly after we devoured these...

Happy holidays, and may your new year be filled with adventures and new experiences!