McDowell Creek Falls 23Dec2021

I had invited around seven friends to join me on this hike, since it is short and has waterfalls. I thought that might be a good draw. However, it’s so close to Christmas, and in the middle of the week… I didn’t have any takers. That’s okay, I’ll go by myself!

That reminds me: I remembered a hike that I did solo several years ago! I got a call from my boss asking me if I could come in, and I said I would be out of town that day. I didn’t want to be a liar, so I went out of town and hiked around Multnomah Falls. Did I get lost? Yes. Did I find my way? Also, yes.

So here I am, at McDowell Creek Falls trail.

We’ve had a lot of rain lately (hey, it’s Oregon), so this hike is all about the WATER.

Standing on the first bridge, I got a great view of McDowell Creek, in the swollen version.

The path is well traveled and maintained.

After a short time, I came to a fork. Take the stairs to the right, or the bridge on the left…

I chose the stairs to the right. I’d rather start my hike climbing than end it climbing! Also, if I’m coming downhill at the end of the hike, I’d rather do it on regular trail rather than stairs, for some reason. I believe I counted 138 steps.

Here is the first falls I came to – I believe it’s the Royal Terrace Falls… We’ll come back to this.

The view from the top of the falls – fantastic!

More water…

The extra rain has definitely made this a worthwhile hike!

Raging creek. 🙂

There were lots of streams joining into McDowell.

This is the first road crossing.

Here we go!

Fun flora growing on deadfall.

If it were sunny and dry, this would have been a great tree-bench to sit and have lunch.

Here was a parking lot… deserted and creepy. Although, I probably would have parked here rather than where I parked, to be more private.

Here are the start of the steps going down to the Majestic Falls.

Somehow, it looks like more than 39 feet…

Take the left to go back to the deserted parking lot, or take the right to keep going on the loop.

In total, there were about 76 steps going down…

It was very loud and misty here – I loved it!

On the bridge spanning the creek.

Looking back at the stairs.

So much water… it was invading the trail, but not too much.

So many little creeks and streams!

Itty bitty waterfall.

Crossing the road again.

Heading back.

A little shelter! For faeries, maybe.

I was very careful to approach, but there was nothing in there. Whew!

Slidy slide!

Vegetation.

A recent fall?

Crossing another bridge.

McDowell Creek

Royal Terrace Falls – I love it!

These may be the Lower Falls, I was just at the top of it.

Once again, my little car was the only one there. I guess it’s not popular to hike in the cold and rain. 🙂

So. I tried the Pibella urinary device. After my last hike, I thought, “Hey, I’ve only tried one type of device, so I should try more!” Here’s the one I tried: https://www.amazon.com/PIBELLA-Travel-Green-PT51-03/dp/B078FW94QT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2G7XD2XS9YI4C&keywords=pibella+travel+female+urination+device&qid=1640321659&sprefix=pibella%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRVQ5MFpNQTgxMEpKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDY1NDE0NUNJUVQ0NFlCMEdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MTE1MjAyWlRSQ09KRkNKN0VMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

When I practice at home, it’s great in the shower. Um, apparently, it’s not as easy with pants on. Did I pee on my pants again? Maybe… I’ll try it again to see if I can perfect the process, but I’ll also keep my options open. lol