Today I went on a short hike at McDowell Creek Falls, but this time I had my good friend Christine with me! I’ve often thought about her when I go on hikes, and think of myself as trying to get a little closer to her level of hiking. Christine backpacks, and has done almost all of Oregon’s portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and we’re planning a backpacking trip this year.
Christine brought her pup, who was absolutely bounding with energy and excitement. Adorable! We stopped at the first set of falls to enjoy the beauty. The Royal Terrace falls is a wonderful double-falls set. We haven’t had a ton of rain recently, so it was nice to see a decent volume. I’m sure in the summer, this is a lot different.
At the top of the falls, there’s a little turn off the trail. We think it may have been a viewpoint before everything grew too big.
Look. At. This. Dog. She was running the whole time! She had a few sticks, got in the water, and checked on Christine in between runs. She is a wonderful and well behaved dog.
At the upper parking lot, we found quite a few painted rocks. The gnome was my favorite.
The Majestic Falls were as beautiful as ever, and so loud!
Christine welcomes you to view the falls! I love that smile.
Her dog posed for a picture here, adorably. She waited for Christine to take the picture, then was running again.
This hike was scary at the wooden stairs – there was ice on them, and I think there are over 60 stairs? (76 steps; I just looked at my first post about this location.) We went very slowly, hanging onto the handrails with a death grip! Other than that, it was a wonderful hike. I especially enjoyed spending time with my friend. It felt like our hearts got to connect, and I think that doesn’t happen with friends as much as it should.
Distance: 1.76 miles; Elevation Gain: 403 feet
The Happy Viking 