The trail goes up above the parking lot. It's a noisy trail -- right alongside Interstate 84, that you could hear trains and traffic constantly. Except when you were at the waterfalls, then rushing water was the only sound.
The trail starts out near a water tank, that was overflowing with the rains so far this year:
The different shades of green were amazing! With the weather gray and misty, and still early spring, there are already some flowers, but the ferns and mosses really stand out!
We took the trail first east, then went up the hill to Upper McCord Falls. Switchbacks going up the rock face, beautiful looking down at the ground with the new spring growth; wonderful views looking out, too.
It's amazing how much is growing on the rock walls. As you come around the bend in the trail going to the waterfall part, and you can see the rock wall on the other side, you are awed at the massiveness and the wildness of what is so close to Portland. Soon you come to the view of Elowah Falls, on the way up to Upper McCord Falls.
Coming up and around on the trail, Upper McCord Falls is a gorgeous mix of waterfalls all coming together. The trail comes to an end here, though you can sort of follow up the creek a little ways. The little purple flowers' color stood out here, as we scrambled over rocks and a downed tree.
Heading back down the trail, it was just amazing how much was growing -- wild strawberry, wild ginger, the succulent, the mosses, the lichens...
We hiked on, as far as Moffett Creek, but did not cross, because of the time. The trail goes on up to the parking area for the trail that goes to Wachella Falls, but that'll be another trip. Here are some more photos from going back along the trail:
On the way back, we of course stopped at Multnomah Falls. The half moon was bright above the darkening gorge...
Good hike!
