Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

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Don Nelsen
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Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Don Nelsen » December 7th, 2013, 8:57 am

An opening shot:
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One of my favorite things to do is hiking in conditions like these. I usually have the trails to myself and the ice formations can be stunningly beautiful. Friday afternoon did not disappoint.

I hiked the 5+ mile loop CW from Multnomah Falls taking 100+ pictures and that wasn't enough. Near the end I had to really pick up the pace since I nearly ran out of daylight.

A few more pics:

The big rock at the base of the main falls:
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Looking directly down from the Benson Bridge at the lower falls:
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There is a sketchy user trail leading to this view of Ecola falls. NOT recommended!
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Here is the tree someone mentioned on another report. It has been cut but appears to have slid back down some and makes getting by somewhat dangerous since the slope below is a sheet of ice:
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Hmmmm - should I put the spikes on? - Nope - much more interesting without them!
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The spur trail down to the top of Wahkeena falls was interesting - and a challenge!
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At Lemmons viewpoint I got a decent view across the river at Archer falls. Hope to get over there Sunday to check it out up close:
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On the return trail to the lodge, a couple of parting shots:
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- Don
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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kepPNW
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by kepPNW » December 7th, 2013, 9:14 am

WOW!!! :o

Now I need to decide between chopping wood for tonight's fire, or going to the gorge!

Hmmmmmmmm...................
Karl
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Eric Peterson
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Eric Peterson » December 7th, 2013, 9:19 am

Thinking of going Gorge too!

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Crusak
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Crusak » December 7th, 2013, 10:40 am

I'm grounded this weekend... otherwise I'd be going Gorge too! :)

That looks like it was a ton of fun, Don. Great shots of the falls and all that ice.
Jim's Hikes

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Eric Peterson
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Eric Peterson » December 7th, 2013, 10:45 am

I spoke too soon! Both my trail cars are currently grounded :(

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kepPNW
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by kepPNW » December 7th, 2013, 11:02 am

I might leave in about 20-30 minutes! Just split enough wood to at least get through this freeze, and maybe year-end! :)
Karl
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Splintercat
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Splintercat » December 7th, 2013, 11:03 am

Cool photos, Don! Lots of icicle variety, too: Multnomacles, Wiesicles and Wahkeenacles! (and probably some Donacles on you by the time you got back to the car...)

Tom :)

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Jane
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Jane » December 7th, 2013, 12:03 pm

Hey Don I hiked the loop Thursday, the fresh snow you had made it pretty, but glad you didn't slip!
12-5-13 Mult. creek icicles.jpg
12-5-13 Mult. Falls ice on trees and fence.jpg
oh and ice-walkers take care today, and hope to see you tonight at the Meet-n-Deet:)

forestkeeper
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by forestkeeper » December 7th, 2013, 1:42 pm

:D Awesome pics, Don! I went out Thursday to get some cool ice wonder shots and was thinking about doing the Wahkeena Loop but didn't have my spikes, so decided against it. Now I feel bad for not doing it. :roll: Excellent pics and glad you made it back safe without any slips and falls.

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Don Nelsen
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Re: Multnomah - Wahkeena loop on ice - 12/6/13

Post by Don Nelsen » December 7th, 2013, 2:32 pm

forestkeeper wrote::D Awesome pics, Don! I went out Thursday to get some cool ice wonder shots and was thinking about doing the Wahkeena Loop but didn't have my spikes, so decided against it. Now I feel bad for not doing it. :roll: Excellent pics and glad you made it back safe without any slips and falls.
Thanks Will. I didn't need the spikes heading uphill from the Benson Bridge, to my surprise, though I had them with me. I managed to fall once on the way back down the Wahkeena trail when I stepped on a slick spot hidden under a dusting of snow. Care is definitely needed!

dn
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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