Photo by Adam Sawyer
Mist Falls is the tall, windblown, wispy falls easily seen from I-84 about 1 mile west of Multnomah Falls. Contrary to popular belief, the falls are not seasonal, though they are reduced to an exaggerated trickle at times during the summer. A short but sweet adventure hike leads to the base of the falls. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the area, however, is the remains of the old Multnomah Lodge. What was sometimes referred to as the Mist Lodge, the roadhouse burned down in 1929, but the fireplace and chimney still stand near the beginning of the trail.
A photogenic example of columnar basalt, Mist Falls is beautifully painted with orange lichens, green mosses, and black volcanic rocks. The short and steep un-maintained trail to the base of the falls can be a bit tricky to negotiate at times. There is a “one step forward, two steps back” talus slope that might require hand over foot hiking. The entire out and back is just over half a mile with 200-feet of elevation.
To get there take I-84 east to exit 28. Turn left and head east along the Historic Highway. Just past milepost 31 there is a small pullout on the right side of the road; park here. If you get to Wahkeena Falls you went too far.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
There’s cool stuff to check out from the moment you leave the car. From the parking pullout, be sure to have the kids seek out the old Multnomah Lodge drain cap that still sits inconspicuously along the side of the Historic Columbia River Highway. After inspecting a little piece of history, start making your way up the obvious path. The trail briefly ascends before meeting up with Mist Creek. Cross here and walk about 30 feet to the site of the old Multnomah Lodge. Keep a sharp eye, as nature is rapidly reclaiming the only evidence of the lodge’s existence. Now covered in moss, the stone fireplace has managed to withstand the fire, elements, and curious visitors for over eighty years. Kids love this spooky remnant. The chimney is more than likely unstable though, so please keep kids off of the structure and take only photographs.
Walk back and cross the creek once more. What exists of a trail is on the west side of Mist Creek. From here the un-maintained boot path turns sharply up hill. Staying near the creek, the trail switches back and forth a few times before encountering a large scree slope. Once the slope has been conquered, the trail pinches its way between a large boulder and the creek before one final ascent to the base of the falls.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
