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Oneonta Gorge

Cascade Locks, Oregon

4.8/5
based on 30 reviews

Details

Distance

0.92 miles

Elevation Gain

531 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Matti

*Currently closed (except a small portion of the upper trail between Multnomah Spur and Trail #444 on Larch Mountain). Oneonta is a unique gorge that leads to beautiful Oneonta Falls. The experience of wading through chilly water to reach the falls only adds to the adventure.

*Currently closed (except a small portion of the upper trail between Multnomah Spur and Trail #444 on Larch Mountain)...here

This hike is very short (1 mile roundtrip) but does take some time to do. The trail leads down from the road into a stream bed. You follow the stream bed upstream through a narrow gorge. At the entrance to the gorge there is a large log jam. This requires some balance to climb over; be very careful if it is wet.

I like the path over the log jam on the far left near the gorge wall. Once you're over the log jam, the rest of the hike is just walking in and then wading through the stream. At one point in the stream the water gets quite deep, maybe 5ft depending on time of year. This section isn't very long but the water is cold. It is possible to cling to the rock and shimmy along the right side of the gorge and only have the water go up to about your knees. After the deep section, you arrive at the end of the gorge and the spectacular waterfall.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Reviews

Explorer

08/14/16

I thought the best part of this hike was just in overcoming the obstacles of the log jam and wading through the water. I chose to hang on to the rocky wall on the right side of the gorge to prevent myself (and my bag) from getting soaked. I went around 4 pm on a Sunday afternoon and most of the crowd was leaving at that time, which made the hike back out a little more peaceful.

I want to bring my nice camera to get a good picture, what did you carry yours in to make sure it didn't get wet? Also, about how long in hours did this hike take in total? Any recommendations on parking?

I went to this hike around noon and it looked like about 40 people just trying to get over the first log area, so we left and came back the following day around 7am and there was only 6 other people.. I recommend going early cause it is sooooo beautiful and majestic but I can imagine with too many people it'll take away from the breathtaking views of this place. So def make it a point to go, but go early in the morning.. Ps. The water is freezing but doable

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Triple Falls

Horsetail Falls Loop

Ponytail Falls

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop

Larch Mountain's Summit