Mist Falls Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Mist Falls Trailhead
- End point: Mist Falls
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 0.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Year round
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
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Hike Description
This hike is an odd mix of easy and difficult — it's very short, but also very steep, with loose rocks in places. This is definitely a hike for good boots.
The first few feet from the Mist Falls Trailhead are deceptively easy. You'll pass a plaque commemorating Rose Lenske, the woman who donated this land for use as a park. The trail quickly reaches the edge of Mist Creek and then starts steeply up a talus slope. This trail wasn't as much built as trampled into existence by hikers just like you. There are rudimentary switchbacks, but the route is basically straight up the slope. Expect loose rocks to tumble beneath your feet here as you take one step up and slide back a half step.
At the top of the talus slope, the trail works its way around a large rock on a narrow ledge. As you round this rock, you will get your first view of Mist Falls. There's another talus slope to work up, but this one is more stable than the first. The "trail" goes right to the base of the waterfall. This is fun place to watch the water dance in the wind as it plunges down the cliff.
Multnomah Lodge Chimney
One unusual historical feature on this hike is the remnants of the fireplace and chimney from the original 1916 Multnomah Lodge — when walking on the lower portion of the trail, instead of turning right, go straight and cross Mist Creek. It's not obvious at first, but if you aren't looking, you might walk into it. If you miss it, don't worry — it's a bit easier to find on the way back, and those with good eyes can even see the chimney's profile from the parking wayside.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Mist Falls Hike
- After work to Mist Falls 4/19/07
- (Click here to add your own)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Mist Falls Hike
- (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)
Guidebooks that cover this hike
More Links
- See more information at Describe the link here
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)
- Jen Thomas