The Thompson Family

Eagle Creek Trailhead to Tunnel Falls

I am going to blog this hike 2x's. This one just pictures I took along the trail, Nature only pics if you will. This week we hiked 12 miles at Eagle Creek. This was listed as a moderate trail online. I am here to tell you yes probably moderate if you travel in an adult only crew. Our crew consist of a 9yr old boy and a dog. I would not recommend to take children on this hike due to the fact you are basically walking on a narrow trail that has been cut out of a side of a cliff. You hang on to a steel cable handrail while hiking in the tougher spots. It also rains alot there and makes the rocks on the trail a little slippery and if your not hanging on to the cable you run the risk of falling off the mountain cliff. Our 9yr old is an advanced hiker but we also watched him like a hawk. Also, the trail is very popular and has regular traffic of people hiking it.

Enjoy the pics

The kiosk at the beginning of the trail

Right at the beginning of the trail. This river you see along the whole trail.
As you start to climb higher it becomes the river at the bottom of a canyon.

Here is a short video I took of the river that follows the trail.
So peaceful with the sounds of water and nature

Okay so like I said it rains alot here. As your walking the trail
the rain is making a lot of little waterfalls along the way.
Here is a picture of what that looked liked. Very
pretty but makes the trail very wet.

Video of the rain going down the mountain along the trail

The trail and the much needed steel cable handrail. This part
of the trail isn't that bad it gets more narrow as
you start climing higher

We arrive at the 1st major water fall. This is
Metlako Falls.

A cute little crossing at a liitle waterfall

Punch Bowl Falls the second major waterfall

The waterfall by the steeping stones in the above pic

High Bridge

crossing into wild land, meaning federal land not a
state park.

Loowit Falls the 3rd major waterfall. It is
a little way off the main trail but well worth the
extra time as you can see

More of the trail If you look down the side of the mountain
you see the river at the bottom

Looking down into the canyon

Finally after 12 miles we arrive at Tunnel Falls

On the other side very impressive!!

I love watching my kids sleep!

I love to watch my kiddos sleep! They are hilarious when the sleep. In case your wondering why I am refering to my "kiddos" meaning more than one when you know I only have one son, yes I am a dog parent. Rocky is my dog child lol! The 1st time I heard that was at a dog park. I had friended a younger childless couple who only had a dog. Their dog was their world, much like a child is to a parent. They taught me the word dogchild. I loved it and have used it since. As you can see from our pics our "dogchild" is very much involved in our life, and our life experiences! We love him to pieces, he brings us much happiness and love! One of my favorite things to do is creep in on them in the middle of the night and take pictures, so enjoy!

They fell asleep in the basement watching snow dogs together

At our old house, the dog loves his boy

so cute! Best buds forever!

So funny!

All a boy really needs in life is his dog, guitar, and a comfy bed!

More Camping Pics

A few more pics of our camping trip!

The Oregon Side of the Gorge, there is said to be 52 waterfalls in the Gorge this being one of them. I am hiding behind my handsome hubby who just got out of a meeting and met up with us at the Gorge. I am hiding because I have been hiking and camping for 2 days and man I need a shower!!

There's the loves of my life!

Awesome pic

And don't forget the dog, he wanted to check out the viewpoint or try to go swimming not sure what it was be he looks very interested in what ever he thinks is going on, what it is to be mans best friend!

Best Buds

Another pic of the 2 most handsome guys I know

Brayden looks like he just claimed that rock for his own

Father and Son

Picnic time

The boys playing while Mom makes lunch

Thats a big tree trunk

King of the trees

More Photos from the Columbia Gorge

If you have ever been to the Columbia Gorge you know it is a very, beautiful, magical place!! For those of you who haven't been to the Gorge enjoy the photos!!

Beautiful lush forest!

Prehistoric looking trails!

Viewpoint of the Cascades

The Gorge

One of the many waterfalls of the Gorge

Bridge of the Gods I love this painting!

The Gorge

Beautiful Trees

Hope you enjoyed the photos I took of the Gorge!

By far the best hike we have done

We love to hike it is one of our favorite family pastimes! We love to explore and see "Gods' Country". Its really hard to pinpoint the best hike in the Pacific Northwest, but this is by far one of the best ones we have been on. Its called Hardy and Rodney falls located on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. This is in Stevenson, Washington which is one of my favorite places in the world!