by sean patrick hill
For a quick view of how the Columbia Gorge can be in summer, drop by Multnomah Falls on a weekend afternoon. It’s hard to believe a parking lot that big can be full nearly all day long. You’ll find few other places where so many people cram onto a single trail to see a real Oregon landmark.
As Labor Day passes and the days begin to noticeably cool, even the Columbia Gorge gets some respite. Of all the seasons to hike, autumn has always been a favorite of mine. The maples turn to gold, the humidity vanishes and trails suddenly seem less populated. Pick a weekday in October and head out early enough—you may not see a single person for quite a while.
Winter, on the other hand, can be tough on the hiking enthusiast. The mountains are closed under snowbanks, making the high country all but inaccessible. There are some places to go, like the coast, but the Pacific shore can be daunting in winter with its wind and rainstorms pounding every tree, cape and hiker with the bug to just get out for a while.
It’s in these off-months that the Columbia Gorge really shines. You may have to endure some wind to get to some choice trailheads, but they’ll be open more often than not. Once you’re heading into one of the many side gorges, you’ll escape that wind. As for the rain, well, a little precipitation never hurt anyone–at least anyone with a good raincoat. If you feel like climbing some mountains, and if the day’s a good one, there are opportunities to do some Columbia Gorge summits too.
Looking for a few excellent hikes? Try these off-season trails. They vary in terrain and degree of difficulty, but each is in good enough shape that it is easy to navigate in the fall or winter. Be aware that the different managing agencies do not maintain the trails in winter, so be ready for the occasional downed tree or mudslide. Also, as always, watch for poison oak; even in autumn it can still give you the itch…
