Horsetail Falls Day Hike
Trail Name: Horsetail Falls Loop Hike
Enter/Exit: Horsetail Falls Trailhead
Trip type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 565 feeet
Guide: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Horsetail_Falls_Loop_Hike
Review: Horsetail Falls to Oneonta is one of the first hikes I remember doing as a child. The initial climb from the Horsetail Falls parking lot is a little strenuous but once you reach Ponytail Falls where you can walk behind the waterfall it is all worth it. Continuing on from Ponytail falls there are vast views of the Columbia River Gorge as well as beautiful forest some of which show signs of the destruction of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire.
After switchbacking down to the bride over Oneonta Creek you have the option of heading south toward Triple Falls which is a beautiful waterfall and you could even continue all the way up the Oneonta Trail to the top of Larch Mountain when the trail is open. If you want a shorter and easier route you will continue along the trail north as the forest seems to thicken and the lush green colors begin to pop even more. The trail gently descends to the Oneonta parking area where you can explore the Oneonta Tunnel on your way back along the Historic Columbia River Highway back to the Horsetail Falls parking area. Be cautious here as there are not sidewalks the entire way and traffic can come from both directions. Once back at Horsetail Falls you can enjoy the cool mist coming from the falls and snap some more beautiful pictures before heading back to your car. Cheers!
Rating: Come Back. I hike this trail multiple times a year and love it every single time.
Rating Guide:
-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person.
-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day.
-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night.
-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.
-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it is so good!
