AlexanderSupertramp:

I think they are Necktie (the lower larger portion) and little necktie (the upper smaller portion) respectively. I've read conflicting reports about that as well though. See photo link below.

http://portlandhikers.org/photos/alexandersupertramp/images/28851/original.aspx

The smaller, upper waterfall doesn't have an official name.  Plumb erroneously labeled it Necktie Falls in Waterfall Lovers Guide to the PNW.  I've dubbed it Little Necktie Falls instead.  What you see from the end of the trail is the top of Wahkeena Falls, early on it was known as "The Necktie" of Wahkeena Falls, and then when the trail deteriorated the name sort of fell into limbo and people forgot what it applied to.  I think part of the reason people assumed that the top of Wahkeena Falls was a different waterfall is you can't easily see that the water keeps falling from there all the way to the bridge.  Really there is no such waterfall as Necktie Falls.

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Bryan Swan
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com

Thanks for the clarification Bryan :-)

Here's a link to my trip report at Upper Wahkeena from October 06.  I need to get back up there with my newer camera gear.



http://portlandhikers.org/forums/thread/8629.aspx

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What do you suppose is around that next bend?

Awe, now you're taking the fun out of it.  I know it's clearly the top of Wahkeenah, but it looks so much like a necktie, I think I'll keep the name.  It's almost unique, but then it looks so similar to Twister (Crossover).

I went out to Monument VP a few times before it slid off the hillside in '96.  That's why the trail was closed.

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And the Lord said, "Escape to the mountains." Gen. 19:17.

Robert,

When you're up for the challenge, let me know. Maybe we can do this one as well as Rock of Ages? You know, if you can handle it!! 

Let's watch the skies and see what the weather brings.

Sounds good

Thanks Jamie and Jewelle for the great trip reports!  I had expected to hear that the trail was quite a bit muddier.  I'm glad you guys found everythiung all right.  It is a cool spot no doubt.

I'll check the field guide on the rock of ages pages - I think I wrote those?  (I honestly don't remember now? )

For all those who liked the Rock of Ages hike, I think you'd really like Munra Point.  You should check that one out later this spring when things dry up a bit.  It is like the old trails I hiked as a kid back East - basically straight up!

 

 

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Jeff - Site Admin

Someday you'll take me home to live forever....up on the mountain
S. Chapman

Haven't done Munra Pt. yet, but it's on my list of things to do!!

yeah, the trail wasnt really muddy that much.  it seemed pretty much normal.  ill also have to try munra point, but definately not with my old neighbor, he might kill me!

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jamey pyles

Those folks were referring to one of the many Russ Jolley trails. Mr. Jolley is a long time gorge enthusiast, hike leader, and author whose book "Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge" is a masterpiece. He built numerous trails and the one up Horsetail Creek is one of them.  It is currently seldom hiked and one of the many gorge "secrets" but obviously some are still aware of it and hike it. It is hard to follow in the upper reaches but is still in pretty good shape. From the Rock of Ages Ridge Trail you will never spot it but the markers, when you know them, are unmistakable. I'd be happy to lead a trek if anybody's in for a little abuse.

 

Here's a map:

 

 

Now, of course, all of you who are reading this and comtemplating a trip are on your honor to take loppers to help clear this trail! - and it needs it!

 

- Don

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"If I had known I was going to live this long I'd have taken better care of myself" - anon

Don,

   Thankyou for solving this mystery!  I've followed this trail several times, seen the sign nailed to the tree, the two log bridges, and the camps with fire-rings, but even Tom (splintercat) did not know about this trail!   And you are correct, this trail is in amazingly good shape given that it is not a maintained trail.  Very interesting indeed.

-Zach

chameleon:

Don,

   Thankyou for solving this mystery!  I've followed this trail several times, seen the sign nailed to the tree, the two log bridges, and the camps with fire-rings, but even Tom (splintercat) did not know about this trail!   And you are correct, this trail is in amazingly good shape given that it is not a maintained trail.  Very interesting indeed.

-Zach

Hi Zach,

This sign?

dn

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"If I had known I was going to live this long I'd have taken better care of myself" - anon

That is indeed the sign!  Any idea what it once said?  Anyway, I've most recently travelled this path a couple of months ago, and it was in good shape up until about the spot where it switches back to begin the climb to Rock of Ages Ridge.  However, you can make it out and follow it all the way with little difficulty once you get onto the first main switch back up the ridge.  However, the upper part seems to have evolved into a straight scramble up the slope at some points.  I'm not sure loppers are as needed as perhaps a garden hoe or pulaski to make the vegetated portion where it begins to switch back more pronounced.

thanks for the info and map.  next time im up there ill have to try that trail

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jamey pyles