Falling for Multnomah

One of my favorite quotes is by Nicholas D. Kristof, a long-time writer for the New York Times.

“In the end, an explorer makes history but does not necessarily change it, for his impact depends less on the trail he blazes than on the willingness of others to follow.”

I kept this quote in mind when I visited Multnomah Falls in the Columbia Gorge a few weeks ago. As a native Portlandian, I have frequented the Gorge numerous times, as it is just about an hour’s drive from the city. I have always been amazed at the lush beauty it offers its visitors, and the bounding strides made by its residents to keep it just so.

On this particular occasion, I went to the falls to accompany my partner, a Dallas native, to check it off of his Oregon bucket list. I had done the hike to the top of the falls before, but I don’t ever remember doing it on such a scorcher of a day. The whole weekend had been forecasted to be in the mid-90s to low-100s, so I suggested that we head to the Gorge for respite from the heat. We decided to take off on the earlier side of the midmorning, so as to beat the temperatures and the traffic. A very good choice.

Standing at the base of the falls, I kept thinking about Kristof’s quote as we noticed people coming from virtually everywhere: the bridge, the restaurant, the parking lots, and the hike back down from the top. An explorer makes history but does not necessarily change it. People who come to brave the hike upward to the top of the upper falls do indeed make their own history, no matter how frequently they return. But, if they find that the risk is worth it, others will eventually follow.

The trail to the top is roughly a mile long and mostly uphill, with 11 “switchbacks” in total. When one blazes the trail, there are numerous people ahead of and behind you, as well as people who are returning from completing the hike. Never have I felt or seen such support of one another, especially in the conditions we were all facing. Sweaty, panting, and stopping for the occasional water break, I heard so many encouraging words spoken to me and my fellow hikers of “You can do it!” and “You’re almost there!”, and best of all, “That view is so worth it!” I never wanted to give up on getting there, but I was grateful for the support of perfect strangers.

Multnomah Falls, according to USDA, is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. It draws more than 2 million people annually to either bask in the spray of the base and take a selfie, or brave the hike up to the top of the upper falls with a drop of 600 feet. The scenic bridge that divides the upper and lower falls was named for Simon Benson, a Gorge contributor who in 1914 financed Italian stonemasons to design and construct it. The Mark O. Hatfield Memorial Trail starts at the falls and continues through the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge.

As we neared the top, there was finally a downhill trail that led right to the platform at the edge of the drop. Our fellow explorers were basking near the water, either on rocks or fallen logs, and giving smiles and nods to those who had also made the trek up successfully.

There was a feeling of both exhilaration and exhaustion in coming to this little haven, but there was also tranquility and a calmness about the whole experience. Despite the obstacles and the risks involved, we did it–all of us. As we came to the platform overlooking the drop and the bird’s-eye view of the Gorge below, I couldn’t help but think of a lyric from a Lady Gaga song. “I’m on the edge of glory, and I’m hanging on a moment of truth”. As I snapped the photo below, I could all but catch my breath in the majesty of the water, the microscopic-like view of the explorers who were about to follow after us, and the overall experience we had in the hike up.

As you head into this next weekend (or your next adventure, for that matter), I encourage you to challenge yourself somehow. Take some risks, and try something out of the ordinary. It might be scary, but chances are always high that you’ll have the encouraging support of others to take on the obstacles that lie ahead.

The journey is worth the risk, so explore! You’ll never know who might follow in your footsteps.

 

What is an adventure that you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t tried yet? Tell me about it in the comments below!