Photo of Ponytail Falls, Columbia River Gorge

My daughter and I took a hike in the Columbia River Gorge one morning to see three waterfalls. The four-mile roundtrip trail we walked was entirely within a cool, shady forest overlooking the Columbia River. The most striking of the falls was Ponytail Falls, also known as Upper Horsetail Falls as it lies on Horsetail Creek above, obviously, lower Horsetail Falls. Horsetail Creek races through a slot before dropping over a rock overhang into a shallow pool. Hikers can walk behind the falls or even step down into some of the spray to cool off. Most excellent.

Ponytail Falls, where Horsetail Creeks drops 100 feet over an overhang below which hikers can walk, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

Ponytail Falls, where Horsetail Creeks drops 100 feet over an overhang below which hikers can walk.
Image ID: 19337
Location: Ponytail Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, USA

Ponytail Falls, where Horsetail Creeks drops 100 feet over an overhang below which hikers can walk, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

Ponytail Falls, where Horsetail Creeks drops 100 feet over an overhang below which hikers can walk.
Image ID: 19340
Location: Ponytail Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!