hiking
birding
nature trips
forest
views
waterfall
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth is equal parts waterfall wonderland, hiker's playground and camper's delight. Situated at the eastern end of Historic Highway 30, from Ainsworth to Crown Point to the west, you'll find the world's greatest concentration of high waterfalls (like Multnomah Falls). By leaving the park on Nesmith Point trail, you'll end up with a splendid view of St. Peter's Dome, a majestic basalt monolith rising 2,000 feet above the mighty Columbia River. Hiking is definitely something you'll want to do while camping at Ainsworth State Park. Back at the campground, you'll find 45 peaceful full-service campsites canopied in a laid-back, tree-filled setting. There are also four walk-in tent sites for a more primitive camping experience. This is a classic campground ... the smell of a campfire is your constant companion. Flush toilets, showers, a camp host, firewood and an amphitheater with interpretive programs are all here. Top it off with a roaring creek at the east end of the park, and you have all the makings for a great camping trip.
Prepare to get wet! Fantastic hike along and in a creek. Beautiful scenery as you hike through a canyon, climb over a huge log jam and wade through the water to reach a cascading waterfall at the end of your hike. Highly recommend!
Trail Is Still Closed At This Time. The Historic Columbia River Highway is Closed Until Further Notice. This Includes Trails Between Bridal Veil Falls and Multnomah, and Trails Between Multnomah and Ainsworth State Park. The Road Is Only Open To State Troopers, Game and WildLife Patrolmen, and Residents That Live On That Road. Anyone Caught Trying To Hike Said Trails Are Fined. This Is All Due To The Bad Fire They Had Last Year And Several Told Me They Aren't Sure When It Should Be Open. One Trooper Told Me It's Looking Like It Will Be June 2019. :( That Means Oneonta George, Oneonta Falls, Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, Larch Mountain Overlook, Fairy Falls, & Wahkeena Falls Are All Closed Until Further Notice. If You Are Looking For Alternatives, You Can Look Into Multnomah Falls & Trails, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Vista House. You Can Also Take A Drive To Ramona Falls.
Is the trail open ? I see a lot of recent reviews. We fly into Portland the 13th next month and this is number 1 on our list.
Went last year in a long overdue rating. Definitely go if it opens again!
The trail is closed as the logs and rocks have blocked access for walking, this is what we were told when asked at visitor center in Multnomah Falls. We didn't go any further to check but trusted that old guy.
My absolute favorite hike in the Gorge. Because of the easy access its nearly always obnoxiously crowded, but if you get there early (7-8am) you can usually get in to the waterfall before the hoards arrive. The log jam to start makes me feel like a kid again, clambering over obstacles and scooting up rocks on my butt. You will get wet on this hike, I recommend water shoes (not beach water shoes but hiking sandals, Keens or similar) as the entire gorge floor is rock covered.
Absolutely stunning if you can get there before the crowds.
Is this open now?? I see some reviews recently, indicating that this is now open. I will be there week of July 4th. Thank you!
Absolutely amazing, the water can get pretty high and difficult to trek through but overall a spectacular experience
Don't lose your keys at the Rock of the Ages, it's a LONG way back up! Though, doing it twice in one day was exciting! Worth the work, but don't get lost, or hurt.
you would have to climb up and down a lot. you will also get wet to toward the end.
Indescribably beautiful! The hike to Multnomah sucks. It is just paved switchbacks and very crowded. The beauty begins after you pass Multnomah and the crowds. Whatever you do, do not turn back after you get to Multnomah!
The Oneonta Falls are CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE due to the massive Columbia River Gorge fire of 2017. Please check the link below for updates.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/crgnsa/alerts-notices/?aid=41589
does anyone know someone to contact for a reopen date of this trail?
This was my first more serious day hike, my only downfall was being the first person up there in the morning... So many cobwebs to walk through....
is it closed?when will be open?
skvgg .. on Oneonta Gorge Trail [CLOSED]
I wish I could give this 5 stars. The falls and the gorge are absolutely breathtaking. However, it is way too crowded. What makes you think everyone wants to listen to the rap music playing out of your portable speaker? It reverberates throughout the entire gorge. Did I also mention the stench of cigarette and weed smoke?
Bottom line:
If you want to party and socialize, come here during the warmer months.
If you want to actually enjoy this place properly, I suggest coming here during winter.
Is closed we don't. Have access to go up.
My favorite hike of the trip! Climbing over the log jam in the beginning was like an obstacle course and was awesome! We weren't prepared for the water to be so deep in some places....turned around right before the first waterfall because we just did this trail on a whim and didn't bring towels or extra clothes. Definitely want to go back and do this one again though!
long walk in the woods with rocks. closer to 14miles though. summit was beautiful. don't be mad when you get to the top and discover after all the sweating and pushing through the last couple miles to the top that there is a darn parking lot you could have driven to
Very fun little hike. Come prepared with rugged water shoes. Waded through waist deep frigid water after climbing a hefty slippery log pile. It was all worth it for the quick swim in the waterfall at the end. Come early, it got very crowded. The crowd does take away from the majestic beauty. Which is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars . You probably won't find solitude here on the weekends. I will definitely try it out again
Too crowded
Excellent day hike with secluded waterfalls and trails.
Jenice A. on Oneonta Gorge Trail [CLOSED]
Fun hike but short. I loved all of it even scrambling over the huge log pile in the beginning.
So much fun. Waterfall at the end is just ok (I went in August, prob more robust in spring) but loved climbing over the logs and wading through the creek. Short hike, but this hike is definitely more about the journey than the destination.
Exotic enveloped watery log laden trail. Dangerous for old folks, younger folks, and animals. Expect to get soaked. Would have been five stars but swamped by hikers takes away some of the majesty of the moment. Still very fun and met cool people!...but also a couple shitty people.
Great short little hike but not a hike for dogs because there are a ton of logs in the middle of the gorge right now that you have to climb over. We had to carry the dog over it and was very difficult/dangerous
Basically I got in about 3 or so miles, and the trail disappeared. I risked trying to find the remaining trail, and almost got lost so I turned around.
Sucks because this could have been a good hike. I advise bringing a map and gps. All this app does is record your location, it won't upload once you lost service.
Happy Hiking !
All in all the views and surroundings of this hike are beautiful. Only real drawback is the crowds of people who flock to this spot. That said, everyone was kind and considerate to each other but not the best hike for someone looking for solitude.
So fun. Bring water shoes!