Cool Fun in the Summertime

My favorite cooling-off spot in the summer is a short trip from downtown Portland, Oregon to Oneonta Gorge. It is a slot canyon off of the Columbia River Gorge. It is wonderful to leave hot Portland, anything over 80 degrees, and drive to the creek for a picnic.

Upon arrival the temperature drops dramatically and you are surrounded by a fern-draped, steep-sided gorge that allows sunlight only at midday. At the mouth of the creek, there is plenty of space to sit and let your mind wonder and to feel the cool breezes wash over oneself.

For the more adventurous, wade the mostly ankle to knee deep, stream bed 1/4 mile to a towering (150 ft.) waterfall where one can really cool off in the pool of water underneath.

Of course, you are sworn to secrecy.

Richard

 

 

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