Multnomah Falls, Devils Rest & Angels Rest, Cascade Range, Oregon (8-24-21)

Day 19 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!

8:54 AM, 64ºF, Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls

My, how times have changed, Looper!  Just act natural, and keep going.

The guy insisting that reservations are required to see Multnomah Falls looked right at SPHP as Lupe sauntered on by, but said nothing.  So far, so good.  The Carolina Dog trotted through the underpass and emerged a short distance from the Multnomah Falls Lodge restaurant.

Sure enough, a lady at a booth out front was checking reservations.  None needed to visit the restaurant or gift shop, but definitely required to see the falls.  Only $1.00, and reservations can be made online.

We’re not from around here, and my American Dingo has come a long way to see Multnomah Falls.  Didn’t know reservations were required, and I don’t have a smart phone.  What can we do?

The lady was cool.  No problem!  Lupe could go right on ahead.  This whole reservation deal is a pilot program new this year to help reduce crowding at the falls.  Reservation requirements won’t be made official until 2022, after this year’s results have been taken into consideration.

She didn’t even ask for the $1.00.

Luck of the Dingo, we’re in!  Good job, Looper!

Never realized before what a smooth talker you are, SPHP!

Mark it on your calendar, Loop.  A historical first.

In like Flynn outside the Multnomah Falls Lodge, restaurant, and gift shop!

The big daily rush was just beginning.  People were arriving in droves.

C’mon, Loopster!  Let’s have a look at Multnomah Falls before the crowd gets totally insane.

Spectacular, double-decker Multnomah Falls was only a short walk from the restaurant.  SPHP had a quick look at a display, then Lupe went to see the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States.

Multnomah Falls.

Oh, we’ve been here before, SPHP!  With Lanis in 2012!

That’s right, Loop!  Worth another look, don’t you think?

Certainly is!  Multnomah Falls is awesome!  Didn’t we go up above the falls, though, with Lanis?

Sure did!  We will again as soon as we’re done admiring the falls from down here.  We’ll be going a lot farther this time, too.  All the way to both Devils Rest (2,400 ft.) and Angels Rest (1,600 ft.).

A short paved trail led up to a bridge over the lower falls that was closer to the more spectacular upper falls.  Before heading up there, Lupe had a good look at the 69 foot tall lower falls.

A better look at the bridge above the lower falls.
The lower falls.

The lower falls alone were impressive, but at 543 feet tall, the upper falls were nearly an incredible 8 times as high!  Lupe started up the trail.

On the trail to the bridge.

The bridge was already so busy, that it was hard to get a turn on it.  Lupe waited and waited, but it was soon evident that a chance to linger on the bridge just wasn’t going to happen.  When an opportunity came to dash across, Loop went for it.  SPHP paused only for a couple of quick photos.

Waiting for a chance to get a Lupe photo on the bridge. Didn’t happen.
Multnomah Falls upper falls.
Pool below the upper falls.

Once across the bridge, the trail wasn’t quite so busy.  After a good look at the stupendous upper falls from near the bridge, the American Dingo was eager to continue.  The paved trail made 11 long switchbacks on the way up a steep forested slope.  However, this wasn’t difficult, since the trail itself wasn’t all that steep.

Every now and then, there were fabulous views of the Columbia River.  At one point Loopster could see both Hamilton Mountain (2,438 ft.) and Beacon Rock (840 ft.) on the Washington side of the river.

Across the bridge, ready to head to the top of Multnomah Falls.
Columbia River (R) and Benson Lake (L). Photo looks WNW.
Hamilton Mountain (L) and Beacon Rock (R) across the Columbia River. Photo looks NE (upstream) with help from the telephoto lens.

After gaining nearly 750 feet of elevation, the trail went over a small ridge and started down.  Almost immediately, Lupe came to a junction where there was a posted map.  The Multnomah Falls overlook was at the end of a short spur trail to the R.  On the way to it, Looper helped herself to a drink from Multnomah Creek.

Map posted at the junction with the Multnomah Falls overlook spur.
Wading in Multnomah Creek.
A short distance above the falls.

Returning to the spur trail, a set of stone stairs brought Lupe down to a round platform virtually on the brink of the upper falls.  This platform also provided another great view of the Columbia River.

The stone stairway leading down to the upper falls overlook.
At the upper falls overlook.
On the brink!
Should have leaned the camera out farther!
The upstream view, another little waterfall right before the big plunge.
Columbia River from the top of Multnomah Falls. Photo looks WNW.

The viewing platform was small, room for only a couple of people at a time at the best spot.  With lots of people coming and going, Lupe and SPHP were just in the way after taking a turn.  Better move on.  Leaving the overlook, Lupe returned to the main trail.

Which way now, SPHP?  Up the Multnomah Creek canyon, or back down the switchbacks?

Up the canyon, Loop!

Taking Larch Mountain Trail No. 441 upstream, Lupe soon came to a stone bridge over Multnomah Creek.  No longer paved, the trail then wound up the beautiful canyon passing a series of waterfalls.  At one point, it went under a massive, but odd, solid rock ledge.  Very scenic!

Crossing the stone bridge.
By Multnomah Creek.
Larch Mountain Trail No. 441.

Passing a waterfall.
Approaching the odd overhanging ledge (R).
Strange, but awesome!

Trail No. 441 wasn’t crowded, but a surprising number of people were on it.  Justifiably so, too!  The canyon was full of lovely spots.

The last waterfall Lupe came to was the most impressive.  Definitely worth a closer look!  The Carolina Dog left the trail to check it out.

Best waterfall up the canyon.

Scrambling over some big driftwood, the Carolina Dog got right down next to the pool immediately below the falls.  Amazing!  Couldn’t have done that at Multnomah Falls!  This was a much more private spot, too.

Right next to the pool below the falls. Fabulous!

Too bad we didn’t come this far with Lanis, SPHP!  He would have loved it!

Yeah, this is incredible, Loop!  Didn’t realize all these additional waterfalls were up here.

Splendid!

Above this grandest waterfall of the canyon, Larch Mountain Trail No. 441 climbed further up the W side of the canyon, still going upstream.  Larch Mountain (4,055 ft.) was miles ahead, but that wasn’t where Lupe was going.  SPHP began looking for Wahkeena Trail No. 420.

However, the junction didn’t appear for a while.  By the time Lupe came to it, another bridge over Multnomah Creek was visible farther up the canyon.  Loop never got that far, taking No. 420 instead.

Signage and map at the junction with Wahkeena Trail No. 420.

Wahkeena Trail No. 420 started out doubling back to the NW, climbing gradually along the steep mountainside above the Multnomah Creek canyon.  Lupe passed through a large region of burnt forest.  Glimpses of the Columbia River eventually appeared once the trail curved SW.

Lush undergrowth prospering below the burnt forest often prevented Lupe from getting to enjoy these views.

Wahkeena Trail No. 420. Photo looks NW.
On a ferny stretch.
Passing a small stand of pink fireweed past its prime.

Long sections of the trail were flat, which made for rapid progress.  That changed once Lupe came to a junction with Devils Rest Trail No. 420C.

I presume we’re on our way to Devils Rest now, right, SPHP?

Yup!

Junction of Wahkeena Trail No. 420 (L) and Devils Rest Trail No. 420C (R). Photo looks E.
Signage.

Devils Rest Trail No. 420C immediately began switchbacking up a steep slope.  Despite the switchbacks, the trail climbed quite aggressively as Lupe journeyed through a green tunnel of exotic botanical specimens.  Ferns, plants with giant leaves, and clusters of red and orange berries were all part of such a luxurious display that at times SPHP couldn’t even see the trail.

Devils Rest Trail No. 420C.
Beautiful! SPHP didn’t dare taste any, though.
Or any of these, either. Most berries of this type were bright orange.

Lupe had seen several hikers on Wahkeena Trail No. 420, but only one appeared on Devils Rest Trail No. 420C.  A girl, also heading up, passed SPHP on the switchbacks.  After gaining hundreds of feet of elevation, the rate of climb diminished.

As the trail began leveling out, lively caterpillars that looked like Woolly Bears, but were bright yellow, inched as rapidly as possible across the path.  Lupe came to a big stand of spent fireweed where thousands of seeds were blowing away in the breeze.

A bright yellow version of a woolly bear.
Amid the fireweed that had gone to seed. Photo looks SSW.

Soon after passing the fireweed, the trail ran along the rim of the upper end of the Wahkeena Creek valley.  0.5 mile away, a heavily forested hill could be seen to the SW.  It wasn’t very high, or remarkable in any way.

Think that’s Devils Rest (2,400 ft.), Looper.

Really?  Not going to see much over there, are we, SPHP?

Maybe not.  Sure doesn’t look all that promising from here, Loop.

Lupe came to another trail junction.  No signage.  The girl that had passed SPHP on the switchbacks was sitting nearby, meditating.

Beyond this junction, Devils Rest Trail No. 420C gradually curved W, still following the rim of the valley.  The trail was wide, smooth, and perfectly flat.  The trunks of large trees were blackened by fire, but the forest had survived here.  Ferns grew below the trees, but the tall vegetation that had hemmed Lupe in earlier was gone.

Like a walk in the park! Photo looks WSW.

Lupe came to a wooden bridge across a tiny stream.  Eventually the trail curved SW away from the rim of the valley, winding through the forest.  A second unsigned junction appeared.  The trail to the R went uphill, so Lupe followed it.  250 feet got her to a collection of mossy boulders next to a lightly fire-scarred tree that bore a wooden sign.

Crossing the little wooden bridge.
Arriving at Devils Rest.

1:24 PM, 60ºF, Devils Rest (2,400 ft.) – Two clusters of mossy boulders separated by 50 feet constituted the summit of Devils Rest.  Both were buried deep in the forest, confirming fears of a complete lack of views.  Lupe easily leapt up to the top of the very highest boulder, which was a tall, rather skinny one among the group toward the W.

At the true summit of Devils Rest. Photo looks NW.
Yeah, this was cake!

Lupe was still standing on the true summit when a woman appeared.  She claimed to be a landscape photographer.  Relinquishing the true summit, Loop and SPHP moved to the NE collection of boulders, which was only nominally lower.

At the NE boulder collection. Photo looks NE.
True summit (Center) from the NE boulders. Photo looks SW.

Apparently Landscape Photographer Lady wasn’t overly impressed with Devils Rest.  A few minutes, and she was outta here!  However, before she left, she imparted an important tip to SPHP.  The trail that continued straight where Loopster had turned R to come up to Devils Rest was a shortcut to Angels Rest.

Interesting, timely, and useful information, indeed!  Neither SPHP’s maps, nor any of the posted trail maps, showed that trail.  If Lupe could go that way, she could save several miles, plus a bunch of unnecessary elevation loss and gain, versus returning to Wahkeena Trail No. 420, and then proceeding on to Angels Rest.

After Landscape Photographer Lady left, Meditation Girl appeared.  For a long time, she sat silently over by the true summit.  Meanwhile, Lupe was perfectly content, enjoying the NE boulder cluster.  SPHP shook the Carolina Dog’s paw, congratulating Loopster on her successful ascent of Devils Rest (her first ever Oregon peak!), and split a chocolate coconut bar with her.

Getting comfy on a bed of short pine needles in a cleft between two of the mossy boulders, Lupe then had some Taste of the Wild and water.  Meditation Girl could take as long as she liked.  Loop was in no hurry.

Taking it easy at Dingo’s Rest.

Meditation Girl took her sweet time, but eventually vanished, never to be seen again.  The American Dingo remained, extending her Devils Rest visit.  Lupe sniffed about and scrambled on some of the rocks of the NE cluster before returning to the true summit again.

Among the NE cluster boulders. Photo looks N.
Back at the true summit.
Hasn’t changed, SPHP! Still no views!

No one else appeared.  Her traditional summit hour complete, Lupe left the mossy boulders of Devils Rest alone in the quiet forest.  Returning to the last junction, Lupe followed Landscape Photographer Lady’s advice, taking the mysterious shortcut to Angels Rest.

The trail headed gradually down a jungley slope deep in the forest.  After only 200 feet, a sign appeared ahead.

First sign (L) along the Angels Rest shortcut.

Appears we’re on the Foxglove Trail, Loop.

Beyond the sign, Foxglove Way headed W down through a secluded part of the jungle at a pretty good clip, gradually curving NW.  At the bottom of this medium length decent was another trail junction.

No signage.  Now what?

At the next junction.

Looking around more carefully, actually there was some signage.  A little back up Foxglove Way, two signs were nailed to a tree.

Signage (L) back along Foxglove Way. Photo looks SE.

Angels Rest was L (W) at this junction, which made sense.  A little past the junction, another sign confirmed that Lupe was going the right way.

Whether or not Lupe was still on Foxglove Way wasn’t clear, but SPHP presumed she was.  From the junction, the trail slowly gained 80 feet of elevation before topping out and beginning a long and equally gradual descent.  This entire region was forested, too.

Lupe came to a creepy tree all hung with moss, but it really wasn’t scary in the middle of the afternoon.

By the Creepy Tree.

After a fairly long downhill stretch, a clearing that was still quite a bit lower could be seen ahead near the edge of the mountain.

That must be Angels Rest, Loop!

The trail continued W straight for it.  Shortly before getting there, Lupe came to yet another junction.

At the junction. Lupe had come down from the R. Photo looks ENE.
Sign at the junction. The trail to Wahkeena Falls at this point is actually a continuation E of Angels Rest Trail No. 415. Foxglove Way goes to Devils Rest.

Lupe kept going W toward the clearing.  Two minutes, and she had her best view yet of Angels Rest, an uneven 800 foot long ridge extending WNW out from the rest of the mountain toward the Columbia River.

Approaching Angels Rest. Photo looks WNW.

3:14 PM, 72ºF, Angels Rest (1,600 ft.) – A 15 mph breeze was blowing out of the NNE as Lupe reached Angels Rest.  The trail passed an initial rock formation along the N edge that provided a great viewpoint.  Near a low spot just a little farther on, Angels Rest Trail No. 415 angled up from the SE.  This was the route to the closest trailhead 2 miles farther W down by the Columbia River.

Ignoring that option, Lupe continued WNW along the spur that went out onto Angels Rest, pausing often to enjoy the views from a series of scenic rock formations along the N edge.  Unfortunately, the air was somewhat smoky, especially toward the W, but at least the smoke wasn’t terrible.

View from the first rock formation. Photo looks N.
Along the N edge. Photo looks WNW.
Exploring the rock formations. Photo looks NW.
A bit smoky, but an otherwise tremendous view of the Columbia River. Photo looks W.

The true summit of Angels Rest, to the extent there was one, was located up on a large rock formation near the E end of the ridge just beyond the low point.  Naturally, Lupe went up there for a look around.

Below the summit. Photo looks NW.
Columbia River from up top. Photo looks NE.

The Angels Rest ridge was a little lower and wider as Lupe continued on toward the WNW end.  Many bushes and a few trees covered most of the center and S side of the ridge, while the N side was more open.

At the far end, the N side of the ridge dropped toward a region of solid rock with a fabulous panoramic view of the Columbia River gorge.  Lupe hadn’t seen anyone at all on Foxglove Way after leaving Devils Rest, but visitors swarmed over Angels Rest.  A couple of young women with a dog had taken possession of the barren rocks right along the edge.

It had been a long trek.  Lupe was in no great rush.  Taking shelter from the sun among the bushes nearby, where she still had a spectacular view, it was time for a break.  SPHP congratulated the American Dingo on her successful “ascent” of Angels Rest, which had been nearly all downhill, then shared the second (and last!) chocolate coconut bar with her.  Loop then saw fit to polish off the rest of the Taste of the Wild, as well.

A big drink of water, and the Carolina Dog conked out, enjoying the cool breeze in the shade of the bushes.

Approaching the terrific viewpoint (Center) along the N edge near the end of the ridge. Photo looks NW.
A divine nap on Angels Rest.
Dingoes are angels, too!

Throngs of people came and went, many going almost right down to the two young women, and sometimes talking to them.  They didn’t budge, though, retaining their premier spot.

Studying the view while Loopster snoozed, SPHP suddenly realized that Silver Star Mountain (4,360 ft.) was right across the Columbia River!  Almost every high point the American Dingo had visited yesterday was in sight, plus Larch Mountain (3,480 ft.) (the one in Washington), too!

It had to happen, and finally did.  The two young women departed.  Their prime viewpoint was vacant!

No rest for the wicked, Looper!  C’mon, let’s go down there!

Wicked!  This is Angel’s Rest, SPHP!

Can’t fool me, sly Dingo.  I saw you taking it mighty easy up at Devils Rest not so long ago!

Larch Mountain (far L) and Silver Star Mountain (L) beyond the Columbia River from the premier viewpoint. Photo looks N.
The upstream view. Photo looks NE.
Downstream. Photo looks W.

Almost instantly, more people arrived.  Relinquishing the primo spot, Lupe followed a use trail counter-clockwise around the end of the ridge.  At the far W end along the S side, a small opening provided probably the most splendid view of all from Angels Rest.

Columbia River from Angels Rest. Photo looks W.

Gosh, too bad it’s so smoky this way, Loop.  What a magnificent sight!

I bet our friend, Jobe Wymore, has seen this view at sunset countless times, SPHP.  Can you imagine that?  He climbed Angels Rest almost daily for years!

Yeah, this must be absolutely amazing at sunset!  And just think, if we had been here 216 years ago, we could have seen Lewis & Clark sail by, almost at the end of their journey to the Pacific Ocean.  They must have been happy!

No, I don’t think so, SPHP.  They came in November when the weather was lousy.  Remember when we went to Dismal Nitch with Lanis?  And Lewis & Clark also named Cape Disappointment.  We’re having a much better time here today than Lewis & Clark ever did.

Lupe had been at Angels Rest for more than an hour already.  Getting to be late afternoon, and it was a long way back.  Before departing, Lupe returned to the Angels Rest summit, and spent a little while exploring and sniffing some more among the interesting rock formations.

Angels Rest summit. Photo looks ESE.
An angelic American Dingo!
On the rocks.
Final moments along the N edge. Larch Mountain (L), Silver Star Mountain (R) beyond the Columbia River. Photo looks NNW.

5:17 PM, Angels Rest Trail No. 415 – After returning to the junction near Angels Rest where the sign had pointed the way to Wahkeena Falls, Lupe went that way.  Miles to go, but Wahkeena Falls would be a considerable shortcut back to Multnomah Falls compared to going all the way back to Devils Rest again.

It was a beautiful early evening with sunlight streaming through the burnt forest illuminating the tall, lush undergrowth.  Angels Rest Trail No. 415 went gradually uphill at first, before leveling out at a high point where there was a junction with a shortcut back to Foxglove Way.  From there, No. 415 was level, or nearly so, as it wound along the mountain working its way generally NE.

Angels Rest Trail No. 415. Photo looks NE.
Exotic berries.

After gaining some elevation following a stream before crossing it, the trail turned N, beginning a long descent.  Eventually curving E, then S, Angels Rest Trail No. 415 was going NE again when Lupe finally reached Wahkeena Trail No. 420.

Along the stream.
Sign pointing back along Angels Rest Trail No. 415 at the junction with Wahkeena Trail No. 420.
Junction of Angels Rest Trail No. 415 and Wahkeena Trail No. 420.
Distances to various points along Wahkeena Trail No. 420.
Red star – Lupe is here!

Down, down, down!  Turning NNW (L) at Wahkeena Trail No. 420, Lupe followed it nearly 1.5 miles down to Hwy 30, an easy trek on good trail past many beautiful sights.  Both Fairy Falls, not far from the top, and Wahkeena Falls, near the bottom, were definite highlights.  Wahkeena Creek was gorgeous all the way, as it cascaded down the steep valley.

Delicate Fairy Falls.
Wahkeena Creek.
Lovely Wahkeena Falls.
Wahkeena Falls. Another angle.
Signage at the Wahkeena Falls trailhead.

7:14 PM, 78ºF, RAV4 – Devils Rest, Angels Rest, Multnomah Falls and so many others – what a fabulous day it had been!  Lupe had made a giant loop with wonderful sights lurking around every bend.  Still light out, too!  Plenty of time for a pleasant evening drive E through the awesome Columbia River Gorge on I-84.

The sun was down, and it was getting dark when a weary Carolina Dog reached Hood River.  Far enough.  Dinner, then a long snooze ahead!

Columbia River from Angels Rest, Cascade Range, Oregon 8-24-21

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Multnomah Falls, Oregon (8-27-12)

Day 20 of Lupe’s 2012 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast.

After leaving the Oregon coast the previous afternoon; Lupe, Lanis and SPHP had driven out of the rain, and made it as far as a motel on the E side of Portland near I-84 and some busy train tracks.  Trains rumbled by in the night, but the cheap motel was a real treat after many nights spent in Lupe’s tiny house or car camping in Lanis’ Honda Element.

In the morning; Lupe, Lanis and SPHP relaxed in the motel room in no real hurry to hit the road.  Lupe’s time on the West Coast was over, and she was headed home.  Lanis needed to get back to Indiana by September 1st, so Lupe was destined to spend much of the rest of her 2012 Dingo Vacation on the road.  Even so, there would still be time for at least a couple of adventures on the way.

It was still a cool morning, with blue sky and puffy white clouds, when Lupe, Lanis and SPHP finally got started heading E on I-84.  Lupe didn’t get very far before reaching Multnomah Falls, a beautiful, tall, thin waterfall spilling over the bluffs on the S side of the lush, green Columbia River Gorge.

The walkway to Multnomah Falls, Oregon from the parking lot along I-84.
The walkway to Multnomah Falls, Oregon from the parking lot along I-84.
Lupe and Lanis on their way to check out Multnomah Falls.
Lupe and Lanis on their way to check out Multnomah Falls.

Located right along I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is very accessible and a popular tourist stop.  The Multnomah Falls Lodge near the base of the falls offers lodging, a restaurant, and gift shop.  There were lots of people and a few other dogs around, when Lupe arrived to see the falls.

Multnomah Falls is actually two waterfalls.  The lower one is about 70 feet tall, but the upper falls, which is the main attraction, drops 540 feet.  A short paved trail goes up to several viewpoints, including Benson bridge, near the base of the upper falls.

The lower falls is beautiful as it drops into a large pool, but just doesn't get any respect compared to the much higher and more dramatic upper falls.
The lower falls is beautiful as it drops into a large pool, but just doesn’t get any respect compared to the much higher and more dramatic upper falls.
The Benson bridge over Multnomah creek is one of several excellent viewpoints for seeing the upper falls.
The Benson bridge over Multnomah creek is one of several excellent viewpoints for seeing the upper falls.
From Benson bridge, Multnomah Falls was so high, SPHP couldn't even get the entire falls in the photo.
From Benson bridge, Multnomah Falls was so high, SPHP couldn’t even get the entire falls in the photo.
Base of upper Multnomah Falls.
Base of upper Multnomah Falls.

After crossing Benson bridge, visitors may stop at another viewpoint very close to the base of the falls, or continue on a 1.1 mile paved trail all the way up to the top of Multnomah Falls.  Naturally, Lupe, Lanis and SPHP took the trail.  There were plenty of people on the trail, but it wasn’t nearly so crowded as down below.

The trail went up a series of long switchbacks on a steep, densely forested slope.  Now and then there were glimpses of the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge between the trees.  The trail climbed almost all the way.  It eventually went over a little ridge before dropping down to follow Multnomah Creek to the brink of the falls.

Looking N across the Columbia River from the trail to the top of Multnomah Falls.
Looking N across the Columbia River from the trail to the top of Multnomah Falls.
Looking NE.
Looking NE.
Multnomah Creek a short distance above upper Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Creek a short distance above upper Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Creek as it reaches the brink of the upper falls.
Multnomah Creek as it reaches the brink of the upper falls.

There was a nice viewing platform along Multnomah Creek next to the brink of upper Multnomah Falls.  The view down the Columbia River Gorge to the W was fantastic.  Looking over the edge, Lupe could see Multnomah Falls plummet over 500 feet down to the pool at the base of the falls.

Lupe looking pretty happy at having made it up to this viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls.
Lupe looking pretty happy at having made it up to this viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls.
Looking W down the Columbia River Gorge from the viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls.
Looking W down the Columbia River Gorge from the viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls.
The view from the brink of upper Multnomah Falls.
The view from the brink of upper Multnomah Falls.

Multnomah Falls was certainly worth seeing, but it was time for Lupe to start making tracks.  It was a long way home.  Lupe, Lanis and SPHP enjoyed the easy stroll back down to the base of Multnomah Falls, and then headed for the Element.  Soon Lupe was traveling E on I-84 again.

By the time Lupe reached The Dalles, the lush, green Columbia River gorge was behind her.  The huge, blue Columbia River was still near I-84, but the surrounding green forests had given way to much drier looking country.  The clouds and pleasant cool weather were gone, too.  Temperatures soared beneath a cloudless sky.

It was already lunch time.  E of The Dalles, Lanis pulled off I-84 to stop by at a McDonald’s.  An old man was sheltering a little brown dog at the busy off ramp.  He held up a sign saying “Just Hungry”.  There was too much traffic to stop, but at the McDonald’s, Lanis and SPHP bought a couple of extra cheeseburgers and a chocolate sundae.  While Lanis was getting the burgers, SPHP searched around the Element to see what else could be scrounged up for the old man and his little doggie.

There really wasn’t too much to scrounge.  This late in Lupe’s 2012 Dingo Vacation, most of the supplies were already used up.  For the old man, there was just some trail mix, an orange, almonds, and $9.00 in cash.  For his little brown doggie, SPHP found some Gravy Train, Canine Carry-Outs, a few other dog treats and a big rawhide stick.

On the way back to I-84, Lanis pulled the Element over at the side of the on ramp.  SPHP jumped out and ran across the busy intersection to the off ramp to deliver the cheeseburgers, chocolate sundae, and other meager assistance to the old man.  He was quite grateful.  He said he shared the same birthday with his little brown doggie, named Otis.  Otis was three years old.  The old man thanked SPHP, and said he and Otis would be OK.  That was about all SPHP learned about their situation, before running back to Lupe and Lanis waiting in the Element.

The farther E Lupe went, the hotter and drier it got.  I-84 eventually left the Columbia River and very gradually curved SE.  Lupe went over the Blue Mountains.  Looking at the maps late in the afternoon, SPHP thought it might be fun for Lupe to stay at the Farewell Bend State Recreation Area on the Snake River right across from Idaho.  Lanis turned off I-84 to drive through the campground.

The surrounding area looked like desert, but the campground featured lots of trees and reasonably green grass.  There were 90 RV sites, and about 30 tent sites.  All of the tent sites were far from the Snake River.  However, one of the RV loops sat on a small ridge a little distance away from the Snake.  These sites had the best views in the entire campground.  Every single one of them was vacant, except for a park ranger site.

In fact, almost all of the 120 total sites in the campground were vacant.  There were 5 sites occupied by park personnel, who currently outnumbered paying customers.  SPHP asked the ranger at the empty RV loop with the pleasant view of the Snake River, if it would be possible to rent one of the RV sites just for Lupe’s tiny house and pay the tenting rate of $18, instead of the $22 RV rate.

Nope!  Not possible.  Lupe could put up her tiny house at one of the RV sites, but despite the fact that it was late afternoon and the place was virtually deserted, and Lupe wouldn’t be using any of the RV amenities (dump station, electricity, etc.), SPHP would have to pay the full $22 for the site or go to the tenting area.  Oh, and by the way, there were all these rules for dogs in the park… blah, blah, blah.

The ranger was pleasant enough about it, but like so many in the Land of the Free these days, she was all about countless bureaucratic rules, regardless of the situation.  SPHP declined.  The ranger had a golf cart to drive around in enforcing the blizzard of rules.  Lupe, Lanis and SPHP would be her only targets to micro-manage in the entire loop.  No way!  Lupe and SPHP would rather car camp, even if it meant disappointing Lanis.

Instead of taking a site; Lupe, Lanis and SPHP went down for a brief exploration along the Snake River.  The edge of the river proved to be rather mucky and marshy.  The river was low this time of year.  On the mud, and among the reeds, flies swarmed around the rotten decaying carcasses of large dead carp.  Lupe was interested.  It really was time to get out of there!  Absolutely no more Dead Fish Dingo stunts permitted!  That was one rule both Lanis and SPHP were in full and complete agreement with!

Heading E on I-84 along through the Columbia River Gorge E of Multnomah Falls.
Heading E on I-84 along through the Columbia River Gorge E of Multnomah Falls.

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