Rachael Henry

Rachael Henry

Metlako & Punchbowl Falls

04/15/16

Gorgeous hike. Not being a HUGE fan of being a foot away from a couple hundred foot drop, I was thankful for the cable "railing" along the way. Definitely got a little dicey when multiple people would try to pass at a time, so if you're nervous, just wait til you have a clear shot. :) Our plan was to go to Tunnel Falls - we missed Metlako, we saw it from afar, but couldn't find a trail to take us closer to the river. The trails were pretty busy with kids, dogs, and families up until Punchbowl-then it thins out beyond that. My only complaint about this trail was the lack of signs. Bridges didn't have signs or names, or mileage markers. We only encountered two signs the entire time. We made it about 5-5.5 miles out based on a trail guide I found after (but didn't know we were so close to Tunnel Falls) and turned around as we were quickly losing daylight, and crossing those cliffs in the dark wasn't high on my fun list. Next time we'll be more prepared for sure. And ready to swim when it's hot!

4.0

Rachael Henry

Cape Lookout

04/15/16

My husband and I decided on this little adventure after seeing it on Outdoor Projects Best Day Hikes in Oregon. It was such a great first hike out here. Awesome views of the coast to the North and the south. Super sweet cliff drop offs to make your stomach flip a little. :) it was early February when we went so the trail was a little muddy, but I'd suspect that has since dried up. Not a difficult trail at all. Lots of weaving from one side of the cape to another so you don't feel a significant elevation change. And when you're done, drive into Pacific City and grab a bite to eat and a beer at Pelican Brewery and watch the sunset behind the haystack at Cape Kiwanda.

5.0

Rachael Henry

Gorton Creek Falls

04/04/16

When you've had enough of the crazies at all the major falls, go here. Definitely requires some climbing over rocks and logs to get to the falls but it is so so worth it. Can't wait to go back in the summer when is warm enough to take a dip.

5.0

Rachael Henry

Tunnel Beach

04/03/16

We got to the beach around 1 and walked through the tunnel (watch your head!) to tunnel beach. So pretty and if you kill enough time looking in tide pools and for sea glass you can walk around the point instead of going back through the tunnel when the tide goes out a little more. Nice quiet beach. Tunnel beach is more rocky than Oceanside and not ideal for wading through the water. But climb a rock and watch the waves for a few hours. ☺️

5.0

Rachael Henry

Elowah Falls

03/27/16

So much less congested than the other big name falls in the area. Easy trail.

4.0