Take a winter hike to a frozen waterfall

When it’s cold outside, it can be difficult to get out of the house. Motivation to get into the great outdoors drops at a rate that’s commensurate with the thermometer’s mercury. However, when it gets really cold outside (below freezing to be exact), hikers might want to take advantage of the opportunity to see some of their favorite waterfalls in a new way; frozen. Waterfalls exhibit an entirely different character when iced over. The change can be subtle for some cascades, and dramatic for others. You'll have to get out there and see for yourself.

Since waterfalls are abundant in this part of the country, it’s easy to customize an adventure to your aptitude or willingness to tolerate the cold. Easy falls to track down include Cedar Mill Falls and Pothole Falls.

For a longer outing, and one with numerous hiking options, a trip into the Columbia River Gorge is absolutely magical when things are icy. The world-renowned Waterfall Alley runs along the Historic Columbia River Highway and features the heavy hitters Multnomah, Latourell, and Wahkeena Falls, among others. There are also several remarkably beautiful and hikeable falls that are further removed from the more popular roadside stops. Among these are Fairy, Elowah, and Wahclella Falls, which provide jaw-dropping beauty as well as exercise.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and claim some frozen beauty all to yourself, visit portlandhikers.org or waterfallsnorthwest.com. Browse their databases, pick a spot, and go nuts. One of my personal favorites, frozen or not, is Abiqua Falls.

As always, but particularly during winter months, check road conditions before venturing out to any of these destinations. Also, proper clothing and gear are essential. Remember, when it’s cold outside, warm and dry equals safe and happy.

For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com