This multi-tiered, cascading waterfall is hidden in the dense Williamette National Forest along the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway. It is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon. Lower Proxy Falls was created 6,000 years ago when a giant glacier carved a deep trough through the area, leaving steep canyon walls after the ice receded. The waterfall is a 100′ drop over stairsteps of broken columnar basalt giving the delicate misty look of the falls.

credit: Thomas Shahan 3

The Hakuba alps lies from north to south in direction here with over 2,500 meters and nearly 3,000 meters high above sea level as Mt. Shirouma, Mt. Goryu or Mt. Karamatsu. Mount Karamatsu is just one of Nagano’s many landmarks. It is a 8,845 ft / 2,696 m mountain peak in the Hida-sanmyaku Range in Nagano, Japan. It ranks as the 22nd highest mountain in Nagano and the 50th highest mountain in Japan. The nearest peaks are Goryu, Yariga-take, Kashima Yarigatake, Shirouma-dake, Jiiga-take, and Tsurugi-dake.

Brocken spectre at Happo-ike pond

South side

Happo-ike pond

Happo-ike mirror

Happo-ike pond

Traverse

Mt. Karamatsu-dake

A snowy gorge

credit: hwat

This is a fairly easy hike, appropriate for most beginners. There is a small amount of climbing with a summit in the middle. The trail to Elowah Falls is clearly marked. Elowah Falls is a stunning waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, easily comparable with Multnomah Falls in majesty, if not height.

Facts:

Start point: John B Yeon Trailhead
End Point: Elowah Falls
Permit: NW Forest Pass Required
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150 ft. (+150 ft.)
Season: Mar-Jul
Difficulty: Easy

credit: brx0

Pathway was opened at the begining of the 20th century by king Alfonso XIII. At photos, you can see climbers tackling on the King’s Pathway (El Caminito del Rey) in the Los Gaitanes Gorge, El Chorro, Álora. The walkway is one meter in width, and rises over 100 meters above the river below. The local government closed both entrances of the path after two fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000. Pathway should be reopen in 2014 after three years restoration-plan.