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Oneonta
Gorge, in my opinion, is one of the top coolest places in all of
Oregon. It's more like a sandstone slot canyon you'd
expect to find in southern Utah. A creek has carved a vertical slit
through the ancient basalt lava flows, in some places just 20 feet wide and about
150 feet high. Fluorescent lichens and maidenhair ferns grace
the soaring walls. The reward at the end is a friendly waterfall,
suitable for swimming and splashing. It's an amazing place!
It's best visited on a really warm summer day, when the cool water can be
tolerated and is flowing at a low level.
While thousands of people each year make this hike, you need to
decide if you and your child are up for it. There are a few
logs to climb and water to wade, but the reward is well worth it.
NOTE:
This is a short but challenging and adventurous hike. It involves scrambling
over a substantial logjam and wading in cold water up to possibly
waist deep. Be
ready to carry your kiddo over some of these obstacles. See the
photos below.
Be
sure and bring sandals or shoes that are good for water walking and maybe a walking
stick or trekking/ski pole.
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