Trek through a lush wonderland en route to four spectacular waterfalls, countless swimming holes, and postcard-worthy views of the Columbia River Gorge on this 8.8-mile loop.
This Columbia Gorge classic wastes no time warming up: You'll catch awe-inspiring views of the majestic Horsetail Falls before leaving the parking lot. From the trailhead, the route heads west along the Gorge Trail before turning left onto Rock of Ages Trail and continuing the nearly 3,000-foot climb to the hike’s apex. Along this stretch, numerous side trails lead to vistas of the Columbia River Gorge.
After half a mile, turn left to take a quick detour to the picturesque Rock of Ages Arch. Less than 500 feet later, escape from the dense rainforest and hit a rocky outcrop on the spiny Devil’s Backbone ridgeline, catching breathtaking panoramas of the Columbia River and its steep, wooded hillsides.
After 2.4 miles, crest the hike’s high point at 3,000 feet and descend on Horsetail Creek Trail. Hike past several stream crossings before reaching postcard views of Triple Falls near mile 7 and the equally dazzling Oneonta Falls half a mile later. Catch your fourth and final waterfall sighting just 0.5 mile from the trailhead at Ponytail Falls. Finish the trip by returning to Waypoint 3 and turning left toward the trailhead.
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le
TO TRAILHEAD: From Portland, follow I-84 E for 33.2 miles to exit 35 (toward Ainsworth State Park). Turn right onto Historic Columbia River Hwy. In 0.2 mile, turn left to stay on Historic Columbia River Hwy. Go 1.2 miles the Horsetail Falls parking area.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Rock of Ages
Distance: 8.75 mi
Points: 738
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
ROA001
Location: 45.590258, -122.068212
From the parking area along historic US 30, take in spectacular views of the 171-foot Horsetail Falls before heading east on the Horsetail Falls Trail (#438).
ROA002
Location: 45.590288, -122.065562
Hang a right at the Y-junction to switchback up the Gorge Trail (#400).
ROA003
Location: 45.589297, -122.068641
Turn left at the Y-junction onto Rock of Ages Trail (sometimes called Mystery Trail). The trail can be hard to find; look for the sign that reads: "Trail Not Maintained." The ascent from here is strenuous; the steep trail is composed of loose rock, roots, and soil.
ROA004
Location: 45.588621, -122.068030
Bear left at the Y-junction to stay on the Rock of Ages Trail. The right-hand fork leads to a glimpse of Ponytail Falls. Note: Better views of the falls await, as you'll pass Ponytail again on the way home.
ROA005
Location: 45.588373, -122.066206
Bear left at the Y-junction on a 300-foot side trail to reach top-notch views of the Rock of Ages Arch. To continue on, head back to the intersection and turn left on the Rock of Ages Trail.
ROA006
Location: 45.588140, -122.065358
Bear right at the Y-junction to stay on the Rock of Ages Trail, which continues to climb through dense forest to the Devil's Backbone ridgeline.
ROA007
Location: 45.587900, -122.064339
Upon reaching the lesser-traveled Devil's Backbone ridgeline, be prepared to encounter windblown trees blocking the rough trail.
ROA008
Location: 45.587795, -122.063749
Head straight at the 3-way junction to stay on Rock of Ages Trail.
ROA009
Location: 45.581082, -122.031670
Crest the trail's high point (3,000 feet) and turn right at the Y-junction onto Horsetail Creek Trail (#425). From here, the trail descends for the next several miles.
ROA010
Location: 45.576569, -122.035114
Cross the East Fork of Horsetail Creek. The stream's cool water makes this section a refreshing rest point on hot days.
ROA011
Location: 45.573272, -122.036648
Cross the Middle Fork of Horsetail Creek by wading or rock-hopping.
ROA012
Location: 45.571004, -122.037463
Cross the Horsetail Creek for the last time.
ROA013
Location: 45.568480, -122.050263
At the Y-junction, bear right onto Oneonta Trail. Descend approximately 20 switchbacks on this well-maintained stretch of trail.
ROA014
Location: 45.571395, -122.055917
Bear right at the Y-junction to continue on Oneonta Trail. To the left is a short scramble leading to a viewpoint of Oneonta Gorge and Larch Mountain.
ROA015
Location: 45.566355, -122.061303
Cross Oneonta Creek by either rock-hopping or crossing on a fallen tree about 30 feet upstream.
ROA016
Location: 45.566595, -122.061474
Bear right at the Y-junction to bypass the Fanela Ridge and stay on Oneonta Trail.
ROA017
Location: 45.567789, -122.062097
Cross Oneonta Creek on a narrow footbridge.
ROA018
Location: 45.578139, -122.072439
Capture spectacular views of Triple Falls by crossing Oneonta Creek on Triple Falls Bridge.
ROA019
Location: 45.579137, -122.072729
Continue straight at the 3-way junction to stay on Oneonta Trail. Optional: Take a quick detour to the right for a fantastic view of Triple Falls. The magnificent Oneonta Falls is just further down the trail.
ROA020
Location: 45.585993, -122.072793
Bear right at the Y-intersection onto Gorge Trail. At this point, the trail becomes more crowded.
ROA021
Location: 45.585205, -122.073190
Cross Oneonta Creek on a footbridge. On hot days, you'll see other hikers enjoying the creek's cool, refreshing water further downstream.
ROA022
Location: 45.589432, -122.073373
Bypass a side trail leading to vistas of the Columbia River Gorge by bearing right on the Gorge Trail. In about 500 feet you'll reach the stunning Ponytail Falls. To return to the trailhead, hike to Waypoint 3 and bear left.
Oneonta Creek
Location: 45.567534, -122.061796
Horsetail Falls
Location: 45.590265, -122.068073
Rock of Ages Trail Junction
Location: 45.590288, -122.065455
Top of Ponytail Falls
Location: 45.588651, -122.069253
Ponytail Falls
Location: 45.588902, -122.069275
Devil's Backbone Ridgeline Ascent
Location: 45.588583, -122.067010
Rock of Ages Arch
Location: 45.587675, -122.066935
Devil's Backbone Outcrop Vantage Point
Location: 45.586678, -122.063294
Devil's Backbone Ridgeline
Location: 45.585152, -122.050424
East Fork of Horsetail Creek
Location: 45.576569, -122.035006
West Fork of Horsetail Creek
Location: 45.571004, -122.037356
Dense Vegetation
Location: 45.566039, -122.060337
Footbridge: Oneonta Creek
Location: 45.567662, -122.061786
Triple Falls
Location: 45.579152, -122.072557
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