Elowah Falls, Waterfall in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon.
Elowah Falls is a waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge where McCord Creek drops over basalt cliffs into a large natural pool. Steep stone walls frame the cascade, and dense forest surrounds the entire formation.
The site was shaped by ancient lava flows that created the basalt formations. A major wildfire in 2017 changed the landscape, but the forest has been regenerating since then.
The place is named after John B. Yeon, a conservationist who worked to protect this area. Visitors today experience the network of maintained trails that connect different waterfalls through the surrounding forest.
The hiking trail is about 2 kilometers round trip and starts from a parking area next to Interstate 84. The path rises gently and is well maintained, making it accessible for most visitors.
The waterfall formed through geological processes that worked over millions of years, layering different types of rock. Today the cliff face around the falls clearly shows these distinct layers.
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