Wildflowers at Eielson Alpine Hike Denali National Park

We went on a ranger led hike to the Eielson Alpine. Its a slightly strenuous hike with 1000ft elevation gain, but the ranger talk made the hike a lot more casual. Top of the hike gives an amazing view of the Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park.

While coming down the hike, clicked some summer flowers and a squirrel on the trail. Not sure of all the names, but the last blue flower is Alaska state flower Forget-me-Not

Adieu,
Divya

Shepperd's Dell & Bridal Veil Falls (Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Part 3)

Third in Columbia River Gorge series is Shepperd's Dell and Bridal Veil Falls.

Shepperd's Dell is a small canyon in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, which is on the road itself. Its nothing grand visually but had read that its an engineering marvel in itself to get a bridge in this section of the gorge,

Bridal veil falls is a very short trail from the parking, and but one of the most beautiful falls in this gorge. At Least this fall unlike many others stands true to its name. One can walk the trail and reach a wooden deck to get the below view. The drop is set beautifully and gives the fall a dramatic look.

Columbia river gorge is home to some of the most beautiful falls, easily accessible from road. The fall colors did give them a new dimension. I had missed on some of the hikes in this region and would come back for sure.

Adieu
Divya

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part II)

Latourell Falls

As you enter the Columbia river gorge, Latourell falls is the first waterfall on the way. Barely visible from the parking area but a very short distance walk to the base of the waterfall.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part I) HERE

Latourell Falls view from the trail head

There is something different about these waterfalls, check the lower picture. Can you figure out anything unusual ?

See those rocks behind the water drop, those are columnar basalt formations. One can easily walk on the side and reach the rock cavity just behind the falls. 

These formations looked very similar to Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Mountain, which I visited sometime back.

Latourell Falls, notice the background

More about other falls in later posts.

Adieu
Divya