Oneonta #424 Horsetail Ponytail & Triple Falls, OR

Oneonta Trail begins at Oneonta West Trailhead on the Historic Columbia River Highway. This is the most demanding trail of the three direct routes up Larch Mountain, due to a steep grade and the need to ford Oneonta Creek (which can be fairly dry during summer and late fall).


There are four waterfalls in Oneonta Gorge. The Lower Falls, which drains into a narrow slot canyon, is not visible from the trail. Middle Falls is visible from the trail. The upper falls are about 1 mile upstream from the middle falls and require climbing down a canyon wall to view. After approximately 1.7 miles you will reach Triple Falls, which can be seen from a vantage point on the upper trails in the canyon. Hiking to Triple falls would make a good day hike and is just over 4 miles roundtrip.With waterfalls, steep creek-weathered basalt cliffs, and good camping spots, Oneonta Trail has many great elements for an overnight trip. Please consult a good, up-to-date map when planning your hike and Leave No Trace.

This trail is within Mark O Hatfield Wilderness from Horsetail Falls Trail #438 to Multnomah Creek Way #444, which means bikes are prohibited and additional wilderness restrictions apply. Mountain Biking is only between the summit of Larch Mountain until the wilderness begins at Multnomah Creek Way Trail #444.

Oneonta Trail ends at Larch Mountain Road 0.3 miles south of Larch Mountain Picnic Area. For one of the most far-ranging views in the Columbia River Gorge, continue from Larch Mountain parking for another 0.3 miles along a trail that leads to Sherrard Point.

Backpacking
This hike begins at Oneonta West Trailhead, and connects with a number of other trails for short or long day hikes. Consult a good up-to-date map when planning your trip and bring the 10 Hiking Essentials.

Day Hiking
This hike begins at Oneonta West Trailhead, and connects with a number of other trails for short or long day hikes. Combining this trail with Horsetail Falls is a popular loop hike. Hiking to Triple falls makes a good day hike, at just over 4 miles roundtrip. If you plan to explore longer hikes by connecting to other trails, please bring the 10 essentials. Note: Several guidebooks and blogs mistakenly refer to the creek at Oneonta Gorge as "Oneonta Trail"; however, Oneonta Gorge is NOT an official trail.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot