Long ago, in what feels like another lifetime, I visited the “real” Niagara Falls between NY & Canada.  My take away from that trip was that the Canadian side was way more fun than the U.S.A side.  Perhaps things have changed though, it has been almost 18-19 years since I was last there.

Mia was partaking in the Reach The Beach ride by doing the 80 mile option from Newberg to Pacific City.  Codi and I dropped her off in the morning and decided to make a day of it by driving out via the Nestucca River Road and hitting up this wicked short hike before dropping over to Pacific City.

My first take away to anyone who may have stumbled upon this blog post during a web search is this….Do not make a special trip all the way out here just to hike this!  This hike is pretty much in the middle of nowhere.  If you’re traveling to/from the coast, camping along Nestucca River Rd or anywhere nearby go ahead and make the side trip.  I had a total of 1.7 miles and 39 minutes of hiking.  I tend to like longer and harder hikes, especially since this would be about 2-2.5 hours of drive time from home.  If you want short and sweet with 2 waterfalls though give it a shot.  That’s my 2 cents.

The 4.5 mile drive up Niagara Rd is pretty narrow and twisty.  This is followed by a 3/4 mile steep descent to parking at the trailhead.  I do not suggest taking your prius, corolla, civic, smart car or other dinky little car out here.  The 3/4 mile descent while not impossible would for sure pose a problem for a small sedan.  Ground clearance on the Subaru was much appreciated.

Just before reaching Niagara Falls you cross a small wooden bridge in front of Pheasant Creek Falls, it reminds me a bit of Ramona Falls.  Then literally less than an additional minute of walking later you come up to the end of the hike and see Niagara Falls.  The Forest Service was kind enough to put a picnic table out here, so codi and I stopped for a bit of a snack and to just admire the cascading falls.

On the way back to the car I was pretty surprised to run into a group of 5-6 hikers coming in.  I definitely did not expect to see anyone else.

Codi and I then took some forest road adventure/exploring time and drove Niagara Rd/Forest Rd 1400 all the way to Hebo and followed 101 into Pacific City to meet up with Mia.

Mia killed it on her 80 mile ride!  I’m super psyched for her, as I think it is her longest ride ever.  We did a 70 mile ride together awhile ago, but nothing this long (yet!).

Well, that is about it.  Thanks for reading,

-Pete