Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

Patricia Kolberg

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

04/01/22

I was so excited to do this trail only to find out it was closed. I talked to a Hood River Sheriff and he said it will probably never reopen..

1.0

Kevin Hylton

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

05/04/17

I find the reports interesting that the falls were discovered in 2006. I came across the falls in 1986 while walking up Ruckel Creek. I started at Ruckel Falls, at the Old Scenic Highway Bridge, and slowly walked the creek up the gorge being careful not to disturb the surrounding vegetation. It was a very difficult and dangerous creek walk. I had spent nearly 10 years exploring the Eagle Creek area and alot of time around Ruckel Creek, which was largely unknown by the public in the 70's and 80's. As I walked up Ruckel Creek in 86 I was amazed to come upon one of the most beautiful falls I'd seen in the gorge (now known as Mossy Grotto Falls). I think the experience was magnified by the realization that the falls were virtually untouched by man. I can still remember how spectacular the Falls and Grotto were - and even though I have done hundreds of hikes over the years - Mossy Grotto remains as one of the most spectacular - mainly because of the remoteness of the setting. That said, I am saddened to hear how the area has been damaged by heavy use. I was planning to visit the falls again this summer after 31 years, which is what led me to this site. Hearing the heavy damage reports I will not be making the trip. Having grown up in the Columbia River Gorge I have watched man's ever increasing footprint change this area over the years for the worst. I would strongly discourage anyone from attempting to access the falls by way of walking the creek. Not only was my one trek very dangerous, but it would cause the destruction of yet another pristine natural area. I was 19 and foolish at the time and if I had to do over again (though I thought I was being careful not to destroy the landscape) I know better now than to take the risk and hike off trail which inevitably will destroy the natural landscape.

5.0

Dylan Tyler

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

04/27/17

First of all this isn't an intermediate hike. It's off trail, and is essentially hiking down a muddy cliff, that also has rocks that slide when you climb down. Ideally you should have emergency supplies and be an experienced hiker.

4.0

Explorer

Matt Purciel

Explorer

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

11/02/16

I would agree with the reviews below. This fall is not easy to get too and I wouldn't recommend it for a novice. The last time I hiked here I cut in too early (at the last switchback before heading up the hill) and ended up climbing over three falling logs. I also got some poison oak so make sure to wear long pants. There really isn't a trail to get here so it's pretty much bush waking.

5.0

Steve Globetrotter

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

10/31/16

For anyone considering trying to find this waterfall, know this is an EXTREME adventure and not anywhere close to an intermediate hike, and should only be attempted by those experienced with rugged, dangerous off-trail scrambling. First, the round-trip mileage is the listing is wrong: it is actually 3 miles, not 1.6. The journey to the Indian Pits is certainly nothing more than an intermediate hike. From the fish hatchery, walk the paved Historic Old Columbia River Highway (just open to cyclists and hikers) for .5 miles to the Ruckel Creek trailhead, next to the actual creek. From there, hike .8 miles on a good trail on moderate to steep grades away from and far above the creek. Cross the open area under the power lines, continue through the forest until you emerge at the open area of the Indian Pits - a beautiful area in and of itself. That's where the intermediate part ends. From there, indeed a faint but reasonably obvious "path" leads down through the mossy rocks to the edge of a ridge and from there it is a near-vertical scramble over slippery, slick mud, over roots, through very slippery loose rocks and still a lot of down toward the creek. Do not even attempt this unless you are well prepared, with proper hiking boots, trekking poles (an absolute must) and emergency supplies in case you get stuck. The climb back up to the Indian Pits is just as hard as the descent and is VERY difficult as well. Honestly, while the waterfall is very nice, after having done this adventure I didn't think it was really worth the extreme amount of effort to get there as there are many other, more beautiful and much-easier-to-get-to waterfalls in the Gorge than killing yourself with this one. Again, strongly consider if you are experienced, in-shape, have the proper equipment and really want to undertake this, as search and rescue would be a very long wait, if they could even find you if something bad happened.

3.0

Stephanie Windschill

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

10/16/16

Wasn't able to find trail head. Not sure if it was apart of the daily $5 fee from the other park. Need clearer instructions.

1.0