Steve Globetrotter

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.

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