Abiqua Falls

In the Basin of Abiqua Falls.

I got a chance to hike to Abiqua Falls a few weeks ago, when there was a break in the weather long enough not to get rained on.  The falls are part of the same geological formation that makes up Silver Falls State Park, but Abiqua is lesser known and lesser visited since it's much more challenging to get to.  Having never been there before, I wasn't sure exactly where it was on the unmarked logging road.  I parked at the top of a steeper section of the road, where it looked like it had been a creek bed during a heavier downpour.  I wasn't sure how much further down the road the falls were, but I figured I would figure it out on the way.  There were other hikers coming and going from the falls, so I just kept asking them as we passed if they could help with directions.  

I could hear the falls before I could see them, so I figured I was getting closer.  I came across a trail marked by red spray paint on a tree, and headed down into the forest.  As it turns out, this wasn't the main trail below the falls, but a lesser used trail that ends right above the falls.  There was a small section of "trail" that dropped me over a small rock ledge with a small knotted rope to assist in rappelling down to the creek right above the falls.  Nobody else was on this trail, so I had plenty of time to set up some shots without feeling rushed.

There was a smaller waterfall right above the main one, and I spent some time trying to get some nicer images of it.  The water was moving quickly, but I decided to still use my extremely dark filter to help wash out all motion from the waterfall.

On the trail overlooking the carved out amphitheater of Abiqua Falls. It's hard to tell how much of the trail is on an overhang, so I wouldn't venture too much closer to the edge.

Standing above the main falls.

Smaller waterfall right above the main Abiqua Falls. A 3 minute exposure to wash away motion, and f-12 to get more focus depth.

This little waterfall was dwarfed by the much larger waterfall, but was still very pretty.  I also liked how the main creek came out of the narrow gap in the rock, and gave the photo another aspect that added to the overall image.  I tried a couple different angles and couldn't figure out which one I liked more, so I went with both of them.  I was very cautious walking next to the creek; the rocks were moss covered and slippery, and I wasn't so sure that if I fell into the creek that I would be able to drag myself out before going over the main waterfall.

Another closer angle of the creek with a smaller waterfall joining.

Rounding the last bend in the creek.

After spending 40 minutes or so carefully wandering around above the falls, I decided I had pushed my luck and my shoes' grip far enough, and scrabbled back up over the rock ledge and back onto the logging road, and continued down another half a mile or so before coming across the next trail.  This one was a little more well marked than the last trail, with a larger white sign posted on a larger maple tree.  It was still pretty steep at times, with more ropes to balance and support yourself as you slid down along the creek.  It wasn't far from there before I rounded the final corner.

A distant shot of the falls and the storm-swollen creek.

There were a few other people that came and went as I set up some longer exposure shots, but for the most part it wasn't too crowded.  The constant mist coming off of the waterfall made it challenging to keep the lens and filter clear of mist (it was a losing battle), but I managed to get some nicer images before everything was damp.

Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls Side Profile

Abiqua Falls Wide Shot

Abiqua Falls B&W

With the ambient light filtering through the clouds and trees, the exposures were taking around 4 minutes, making me much more selective and precise with the angles in photos that I was looking for.  It also made it much more likely to have a whole bunch of misty spots end up on the lens, and everything was so soaked that I couldn't wipe away the water without leaving more water behind.  All in all, it was a good day for a hike and a pretty waterfall.

Most of these images are also on my smugmug site.  If you like a particular photo and want a print of it (without my name scribbled on it) just click on the image and it should take you to the corresponding page, and Thanks!