Hike a gentle trail along a raging river. Perfect for evening and early morning strolls. Perfect for introducing children to the wonders of nature. Perfect for stretching your legs out on the way to Heather Meadows. Perfect for watching diving dippers and daring river kayakers. And perfect for staring into tumultuous rapids. But a terrible place for carrying on a conversation-the river's roar is deafening, its allure oh-so intoxicating.

Despite being easy to walk, near a popular campground, and offering access to a spectacular wild river, Horseshoe Bend surprisingly is not a terribly busy trail. Don't be stunned to find a handful of vehicles at the trailhead, however; the trail may be deserted, but the river may not be. This is a popular launch and take-out for river runners. And don't expect peace and quiet either. As the river plunges over boulders and ledges and squeezes through chasms it lets out thunderous roars.

Head upstream, first on a wide and well-groomed path, then up a nice stairway to more standard tread. Cross a big rocky draw that may or may not be harboring water. Then drop down to a bench perched on a riverfront ledge granting fine viewing of big boulders being bashed by a furious river. Continue upstream, meandering around big firs, big cedars, and big boulders, to big views of big rapids. Look for dippers, robin-sized birds who dig the rapids, looking for morsels in the milky glacial waters.

After about 1 mile the trail briefly climbs, coming to an old road beneath a powerline. This is far enough for most visitors. But if you want go to the actual Horseshoe Bend, continue on rougher tread another 0.2 mile to a point high above the raucous river. Turn around and enjoy the river show one more time.