Terrified of heights and it was horrifying and wonderful the whole time. Maybe one too many switchbacks.

The advisory about the eroded sections is a little understated. These take some exertion and two hands to get through, including at least one spot that requires a minor technical maneuver to get across a gap, or a brief climb up a 10-foot rock wall. (There are good hand and footholds to get up that way.) Otherwise this trail is magnificent and not heavily traveled after the waterfalls, and especially after the false summit, which some people seem to mistake for the actual summit. By all means complete the loop so you can enjoy the views from the saddle. This also allows you to avoid going down those eroded sections, which would increase the hazard threat. I took an additional loop past the saddle, up and around Don's Cutoff Trail--a nice forested loop that lets you avoid walking down the old road for a bit, if you're like me and prefer trails to roads.

7.5 miles, about 2000 feet of elevation
Beautiful day with clear skies. We had a late start so it was hot for sure! The trail is seriously eroded in places, but it never felt unsafe going up. I was grateful for the gradual decline around the loop!

Enjoyed the waterfalls, and we could see the Columbia river basin. Do continue on to the saddle as it gives a sense of the overall landscape.

I went counterclockwise and started around 8:30am - a good time to start and still get parking. There's a nice and clean bathroom with running water at the trailhead here.

Pool of the Winds was gorgeous and hiking up the main shorter trail is visually stunning. Basalt cliffs and phenomenal views tie in with an adventurous trail that winds through forest and has eroding bits on steep hillsides and fun rocky segments. The summit views are honestly underwhelming due to thicker vegetation than the view from many of the basalt rocks along the way. Lots of thimbleberry along the trail up to the summit.

The downhill bit on the equestrian trail (just an old dirt road) and Hardy Creek is less impressive, but is pleasant enough and shaded and the gradual descent may be easier on the knees and reduce the risk of slipping. Bugs along the Hardy Creek trail were annoying. I don't even know what they were, tiny gnat things flying into my eyes, not necessarily biting at all.

For a fun finale, hiked up Beacon Rock too, which was packed and offered nice views of the river.

Nice hike! Somebody(s) got super creative carving this route up through steep and steeper terrain. As like much of the Columbia Gorge this hike moves through old basalt flows that are huge lichen crusted and flower strewn cliffs.

We started later in the day and though the lot was full, we didn’t see that many people. Rodney Falls and its ’Pool of the Winds’ side trail were amazing! To only hike to this point is worth it in its own. The trail continues on upward, steeply, thankfully shaded much of the way.

We chose from the summit to take the longer, lower angle route backdown. The trail was through shaded forest and was very well groomed by the State Park’s folks.

7.5 miles, 2700’ gain, fantastic views of the Gorge, 40+ wildflowers.