Oregon by Greyhound • Henline Falls

The Adventure Henline Falls

Location LAT 44.849 N LON 122.33938 W

Date May 24, 2009

Weather 83°, Sunny

Distance 44 miles


Unlike Minnie, Crystal had no problem doing the high hurdle over the downed trees on the trail to Henline Falls.


And Crystal also took the correct trail that led to the falls. We all got a big chuckle when we realized that there was a sign only 15 ft. from where we took the wrong path the week before.

Have I mentioned that I am directionally challenged?


The trail was beautiful. There weren't any downed trees after the fork. It was pretty smooth going, for awhile...


At that point the trail got a whole lot narrower, a little steeper and it was up hill on one side and straight down on the other. It was time to move Crystal to the inside.



Henline Creek finally became visible, but it was a long way down there.


We could hear the falls for quite a while, but when we could finally see it, we knew we were in for a treat.


The trail became a whole lot dicier the closer we got to the falls. There was no turning back now.


Once again, the beauty of Oregon took our breath away.


At the base of the falls was an old silver mine. Besides the opening, the concrete and steel bars were the only remnants of mining activity close to the turn of the century.

The entrance to the mine was open and we had our iPhones loaded with flashlights, but getting Crystal up to the opening just didn't feel safe, so we never ventured that far.

I was surprised to learn that there was at one time a whole mining district in the area.


Henline Falls is part of the Opal Creek Wilderness Area.


To date, this is probably my favorite waterfall. She just begged to have her picture taken.


Climbing down to the base was a trip and a shower. Crystal and Karen stayed up by the concrete slabs while the camera and I went down for a bath. I could barely keep the lens dry in between shots.


The pool at the base was emerald green and crystal clear.



The creek as it exited the falls.


And proof positive that the third time is a charm as Crystal poses in front of Henline Falls.