It was my day off, and most to all my friends were either working or were out of town for the weekend. I figured it would be an ideal day for a solo hike. After looking through my travel journal, I decided to finally cross Marion Falls off the list. Located off Highway 22 in the Willamette National Forest near the edge of Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Marion Falls is a lesser-known waterfall at the end of a 5-mile out-and-back hike. The site has a $5 parking fee and requires a Wilderness self-issue permit. With some quick research, I found the directions, packed a small lunch, and I was off!
A light detour to “hang out” on a small bridge a few miles from the trailhead.
The beginning of the Marion Lake trailhead.
The view after a couple miles of hiking.
At the base of Marion Lake I enjoyed the sweet company of solitude.
Where I watched fish jump out from the water.
I scrambled along rocks in search of the perfect lunch spot — and this viewpoint was just right.
After sandwiches and trail mix, I returned to the main trail to find what I originally came for: the falls. Marion Outlet Trail #3495 spurs out from the main trail and is a little less defined than the first path.
All I can say is that the falls did not disappoint.
Thankful for the opportunity to see and experience such power within nature.
I stood back to behold the full beauty of Marion Falls before returning home for the night.
