Uncharted is a challenge series from Territory Run Co for the Greater Portland area that aims to get you out exploring new areas with pre-planned routes. While each area we highlight may not be new to you, we hope it inspires you to explore some lesser known areas.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Complete one of the listed routes below.

2. Log your run here. Once reviewed, you will receive an email with a merit badge. If you complete between the dates of December 1st - December 31st, this badge of completion awards you $10 in store credit for any Territory products.

3. For each challenge we will also offer a grand prize package. To be entered to win, complete the route between above dates, log it here, and tag us in a photo from your run on instagram.

4. To increase chances of winning grand prize you can also log that you visited post run locations listed below.

We will have Uncharted routes throughout the year and you will be able to collect merit badges from each. 

You can join the Uncharted Strava Group here.

ORNAMENT TRAIL BACKGROUND

It's easy to feel motivated for adventure when the days are long and the weather is warm. The beautiful alpine playgrounds beckon us to come explore. But as we move deeper into winter, there is still adventure to be had. 

Oregon trail runners are no strangers to wet, soggy runs- we don't just tolerate it, we celebrate it. In fact, I would argue some trails are just better in the winter months. As we enter December, I couldn't conceive of a better route than the elusive Ornament Trail.

Despite its proximity to the most visited natural recreations site in the Pacific Northwest, this quirky little trail adorned with Christmas ornaments is unknown to most. A creation of the Trails Club of Oregon, who has a nearby lodge we will see on our route, the trail was originally known as the Toothbrush Trail and consisted of about a quarter mile trail decorated with toothbrushes.

Eventually the trail morphed into the ornament trail. Despite the area being extensively burned in the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, the Ornament Trail was resurrected. Bring along an ornament to add to the collection if you wish- this may become a new holiday tradition for you.

 

Our route starts from the iconic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and it is estimated it sees more than two million visitors each year. I really love this route and the stark contrast of the bustling tourist attraction below with the extreme solitude up high. 

These photos are from November 16th of this year. I would expect some snow on the route, adding to the magic. Make sure to be prepared for variable weather.

---

13 Mile Route GPX File

Starting from the I-84 parking lot for Multnomah Falls, we will dodge tourists up through the semi-paved switchbacks to the top of the falls. Stay on the paved path at our first junction with the Gorge 400 Trail. Once we are at the top of the falls we will begin a brief descent to Multnomah Creek, crossing over a stone bridge.

Continue to climb alongside the creek, eventually coming to a series of beautiful waterfalls (Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, and Ecola Falls). 

Soon you will reach a junction where Larch Mountain Trail and Wahkeena Trail connect. If you are familiar with this area you may be tempted to take the more direct route using Larch Mountain Trail. Unfortunately, a recent washout has closed this section of the Larch Mountain Trail. We will take the Wahkeena Trail to bypass this sketchy washout. 

The Wahkeena Trail trends westward, paralleling the Columbia River below. When we reach a 4-way intersection we will take a left to head up the Devils Rest Trail. As our climb begins to flatten out and we are on the ridge, keep a keen eye out for a connector Trail to our left. We are going to take this short connector to hop onto Multnomah Basin Road.

Once on Multnomah Basin Road we are going to follow the road bed, eventually intersecting Larch Mountain Trail. At this intersection we will continue straight, staying on the road. Follow the road as it makes a hairpin turn, passing the first trail on our left. Shortly ahead there will be another trail on our left and this is the Ornament Trail. 

The trail is short and still recovering from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, but it is a worthwhile side trip on this beautiful route. The trail will spit you back out onto Multnomah Basin Road. We will continue on the road, heading towards Nesika Lodge, home of the Trails Club of Oregon. 

We'll wrap around the road and past the lodge, hopping on a trail as you pass the bunk houses on your right. You will pass through a little open garden gate and soon see a sign for Cougar Rock on your right. Follow this fun little loop trail that is absent from many maps. About halfway through the loop there is a short little out and back to Cougar Rock. 

As the loop exits the burn area into mossy green forest, the trail looks as if you were in a fairy tale. This trail will eventually pop you back out onto the hairpin turn we passed earlier on Multnomah Basin Road. We will get back on the road heading back past the junction with the Larch Mountain Trail. 

Continue on Multnomah Basin Road all the way back to our little connector trail and take it back to the Devils Rest Trail. We will take a right heading back down to the 4-way junction. At the junction we will take a left to continue onto the Wahkeena Trail. Pretty soon we will hit yet another junction, this time with the Angel's Rest Trail. We will be taking a right to continue descending on the Wahkeena Trail, but if you are in need of water, there is an incredible spring just a short distance past the junction on the Angel's Rest Trail. 

We will descend wide switchbacks along Wahkeena creek before the trail straightens between a tight gorge. We will pass through the beautiful Fairy Falls on this descent. Soon we will reach a viewpoint looking down on the tight, paved switchbacks below and out towards the Columbia. You will notice more and more people on the trail as you continue descending, eventually crossing the bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. 

We will take one more long switchback that has us running briefly next to the historic highway and hopping onto the Gorge 400 trail often labeled as the Multnomah Lodge Return trail from this point. Take the short rolling trail and grab a coffee and giant cookie at the concession stand to top off a wonderful day.