Head the Trail Signs: A Cautionary Story from the Gorge
The news reported on another tragic hiking accident. Typically we hear about falls along the Oregon and Washington trails during the Spring and Fall when new rain causes the ground to become slippery and unstable, as well as when visibility can become poor quickly. It is always unfortunate when we get word of someone who died while hiking when conditions are relatively good.
A yet unidentified man in his forties was hiking on Tuesday at Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge when he fell nearly 250 feet and died. The man is believed to have been hiking alone when he crossed the barriers and walked 20 or more feet to the edge of the falls.
Even if everything seems safe, please understand fellow hikers, that those barriers have been placed on the trail for a reason. They are there to protect you, not to deter you from having fun. The professionals who work to make those parks safe understand the terrain and potential dangers in those areas.
Read the signs. Obey the signs. Have fun.
