Metlako Falls is located on the Eagle Creek trail in the Columbia Gorge.  This trail is one of Oregon's most popular hikes, and for good reason.  Eagle Creek forms its own spectacular gorge as it travels toward its confluence with the Columbia River.  Near the river it is a rainforest environment, but after a climb of fourteen miles and 4000 feet it ends at Wahtum Lake in a subalpine fir forest on the slopes of Mt. Hood.  The creek is a refuge for salmon, and home of some of the first wildflower meadows to bloom in the spring.  

Early in November 2000 I hiked the lower portion of the trail.  Salmon were spawning in the river, splashing as they made their way upstream.  The bigleaf maples were turning golden and were a perfect complement to the falls' graceful arch.  This photo is very sharp and the detail revealed in the delicate lichens, moss, and leaves creates a feeling of amazement, as if this scene could only exist in a dream.