A Trek With Eagle Energy

"At the Eagle Creek Trailhead"  photo by Lee G Young, © 2014

If you want to experience things from a new perspective, any eagle knows it’s best to ascend to higher ground. If you need clarity for making choices, all eagles know that vision is enhanced by the overall pattern they can see from that upper vantage point. So if you believe you are more than you appear to be, take heart and gather “eagle” courage, as you trek up beyond the horizon of what is presently visible in your life. Yes, put on your hiking boots and grab your walking stick and head for the creek…. Eagle Creek, that is, for the 15th hike of this blog.

"The Eagle Creek Canyon, as seen from a footbridge."  photo by Carol E Fairbanks, © 2014

While I didn’t see an eagle while on my 16 mile hike on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge area, I did observe that this path definitely personifies the attributes of that majestic raptor. Described as one of Oregon’s most spectacular trails, its gradual 1200 foot ascent takes you up through a rugged canyon past half a dozen dazzling waterfalls, just like the slow flight upward of a soaring eagle. As you steadily follow this trail to higher elevations, you soon experience yourself hovering high above the creek and notice that your “vision” has become expansive, as you look toward the distant horizon. And in remembering safe practices for this journey, you need to be sure to keep an “eagle eye” on the rocky cliffside paths to maintain stability, always making sure you use the metal wire handrails imbedded in the cliffs.

"Railings add to the safety of hiking this trail."  photo by Lee G Young, © 2014

The Eagle Creek Trail is not a new trail that has been recently built for outdoor enthusiasts. It was actually built in the 1910’s to accompany the opening of the historic Columbia River Highway. It’s considered by many to be an engineering marvel, as is the physical body of the eagle. To maintain an easy grade upward on this trail through the rocky, rugged canyon, the builders had to blast ledges out of sheer cliffs. The meandering flow of Eagle Creek also required the construction of numerous foot bridges through the colossal gorge. And those daring builders even chipped a tunnel through solid rock behind the magnificent 120 foot Tunnel Falls to add to the thrill of this exciting hike.

"At Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail." photo by Lee G Young, © 2014

Just as the behavior of the eagle demonstrates the wisdom of waiting patiently upon a solid foundation before trying to soar, so the Eagle Creek Trail gives hikers an opportunity to rely on their vision, while staying grounded on the trail as it traverses this challenging terrain. Those handrails along the rock walls are an important reminder to be fully aware, as you carefully move along those jagged rocks and look down into the canyon at the creek far below.

"Rock slides make this trail more challenging."  photo by Lee G Young, © 2014

This trail requires a willingness of each hiker to follow his vision carefully, in the midst of those challenges that present themselves. However, the eagle, who skillfully snatches opportunities as they arise, teaches us that having keen vision is only part of the creative process. The eagle, with his incredible self discipline, never wastes valuable energy, as he uses his remarkable vision to guide his skillful actions. You also can become empowered, as you imitate those eagle behaviors on this trail through strengthening your self discipline and sharpening your focus. This trail requires you to continually make choices, based on what you see, and to seize every opportunity in order to ensure a safe passage on your hike.

"A path carved out of solid rock."  photo by Lee G Young, © 2014

To complete a long trek on the Eagle Creek Trail demands considerable energy and endurance, but it also gives back to you by instilling a greater sense of personal power within. You know yourself better after hiking such a challenging trail. You believe in your abilities and trust those valuable resources that reside at your center. You have made the 1200 foot ascent up toward the “sky,” yet have stayed grounded and connected to the Earth. Like the eagle, you are now a symbol of great power - a power not used to dominate - but rather a creative power of manifesting the goodness of who you really are. A new dimension of your life unfolds, as the “eagle” in you “takes flight.” And as you “soar” above your fears and misconceptions, you become the bearer of a new, positive creative force in the world. In becoming more of your true self on this trail, you, my friend, are finding the real “treasure” of Eagle Creek Trail.

"Contemplating my "inner eagle", as I cool my feet in the creek."  photo by Carol E Fairbanks, © 2014