There are Less Daylight Hours than Nighttime Darkness.
Get out and explore before the Fall colors are gone. The Gorge has had a beautiful display of colors this Fall that have hung on. October is almost gone, the days are shorter lived than the darkness of the night stretch. It is not too late to grab a last glimpse of those brilliant yellow, orange and red before the rains knock them to the forest floor.
Stay to the lower elevation hikes to capture what is left of the colors of Fall, up higher into Indian Heaven the leaves have already turned brown and dropped. Of course, the lower hikes are usually accessible through some of the Winter, if you want a last chance at Indian Heaven do it before the snow arrives.
Many trails with creeks and waterfalls are starting to pick up their volume with the ending of dry Summer days, but take caution on trails where the dampness the rains have left, not only leave a muddy trail, but loose soil and rocks that can give away.
It is hunting season, you should always stay on a trail, but its a safer idea to wear a bright color or orange vest so you are not mistaken in dark colors for a bear of deer if sighted many yards away in the cross-hairs. Wildlife is abundant and easy to capture a sighting right now, the change of seasons, cooler nights and days have much of the forest on the move. Many animals are forging for the upcoming Winter months, harvesting all the forest has to offer.
Which ever trail you choose, find your passion, make your adventure memorable and feel alive with nature. Do prepare in-case your adventure takes a turn. Hike with a friend, tell others where you plan to head out to, pack the 10 essentials and know the weather can change on you. If you take your 4 legged friend, keep them safe, put an orange bandana on them, keep them leashed with you, don't let them roam free for chance the excitement of seeing a deer leads them off in the brush. Find ecstasy in life and nature. Nature is a true gift with many offerings that can brighten the spirit within.
How will start your adventure? Don't wait, Fall is almost gone.