We started up Horsetail Falls Trail #438 ~8:20am, which gains ~300 feet of elevation in ~5 switchbacks. Head left onto the Rock of Ages Trail junction. The Rock Of Ages Trail is not maintained and is somewhat steep, up to Rock Of Ages Arch to about 770' elevation for a breather and views from the Arch is excellent. 35 mins from trailhead. 
Continued climbing along the ridge. Gaining elevation all the way to Devil's Backbone - a mossy spine with fantastic views, including Mt. St. Helens on a clear day (not today).
On all fours! This is the best part of this hike. Too short. Another 35 minutes.Continue up the Devil's Backbone and follow the trail into forest, still on the Rock of Ages trail. We spent sometime looking for the sign of Mystery Trail, which was nailed high on a tree. Illegible. At mile 2.6, re-join Horsetail Creek Trail #425. From here on, all is downhill. Turn right on the Horsetail Creek Trail and cross 3 forks of Horsetail Creek, (East, Middle and West).
Head to the left (south) on to Bell Creek Trail #459, to the more remote areas of the Gorge and lots of fallen trees. Met 2 people altogether. The 3.3 mile Bell Creek Trail loop contains another non-trivial creek crossing. Coming back from Bell Creek Trail, we headed to Oneonta Trail #424. The trail continues past Triple Falls to a junction with Horsetail Falls Trail #438. Turn right here, hike down to Middle Oneonta Falls, past Ponytail Falls and back down the hill to the car.Craig is an excellent leader. Knowledgeable about the trail, and prepares everyone what's coming next. I hitched a ride with Dave and Linda, on the way back, skipped the after hike dinner.
Direction: I-84 exit #28 (Bridal Veil exit). Drive east on the Historic Highway 5.6 miles to Horsetail Falls.
