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Difference between revisions of "Columbia River Gorge Hikes"

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

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<b><font color=red>[https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/crgnsa/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD715553 COVID-19 CLOSURE]: All trails between Angels Rest and Ainsworth remain closed until further notice because crowded conditions may facilitate transmission of the novel coronavirus. In addition, certain other trailheads in different parts of Oregon and Washington are still closed. See the latest reopenings for the [https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/crgnsa/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD745055 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area].</font color></b>
  
 
<b><font color=red>NOTICE: Most trails between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. In addition, the lower section of the Wyeth Trail is closed because of fire damage. Please check the map showing [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd574101.pdf  Columbia Gorge trail closures] before you plan for a hike.</font color></b>
 
<b><font color=red>NOTICE: Most trails between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. In addition, the lower section of the Wyeth Trail is closed because of fire damage. Please check the map showing [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd574101.pdf  Columbia Gorge trail closures] before you plan for a hike.</font color></b>
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===Cape Horn Area===
 
===Cape Horn Area===
 
{{GuideArea}}
 
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{{GuideSub|Cape Horn}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Cape Horn Loop Hike|7.4|1230|Seasonal trail loop in the western Gorge with spectacular clifftop views and a waterfall}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Cape Horn Loop Hike|7.4|1230|Seasonal trail loop in the western Gorge with spectacular clifftop views and a waterfall}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Cape Horn Overlooks Hike|5.2|1185|All season hiking options to several overlooks on Cape Horn}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Cape Horn Overlooks Hike|5.2|1185|All season hiking options to several overlooks on Cape Horn}}
{{GuideLineM|Archer Mountain Hike|6.4|2145|Take user routes to clifftop viewpoints and the top of Archer Mountain}}
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{{GuideSubEnd}}
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{{GuideSub|Archer Mountain/Duncan Creek}}
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{{GuideLineM|Archer Mountain Hike|4.4|2000|Take user routes to clifftop viewpoints and the top of Archer Mountain}}
 
{{GuideLineE|St. Cloud Loop Hike|1.0|25|A universal access trail through an old apple orchard and to the Columbia shore}}
 
{{GuideLineE|St. Cloud Loop Hike|1.0|25|A universal access trail through an old apple orchard and to the Columbia shore}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Sams Walker Loop Hike|1.1|15|A stroll around an old farm meadow on the banks of the Columbia}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Sams Walker Loop Hike|1.1|15|A stroll around an old farm meadow on the banks of the Columbia}}
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{{GuideLineM|Duncan Creek Hike|4.3|1100|Hike up a creek of waterfalls through lush green forest}}
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{{GuideLineE|Nellie Corser Loop Hike|0.8|275|Loop through lush forest to a series of cascades on the East Fork Duncan Creek}}
 
{{GuideSubEnd}}
 
{{GuideSubEnd}}
  
  
  
===Multnomah Falls Area===
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=== Larch Mountain ===
 
{{GuideArea}}
 
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{{GuideSub|Larch Mountain Road}}
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{{GuideLineE|Pepper Mountain Hike|2.6|700|Follow an abandoned lookout road to the top of a Boring volcano}}
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{{GuideLineE|Buck Creek on Larch Mountain Hike|1.8|310|Trail on BLM land descends to a quiet creek in lush forest}}
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{{GuideSub|Larch Mountain Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideSub|Larch Mountain Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain Crater Hike|5.9|1310|Explore meadows in the crater of an extinct volcano}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain Crater Hike|5.9|1310|Explore meadows in the crater of an extinct volcano}}
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=== Waterfall Corridor ===
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{{GuideArea}}
 
{{GuideSub|Mist Falls Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideSub|Mist Falls Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Mist Falls Hike|0.5|335|Very rough boot path on loose scree to the base of Oregon's second highest waterfall}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Mist Falls Hike|0.5|335|Very rough boot path on loose scree to the base of Oregon's second highest waterfall}}
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{{GuideSub|Horsetail Falls Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideSub|Horsetail Falls Trailhead}}
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{{GuideLineEF|Ponytail Falls Hike|0.8|320|Short switchbacking hike to a walk-behind waterfall}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Horsetail Falls Loop Hike|2.6|610|Nice lower elevation loop for beginners}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Horsetail Falls Loop Hike|2.6|610|Nice lower elevation loop for beginners}}
{{GuideLineEF|Ponytail Falls Hike|0.8|360|Short steep hike to a walk-behind waterfall}}
 
 
{{GuideLineD|Rock of Ages Loop Hike|10.0|3000|Scramble up an unmaintained trail past unique rock features}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Rock of Ages Loop Hike|10.0|3000|Scramble up an unmaintained trail past unique rock features}}
 
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{{GuideSub|Table Mountain Area}}
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{{GuideSub|North Bonneville}}
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{{GuideLineE|Hamilton Creek Loop Hike|2.3|75|Loop in the town of North Bonneville offering Gorge views and Bigfoot families}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Strawberry Island Loop Hike|3.2|150|Loop around a former island with great views to Gorge features on both sides of the Columbia}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Strawberry Island Loop Hike|3.2|150|Loop around a former island with great views to Gorge features on both sides of the Columbia}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Fort Cascades Hike|1.5|20|Historic hike with restored displays}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Fort Cascades Hike|1.5|20|Historic hike with restored displays}}
{{GuideLineE|Gillette Lake Hike|5.4|630|Easy trail to a green lake under power lines}}
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{{GuideSubEnd}}
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{{GuideSub|Table Mountain Area}}
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{{GuideLineE|Gillette Lake Hike|5.6|650|Easy hike along the PCT to a green lake near power lines}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Aldrich Butte Hike|13.8|2405|Lengthy hike to a historic viewpoint}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Aldrich Butte Hike|13.8|2405|Lengthy hike to a historic viewpoint}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Aldrich Butte-Cedar Falls Loop Hike|16.4|3105|Strenuous hike to forgotten trails near Hamilton Creek}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Aldrich Butte-Cedar Falls Loop Hike|16.4|3105|Strenuous hike to forgotten trails near Hamilton Creek}}
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{{GuideLineD|Table Mountain North Ridge Hike|19.5|4350|Full day hike up Table Mountain and then north to the saddle below South Birkenfeld}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Table Mountain North Ridge Hike|19.5|4350|Full day hike up Table Mountain and then north to the saddle below South Birkenfeld}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Fort Rains Hike|1.6|40|Flat hike on an historic right-of-way}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Fort Rains Hike|1.6|40|Flat hike on an historic right-of-way}}
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{{GuideLineE|Skamania Lodge Loop Hike|3.3|310|Loop around the the wooded perimeter of Skamania Lodge's golf course}}
 
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{{GuideSub|Wahclella Falls Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideSub|Wahclella Falls Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Munra Point from Wahclella Hike|5|2000|Shorter approach to a great 360 degree viewpoint}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Munra Point from Wahclella Hike|5|2000|Shorter approach to a great 360 degree viewpoint}}
{{GuideLineEF|Wahclella Falls Hike|2.0|200|Easy, pretty hike to a beautiful waterfall}}
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{{GuideLineEF|Wahclella Falls Hike|2.4|320|Easy, pretty hike to a beautiful waterfall}}
 
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{{GuideSub|Herman Creek Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideSub|Herman Creek Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Herman Creek Pinnacles Hike|5.0|1000|Easy hike past a waterfall to an interesting basalt formation}}
 
{{GuideLineE|Herman Creek Pinnacles Hike|5.0|1000|Easy hike past a waterfall to an interesting basalt formation}}
{{GuideLineD|Benson Plateau Loop Hike|16.2|4080|Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail up to Benson Plateau}}
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{{GuideLineD|Benson Plateau Loop Hike|16.4|4030|Take the Pacific Crest Trail to explore the Benson Plateau}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Wahtum Lake via Pacific Crest Trail Hike|33.8|6010|Long in and out hike across the Benson Plateau to Wahtum Lake}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Wahtum Lake via Pacific Crest Trail Hike|33.8|6010|Long in and out hike across the Benson Plateau to Wahtum Lake}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Herman Creek-Wyeth Hike|10.8|2175|Low level in and out hike using the easternmost section of the Gorge Trail}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Herman Creek-Wyeth Hike|10.8|2175|Low level in and out hike using the easternmost section of the Gorge Trail}}
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{{GuideSub|Mitchell Point Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideSub|Mitchell Point Trailhead}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Mitchell Point Hike|2.6|1270|Rustic path to a sweeping viewpoint with wildflower show in spring}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Mitchell Point Hike|2.6|1270|Rustic path to a sweeping viewpoint with wildflower show in spring}}
{{GuideLineM|Wygant Peak Hike|6.0|1200|Forest trail past a series of fine viewpoints}}
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{{GuideLineM|Wygant Peak Hike|9.2|2365|Ascending forest trail past a series of fine viewpoints over the Columbia Gorge}}
{{GuideLineM|Chetwoot Loop Hike|5.5|1000|Abandoned, overgrown trail past viewpoints and a creek}}
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{{GuideLineM|Chetwoot Loop Hike|5.5|1000|Abandoned, overgrown trail: experienced bushwhackers only}}
 
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{{GuideLineMF|Mud Lake Hike|7.4|1400|Moderate hike to a secluded lake below Waucoma Ridge}}
 
{{GuideLineMF|Mud Lake Hike|7.4|1400|Moderate hike to a secluded lake below Waucoma Ridge}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Tomlike Mountain Hike|6.8|1565|Take a user trail along the wide open Woolly Horn Ridge}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Tomlike Mountain Hike|6.8|1565|Take a user trail along the wide open Woolly Horn Ridge}}
{{GuideLineMF|Chinidere Mountain Hike|5.6|1140|Wahtum Lake and views from Chinidere summit}}
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{{GuideLineMF|Chinidere Mountain Loop Hike|4.4|1140|Wahtum Lake and views from Chinidere summit}}
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{{GuideLineD|Wahtum Lake to Benson Plateau Hike|13.2|2780|Ridge hike using the Pacific Crest Trail to reach the Benson Plateau}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Indian Mountain Loop Hike|11.5|2640|Old growth forest, a mountain lake, springs, wildflowers and spectacular views}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Indian Mountain Loop Hike|11.5|2640|Old growth forest, a mountain lake, springs, wildflowers and spectacular views}}
 
{{GuideSubEnd}}
 
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{{GuideSub|Dog Mountain Area}}
 
{{GuideSub|Dog Mountain Area}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Wind Mountain Hike|3.0|1000|Easy climb to historic vision quest site}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Wind Mountain Hike|3.0|1000|Easy climb to historic vision quest site}}
{{GuideLineDF|Dog Mountain Hike|6.9|2800|Popular and tough hike to 360 summit.  Abundant May/June wildflowers}}
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{{GuideLineM|Dog Mountain Hike|6.9|2800|Popular hike to spring flower meadows high above the Columbia River}}
{{GuideLineD|Dog Mountain Loop Hike|7.4|2800|Longer hike to the top of Dog Mountain.  Abundant May/June wildflowers}}
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{{GuideLineM|Dog Mountain Loop Hike|7.4|2800|Longer loop hike to the top of Dog Mountain using the Augspurger Trail}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Augspurger Mountain Hike|12.6|4770|Adventurous hike on little used trail to great Gorge viewpoint}}
 
{{GuideLineD|Augspurger Mountain Hike|12.6|4770|Adventurous hike on little used trail to great Gorge viewpoint}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Cook Hill Loop Hike|8.8|2930|Hike unofficial trails and old logging roads to the summit of Cook Hill}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Cook Hill Loop Hike|8.8|2930|Hike unofficial trails and old logging roads to the summit of Cook Hill}}
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{{GuideSub|The Dalles Area}}
 
{{GuideSub|The Dalles Area}}
 
{{GuideLineE|The Dalles Riverfront Hike|6.6|100|Paved riverside hike on basalt scablands}}
 
{{GuideLineE|The Dalles Riverfront Hike|6.6|100|Paved riverside hike on basalt scablands}}
{{GuideLineE|Chenoweth Tableland Hike|4.5|870|Hike along a Dalles Formation rim above the city of The Dalles}}
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{{GuideLineE|Chenoweth Tableland Loop Hike|3.5|620|Hike along a Dalles Formation rim and explore a Mima mound plateau}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Sevenmile Hill Loop Hike|4.8|1260|Cross-country ramble up open slopes: brilliant display of wildflowers in spring}}
 
{{GuideLineM|Sevenmile Hill Loop Hike|4.8|1260|Cross-country ramble up open slopes: brilliant display of wildflowers in spring}}
 
{{GuideSubEnd}}
 
{{GuideSubEnd}}

Revision as of 16:32, 9 July 2020

Cape Horn AreaCrown Point AreaMultnomah Falls AreaBeacon Rock AreaEagle Creek AreaWaucoma Ridge AreaDog Mountain AreaStarvation Creek AreaCatherine Creek AreaRowena AreaGorgeIndex.JPG
About this image



COVID-19 CLOSURE: All trails between Angels Rest and Ainsworth remain closed until further notice because crowded conditions may facilitate transmission of the novel coronavirus. In addition, certain other trailheads in different parts of Oregon and Washington are still closed. See the latest reopenings for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

NOTICE: Most trails between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. In addition, the lower section of the Wyeth Trail is closed because of fire damage. Please check the map showing Columbia Gorge trail closures before you plan for a hike.

Contents

Trans-Gorge Hikes


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Mark O. Hatfield Trail Difficult 60.0 13,500 Five-night backpack through the Hatfield Wilderness


Crown Point Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Columbia River Bottomlands
Lewis and Clark Park Hike Easy 3.0 100 Noisy hike under Broughton Bluff and to climbing walls
Sandy River Delta Loop Hike Easy 4.4 40 Flat loop from a popular dog park to the Columbia and Sandy Rivers
Rooster Rock Wagon Road Hike Easy 4.8 910 Descend a forest road track in the bowl between Chanticleer and Crown Points
Young Creek Bottomland Hike Easy 4.3 40 Visit Mirror Lake and then hike along boggy Young Creek
Rooster Rock Loop Hike Easy 3.0 100 Shaded path to a riverside monolith and a forest covered sand dune


Historic Highway Waterfalls
Featured.GIF Latourell Falls Loop Hike Easy 2.4 625 Hike a loop trail up a creek to see two beautiful waterfalls
Shepperds Dell Hike Easy 0.2 45 Paved stroll below basalt cliffs to a pretty multi-tiered waterfall
Bridal Veil Falls Hike Easy 1.4 205 See a two-tiered waterfall, views from basalt bluffs, and the site of an old mill


Angels Rest Trailhead
Featured.GIF Angels Rest Hike Moderate 4.8 1475 Outstanding rocky promontory with expansive views of the Columbia Gorge
Angels Rest-Devils Rest Loop Hike Moderate 10.8 3040 A forested loop from Angels Rest to Devils Rest via Wahkeena Spring


Cape Horn Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Cape Horn
Cape Horn Loop Hike Moderate 7.4 1230 Seasonal trail loop in the western Gorge with spectacular clifftop views and a waterfall
Cape Horn Overlooks Hike Moderate 5.2 1185 All season hiking options to several overlooks on Cape Horn


Archer Mountain/Duncan Creek
Archer Mountain Hike Moderate 4.4 2000 Take user routes to clifftop viewpoints and the top of Archer Mountain
St. Cloud Loop Hike Easy 1.0 25 A universal access trail through an old apple orchard and to the Columbia shore
Sams Walker Loop Hike Easy 1.1 15 A stroll around an old farm meadow on the banks of the Columbia
Duncan Creek Hike Moderate 4.3 1100 Hike up a creek of waterfalls through lush green forest
Nellie Corser Loop Hike Easy 0.8 275 Loop through lush forest to a series of cascades on the East Fork Duncan Creek


Larch Mountain


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Larch Mountain Road
Pepper Mountain Hike Easy 2.6 700 Follow an abandoned lookout road to the top of a Boring volcano
Buck Creek on Larch Mountain Hike Easy 1.8 310 Trail on BLM land descends to a quiet creek in lush forest


Larch Mountain Trailhead
Larch Mountain Crater Hike Moderate 5.9 1310 Explore meadows in the crater of an extinct volcano
Sherrard Point Hike Easy 0.6 170 Brief stair climb to a spectacular viewpoint.


Waterfall Corridor


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Mist Falls Trailhead
Mist Falls Hike Moderate 0.5 335 Very rough boot path on loose scree to the base of Oregon's second highest waterfall


Wahkeena Trailhead
Devils Rest via Wahkeena Hike Moderate 8.4 2350 Hike up a pretty creek to a Gorge summit with nearby views
Fairy Falls Loop Hike Moderate 3.4 1495 Steep hike up Wahkeena Creek to a pretty waterfall and copious spring
Featured.GIF Wahkeena Falls Hike Moderate 1.4 600 A paved trail past the falls to a viewpoint


Multnomah Falls Trailhead
Featured.GIF Multnomah Falls Hike Moderate 2.6 870 Take paved switchbacks to the top of Oregon's highest waterfall
Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop Hike Moderate 4.9 1600 A classic short loop that visits numerous waterfalls
Cougar Rock via Elevator Shaft Hike Difficult 6.7 1860 Lost trail up talus slope to unique outcrop
Larch Mountain Hike Difficult 14.4 4010 Hike a trail of many falls to a majestic 360 degree viewpoint


Oneonta Trailhead
Bell Creek Loop Hike Difficult 14.5 3330 Lessor used trail through varied forests, creeks
Larch Mountain via Oneonta Trail Hike Difficult 17.2 4400 Longer, quieter option to the top of Larch Mountain
Featured.GIF Triple Falls Hike Moderate 3.2 610 Lush forest hike to a beautiful unique falls


Oneonta Gorge Trailhead
Featured.GIF Oneonta Gorge Hike Moderate 1.0 0 Wade up creek to spectacular hidden waterfall


Horsetail Falls Trailhead
Featured.GIF Ponytail Falls Hike Easy 0.8 320 Short switchbacking hike to a walk-behind waterfall
Horsetail Falls Loop Hike Easy 2.6 610 Nice lower elevation loop for beginners
Rock of Ages Loop Hike Difficult 10.0 3000 Scramble up an unmaintained trail past unique rock features


Ainsworth Picnic Area
Ainsworth Loop Hike Easy 0.4 150 Easy nature loop for kids over 8


John B Yeon Trailhead
Featured.GIF Elowah Falls Hike Easy 1.4 280 Easy hike to an impressive falls
Munra Point from Yeon Trailhead Hike Moderate 7.4 2270 Fun, difficult scramble to a 360 viewpoint
Upper McCord Creek Falls Hike Easy 2.0 400 Moderate hike to a viewpoints and waterfall
Nesmith Point Hike Difficult 10.6 3800 Classic conditioner hike through beautiful box canyon
Nesmith-Oneonta Traverse Hike Difficult 14.1 3800 Lesser used one-way shuttle over Yeon Mt
Wauneka Point Hike Difficult 17.4 5680 Long in and out to the viewpoint and ancient workings at Wauneka Point
Nesmith-Tanner Traverse Hike Difficult 16.7 4350 One-way shuttle hike to Tooth Rock Trailhead


Beacon Rock Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Beacon Rock State Park
Featured.GIF Beacon Rock Hike Easy 1.8 680 Mile of cliffside stairways up a well-known landmark
River to Rock Loop Hike Easy 3.1 270 Hike around a former ranch and then a new trail connecting Beacon Rock with the river
Little Beacon Rock Loop Hike Easy 1.6 375 Short loop to Beacon Rock's much smaller but much older neighbor
Featured.GIF Hamilton Mountain Loop Hike Moderate 7.5 2100 Hike to two Waterfalls and expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge
Pool of the Winds Hike Easy 2.2 700 Easy hike to see two waterfalls on Hardy Creek
Featured.GIF Hardy Ridge Loop Hike Moderate 8.1 2200 Quiet loop hike through the forest up to a long ridgetop with great early summer wildflowers


North Bonneville
Hamilton Creek Loop Hike Easy 2.3 75 Loop in the town of North Bonneville offering Gorge views and Bigfoot families
Strawberry Island Loop Hike Easy 3.2 150 Loop around a former island with great views to Gorge features on both sides of the Columbia
Fort Cascades Hike Easy 1.5 20 Historic hike with restored displays


Table Mountain Area
Gillette Lake Hike Easy 5.6 650 Easy hike along the PCT to a green lake near power lines
Aldrich Butte Hike Moderate 13.8 2405 Lengthy hike to a historic viewpoint
Aldrich Butte-Cedar Falls Loop Hike Difficult 16.4 3105 Strenuous hike to forgotten trails near Hamilton Creek
Cedar Mountain Loop Hike Difficult 17.1 3970 Difficult, long hike up the Cedar Mountain Ridge on a rarely maintained trail
Two Chiefs Trail Hike Difficult 15.2 2575 Long hike to just below the massive cliffs of Table Mountain
Table Mountain from Bonneville Hike Difficult 15.5 4320 Long approach and then a loop that includes the top of Table Mountain
Table Mountain North Ridge Hike Difficult 19.5 4350 Full day hike up Table Mountain and then north to the saddle below South Birkenfeld
Fort Rains Hike Easy 1.6 40 Flat hike on an historic right-of-way
Skamania Lodge Loop Hike Easy 3.3 310 Loop around the the wooded perimeter of Skamania Lodge's golf course


Eagle Creek Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Wahclella Falls Trailhead
Munra Point from Wahclella Hike Difficult 5 2000 Shorter approach to a great 360 degree viewpoint
Featured.GIF Wahclella Falls Hike Easy 2.4 320 Easy, pretty hike to a beautiful waterfall


Tooth Rock Trailhead
Dublin Lake Hike Difficult 13.8 3780 Hike over a ridge to small, secluded lake
Tanner Creek Hike Moderate 12.2 1400 Hike to a forgotten part of Tanner Creek above Wahclella Falls
Tanner Cutoff Loop Hike Difficult 14.4 3700 Shorter hike for those that aren't ready for Tanner Butte
Tanner Butte Hike Difficult 19.0 4800 Super long, strenuous day hike. Better as a backpack.
Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike Difficult 23.6 4300 Mega miles and mega scenery for the hard workers in the group
Tooth Rock Loop Hike Easy 1.8 220 A great historical hike looking at two bygone eras of transportation
Wauna Point Hike Moderate 9.0 2800 Moderate hike to great viewpoint of Bonneville Dam area
Wauna Viewpoint from Tooth Rock Hike Moderate 4.0 1050 View to a lower viewpoint of Bonneville Dam


Eagle Creek Trailhead
Eagle Creek Overlook Hike Easy 0.6 175 Walk around historic CCC structures with views of the Bonneville Dam (Open October through April)
Wauna Viewpoint from Eagle Creek Hike Moderate 3.6 1050 View to a lower viewpoint of Bonneville Dam
Buck Point Hike Moderate 1.8 570 Quick hike to a viewpoint over Bridge of the Gods
Ruckel Ridge Loop Hike Difficult 9.0 3700 The quintessential rough trail. NOT for beginners
Featured.GIF Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls Hike Moderate 3.8 500 Cliffside hike to the most photographed waterfall in the area
Featured.GIF Eagle Creek to High Bridge Hike Moderate 6.4 480 Waterfalls, cliffs and bridges
Eagle-Benson Loop Hike Difficult 15.8 4260 Loop taking the in the Benson Plateau and several waterfalls on Eagle Creek
Featured.GIF Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike Moderate 12.0 1640 Waterfall-rich trail to splendid walk-behind waterfall
Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike Difficult 26.5 5310 Backpack option for Eagle Creek lovers
Wahtum Lake via Ruckel Creek Hike Difficult 13.4 3700 Tough backpack option to Wahtum Lake


Bridge of the Gods Trailheads
Cascade Locks West Loop Hike Easy 3.1 100 Easy loop hike makes for a lazy afternoon
Featured.GIF Dry Creek Falls Hike Easy 4.4 725 Moderate hike to a pretty, historic waterfall
Herman Creek Pinnacles via the PCT Hike Moderate 7.4 1610 Undulating route to see two waterfalls and interesting basalt formations
Rudolph Spur Loop Hike Difficult 10.4 3810 Steep climb up an abandoned trail


EasyCLIMB Trailhead
EasyCLIMB Loop Hike Easy 2.8 170 Gentle hiking/biking loop between Government and Herman Creek Coves


Starvation Creek Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Herman Creek Trailhead
Herman Creek Pinnacles Hike Easy 5.0 1000 Easy hike past a waterfall to an interesting basalt formation
Benson Plateau Loop Hike Difficult 16.4 4030 Take the Pacific Crest Trail to explore the Benson Plateau
Wahtum Lake via Pacific Crest Trail Hike Difficult 33.8 6010 Long in and out hike across the Benson Plateau to Wahtum Lake
Herman Creek-Wyeth Hike Moderate 10.8 2175 Low level in and out hike using the easternmost section of the Gorge Trail
Indian Point Loop Hike Moderate 7.8 2730 Loop hike to a prominent basalt pinnacle overlooking the Columbia River
Nick Eaton Ridge Loop Hike Difficult 13.6 4820 Strenuous loop hike, much of it in the Eagle Creek Burn, but reaching undamaged forest at its upper end
Rainy Lake via Gorton Creek Trail Hike Difficult 22.0 5430 Long, well-graded hike to a lake on Waucoma Ridge
Nick Eaton Falls Hike Easy 4.2 970 Short hike on the Herman Creek Trail to visit its tallest waterfall
Casey Creek Loop Hike Difficult 11.3 3995 Strenuous loop to high meadows and viewpoints on Nick Eaton Ridge; difficult to follow in places
Herman Creek Hike Difficult 15.4 2970 Long but gentle hike on the Herman Creek Trail crossing numerous streams with small waterfalls
Wahtum Lake via Herman Creek Hike Difficult 22.2 5070 In and out day hike or backpack via the beautiful Herman Creek Trail


Wyeth Trailhead
North Lake Hike Difficult 12.8 4220 A hike of many switchbacks to lush old growth and a high lake


Starvation Creek Trailhead
Starvation Creek Waterfalls Hike Easy 4.3 145 Mostly flat hike taking in four Gorge waterfalls using the historic highway
Lower Starvation Loop Hike Moderate 3.1 795 Short but sometimes steep loop with views, four waterfalls, and lots of poison oak!
Mount Defiance from Columbia River Hike Difficult 11.6 4840 Strenuous hike through the Eagle Creek Burn to the highest point in the Gorge
Mount Defiance-Starvation Ridge Loop Hike Difficult 12.8 4970 Popular but difficult loop with waterfalls, views, a lake, and the highest Gorge summit
Starvation Ridge Hike Difficult 8.8 3855 Tough, steep hike on a rocky ridge with views lower down and a mountain lake higher up
Viento State Park Hike Moderate 5.8 490 Hike the Historic Columbia River Highway and then explore side trails in Viento State Park


Mitchell Point Trailhead
Mitchell Point Hike Moderate 2.6 1270 Rustic path to a sweeping viewpoint with wildflower show in spring
Wygant Peak Hike Moderate 9.2 2365 Ascending forest trail past a series of fine viewpoints over the Columbia Gorge
Chetwoot Loop Hike Moderate 5.5 1000 Abandoned, overgrown trail: experienced bushwhackers only


Waucoma Ridge Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Mount Defiance and Rainy Lake
Warren Lake to Mount Defiance Hike Moderate 4.7 1340 Varied route past a lake to the top of Mt. Defiance; good views
Mount Defiance from Wahtum Lake Road Hike Easy 3.2 1145 The short route to the Mt. Defiance summit
Bear Lake Hike Easy 2.6 480 Up and down walk to a secluded lake
Rainy Lake Loop Hike Easy 3.2 755 Short loop to a high viewpoint and a wilderness lake
Green Point Mountain Loop Hike Moderate 8.0 1275 Easily graded hike to a ridge high point and two lakes
Waucoma Lakes Loop Hike Difficult 16.5 3170 Visit four lakes on the north side of Waucoma Ridge and get some views, too!


Wahtum Lake Trailhead
Featured.GIF Mud Lake Hike Moderate 7.4 1400 Moderate hike to a secluded lake below Waucoma Ridge
Tomlike Mountain Hike Moderate 6.8 1565 Take a user trail along the wide open Woolly Horn Ridge
Featured.GIF Chinidere Mountain Loop Hike Moderate 4.4 1140 Wahtum Lake and views from Chinidere summit
Wahtum Lake to Benson Plateau Hike Difficult 13.2 2780 Ridge hike using the Pacific Crest Trail to reach the Benson Plateau
Indian Mountain Loop Hike Moderate 11.5 2640 Old growth forest, a mountain lake, springs, wildflowers and spectacular views


Dog Mountain Area


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Dog Mountain Area
Wind Mountain Hike Moderate 3.0 1000 Easy climb to historic vision quest site
Dog Mountain Hike Moderate 6.9 2800 Popular hike to spring flower meadows high above the Columbia River
Dog Mountain Loop Hike Moderate 7.4 2800 Longer loop hike to the top of Dog Mountain using the Augspurger Trail
Augspurger Mountain Hike Difficult 12.6 4770 Adventurous hike on little used trail to great Gorge viewpoint
Cook Hill Loop Hike Moderate 8.8 2930 Hike unofficial trails and old logging roads to the summit of Cook Hill


Rowena Area

(Hood River to The Dalles)


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Hood River/Mosier Area
Indian Creek Hike Easy 3.2 250 Walk above a creek canyon in the City of Hood River
Hood River Pipeline Hike Easy 3.3 110 Walk the catwalk on a powerhouse penstock along the Hood River
Punchbowl Falls Park Hike Easy 1.5 190 A steep-sided gorge, two waterfalls, and the forks of the Hood River in a new county park
Mosier Twin Tunnels Hike Moderate 8.5 1000 Hike on a paved section of the old Gorge Highway with views through historic tunnels
Mosier Plateau Hike Easy 3.5 760 Short hike to viewpoints and wildflowers, with a pioneer cemetery and waterfall thrown in!


Memaloose Hills/Rowena
Memaloose Hills Hike Moderate 5.2 905 Spring hike through oak woodland and dazzling wildflower meadows
Rowena Plateau Hike Easy 2.0 200 Stroll though McCall Nature Preserve
McCall Point Hike Moderate 3.6 1070 Moderate climb through wildflower meadows to pretty lookout


The Dalles Area
The Dalles Riverfront Hike Easy 6.6 100 Paved riverside hike on basalt scablands
Chenoweth Tableland Loop Hike Easy 3.5 620 Hike along a Dalles Formation rim and explore a Mima mound plateau
Sevenmile Hill Loop Hike Moderate 4.8 1260 Cross-country ramble up open slopes: brilliant display of wildflowers in spring


Catherine Creek Area

(Coyote Wall to the Columbia Hills)


Hike Difficulty Distance Elevation Change Notes
Coyote Wall Area
Coyote Wall Hike Moderate 7.8 1775 Hike up the rim of a spectacular syncline to enjoy views and wildflowers in spring
Labyrinth Hike Easy 3.6 915 Hike with two waterfalls, interesting rock formations, and a wide-ranging viewpoint
Labyrinth-Coyote Wall Loop Hike Moderate 7.3 1790 Scenic loop with extensive views, waterfalls, and a wildflower extravaganza in spring


Catherine Creek
Catherine Creek Universal Access Hike Easy 1.2 90 A waterfall and lots of wildflowers on a paved loop above the Columbia River
Catherine Creek Arch Loop Hike Easy 3.4 200 Visit a natural rock arch and admire springtime wildflowers
Catherine Creek Canyon Loop Hike Moderate 5.8 1390 From the arch, head to the upper reaches of Catherine Creek for a loop that is partly off-trail
Catherine Creek West Loop Hike Easy 3.4 1040 Hike up the west side of the Catherine Creek Canyon and then down grassy Sunflower Hill
Catherine Creek-Rowland Basin Loop Hike Moderate 4.9 1320 Loop up a grassy hillside and then through oak copses to Rowland Wall
Catherine Creek-Coyote Wall Loop Hike Moderate 11.0 2640 Stunning loop taking in the features of Catherine Creek, Coyote Wall, and the Labyrinth
Tracy Hill Loop Hike Moderate 6.1 1715 Hike open slopes and ponderosa/oak parklands east of Catherine Creek


Lyle Area
Balfour-Klickitat Loop Hike Easy 0.7 115 Short loop on a paved trail to a view over the Klickitat Gorge
Klickitat Trail: Lyle to Klickitat Hike Moderate 13.0 340 One-way hike on a converted rail bed along the scenic Klickitat River
Klickitat Trail: Klickitat Mineral Springs Hike Easy 5.2 50 Flat in and out hike along the Klickitat to mineral springs
Klickitat Trail: Swale Canyon Hike Moderate 15.0 1010 One-way or in and out hikes through a remote valley at the southern end of the High Prairie plateau
Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike Moderate 5.2 1250 Hike steeply uphill to get expansive views and reach the site of an old homestead
Devils Hole/Three Benches Hike Moderate 2.7 800 Off trail walking along grassy benches with expansive views


Columbia Hills
Spearfish Lake Loop Hike Easy 2.2 45 Loop around a scabland lake near the Columbia River
She Who Watches Hike Easy 0.6 45 Guided hike to a series of pictographs and She Who Watches
Horsethief Butte Hike Easy 2.1 250 Easy hike and scramble through rocky outcrops to great views of the Columbia River
Dalles Mountain Ranch Loop Hike Moderate 6.9 1060 Loop up a creek and around the pastures and flower meadows of a former working ranch
Stacker Butte-Oak Spring Hike Moderate 7.8 1535 Hike up a road across blooming slopes to a windy summit, then take a spur to a hidden spring
Maryhill Loops Hike Moderate 5.9 820 Take a walk on a historic looping, gated highway for views and wildflowers


See more Columbia River Gorge hikes and destinations in our Columbia River Gorge hike index

Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

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