Latest revision as of 01:47, 26 September 2023

This page is marked as a Closed Hike. Some or all of this hike has been closed by a governing body and hikers may be liable for fines or even arrest. At least part of this route may be dangerous and hard to follow, or it may cross areas with sensitive plant life or wildlife habitat. Trailkeepers of Oregon does not endorse or recommend hiking this route. When restrictions are lifted, this notice will be removed.

Approaching the summit of Munra Point

Elowah Falls along the Gorge Trail

The summit ridge is accessed by a scramble chimney

Summit view NE down the Gorge. On a clear day, Mt. Adams is visible over the horizon.

Start point: John B Yeon Trailhead
End point: Munra Point
Trail log : Trail Log
Hike type: Out and Back
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 2270 feet
Difficulty: Difficult (scramble, exposure)
Seasons: year-round, but hazardous when wet
Family Friendly: No
Backpackable: No
Crowded: No

Falling

Poison-Oak

WARNING

Munra is a non-maintained trail. Hikers have been seriously injured falling from the summit ridges. Use extreme caution near the summit of Munra and do not climb the chimney to the summit ridge unless you will be able to safely climb back down unassisted.

Trailhead options

This hike starts at the John B Yeon Trailhead, but you can also start at the Wahclella Falls Trailhead, which saves approximately 1 mile round trip. For directions from Wahclella, see the Alternate Trailhead note at the bottom.

Hike Description

NOTICE: This route is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Please check the list of Columbia Gorge trail closures before you plan for a hike.

Munra Point is a fun, non-maintained scramble route to arguably one of the best viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge, where three open knifeblade ridges converge on an exposed summit pyramid with 360 degree views.

From the John B Yeon Trailhead, you'll start eastward on the Elowah Falls Trail. You'll stay straight at a junction with Nesmith Point Trail #428 and again at a junction with the trail to Upper McCord Creek Falls. Soon the trail switchbacks down to beautiful Elowah Falls. Stop for a few picture taking opportunities, then continue across the footbridge. As you leave the falls the trail becomes Gorge Trail #400, although no signs mark the fact. The trail parallels the noisy freeway for about a mile, though it passes some interesting rockslide areas before ending at the paved Gorge bike path. Turn right and walk the paved path around a little bend for a couple of hundred yards until you see a sign for Gorge Trail #400 continuing off to your right. Follow the trail until it intersects the pavement again at the Moffet Creek bridge overpass. (You can also stay on the paved bike path to get to the overpass, rather than returning to the 400 trail.) At the overpass, cross the pavement and descent to a bridge over Moffett Creek. The trail climbs steeply out of the gully and turns east to parallel the freeway once more. Just after this turn, an unimproved trail departs uphill to the right, marked only by a "trail not maintained sign" (which is about 30 feet uptrail).

The unofficial Munra Point Trail climbs through a young forest of oaks and Douglas firs until it meets the other spur approach coming from the east side. Stay right at this junction and continue uphill. The trail has multiple braids as you climb up onto the ridge. Generally, staying to the right will ascend an easier switchback, while there is another option that will climb directly up the hill. In order to reduce erosion caused by hikers, please refrain from cutting any of the switchbacks or creating any new trails in this area.

After the steep switchbacks, the trail curves around a small hill and you gain the ridge. There is a short spur off to your left that takes you to an exposed viewpoint with a great view of the western Gorge. Continue to the right and follow the trail steeply up the ridge, scrambling over some rocky obstacles en route. Note: the original Munra use trail ascended directly up the ridge. Please do not cut around the climbing obstacles, as this creates new trails and further erodes the hillside.

The trail exits the forest onto an open slope leading up to the final summit ridges. The views of Beacon Rock, Hamilton Mountain and Table Mountain on the Washington side are nice enough that those who do not want to make the technical climb to the summit can be content to stop here and head back down. Dog owners are also encouraged to stop here, as the final section of the hike requires steep scrambling and there are dropoffs that may be dangerous for dogs.

Note: the summit area of Munra is exposed and a fall would result in severe injury.

To reach the summit, climb up an easy but steep chimney that leads to the summit ridge. From here, walk the exposed summit ridge to the summit pyramid. There is a well defined path along the ridge and up to the top, where you will be rewarded with magnificent 360 degree views.

From this vantage you get a great view of the Columbia River to the north spanning from Archer Mountain to the west all the way to Dog Mountain. Just below you to the northeast is the Bonneville Dam and the Bridge of the Gods, and Tanner Creek runs through the canyon off the east side of the summit. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Adams over the NE horizon.

Descend from the summit the way you came up. Use caution while down climbing the chimney, as climbing down is more difficult and dangerous than climbing up.

Note: there is a faint side trail heading down the ridge fin shown in the photo below that runs NE from the summit towards Bonneville Dam. This trail is not an alternative descent from the summit, as it only leads to exposed drop offs. There is no other way off the summit of Munra except back down the chimney and along the ridge you came up.

Alternate trailhead

Starting at the Wahclella Falls Trailhead, backtrack toward the freeway and turn left on the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. Cross Tanner Creek on the old highway bridge and look to your left for a sign for Gorge Trail #400 and a dirt path leading up the hill. Follow Trail #400 as it climbs up a small hill and then traverses west, parallel to the highway. Part of the trail follows an old roadbed, and the trail can be very overgrown with blackberries and other brush in summer - long pants are advised.

Just before the freeway bridge over Moffett Creek, the trail drops steeply for about 25 feet. At the base of this drop, you'll find an unmaintained trail heading up to the south. About 50 feet up the trail is a sign reading "Trail not maintained". If you start down to the trail bridge over Moffett Creek, you've gone a bit too far.

Maps

Maps: Hike Finder

Fees, Regulations, etc.

NW Forest Pass

Trip Reports

Search Trip Reports for Munra Point

Related Discussions / Q&A

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Guidebooks that cover this hike

Day Hike! Columbia Gorge, by Seabury Blair, Jr.
Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver, by Douglas Lorain
35 Hiking Trails, Columbia River Gorge, by Don & Roberta Lowe
Columbia River Gorge, 42 Scenic Hikes, by Don & Roberta Lowe
Hiking the Columbia River Gorge - 1st and 2nd Editions, by Russ Schneider
100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan

Revised

April 2015

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Closed Trail}}
+[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
 [[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
+[[Category:Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness]]
 [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]
-[[Category:Moderate Hikes]]
+[[Category:Difficult Hikes]]
-[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
+[[Category:Oregon State Parks]]
+[[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]
 [[Category:Scrambles]]
 [[Category:Unmaintained Trails]]
 [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]
 [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]
-[[Image:MunraLookingBack.jpg|thumb|400px|View looking back to the west from the trail up to Munra Point ''(Joseph Rabinowitz)'']]
+[[Category:Hikes]]
-[[Image:ElowahFalls1.jpg|thumb|188px|Elowah Falls along the Gorge Trail ''(Steve Hart)'']]
-[[Image:MunraRidge.jpg|thumb|188px|The trail is a rocky scramble in places ''(Joseph Rabinowitz)'']]
-[[Image:MunraSwitchbacks.jpg|thumb|250px|Tight switchbacks nearing the summit ''(Jeff Statt)'']]
-[[Image:MunraBonneville02.jpg|thumb|250px|View from the summit ''(Joseph Rabinowitz)'']]
-* Start Point: [[John B Yeon Trailhead]]
+[[Image:Munra_summit.jpeg|thumb|600px|Approaching the summit of Munra Point]]
-* End Point: [[Munra Point]]
+[[Image:ElowahFalls1.jpg|thumb|300px|Elowah Falls along the Gorge Trail]]
-* Trail Log : [[Munra Point from Yeon Trailhead Hike/Log|Trail Log]]
+[[Image:Munra_chimney.jpeg|thumb|400x|The summit ridge is accessed by a scramble chimney]]
-* Hike Type: Out and Back
+[[Image:Munra_view_north.jpeg|thumb|500px|Summit view NE down the Gorge. On a clear day, Mt. Adams is visible over the horizon.]]
-* Distance: 7.4 miles round trip
-* Elevation gain: 1800'
+{{Start point|John B Yeon Trailhead}}
-* Difficulty: Difficult (scramble, exposure)
+* End point: [[Munra Point]]
-* Seasons: March - October
+* Trail log : [[Munra Point from Yeon Trailhead Hike/Log|Trail Log]]
+* Hike type: Out and Back
+{{Distance|6 miles}} round trip
+{{Elevation gain|2270 feet}}
+{{Difficulty|Difficult}} (scramble, exposure)
+* Seasons: year-round, but hazardous when wet
 * Family Friendly: No
 * Backpackable: No
 * Crowded: No
+{{Hazards|f=y|p=y}}
+=WARNING=
+'''Munra is a non-maintained trail. Hikers have been seriously injured falling from the summit ridges. Use extreme caution near the summit of Munra and do not climb the chimney to the summit ridge unless you will be able to safely climb back down unassisted.'''
+===Trailhead options===
+This hike starts at the [[John B Yeon Trailhead]], but you can also start at the [[Wahclella Falls Trailhead]], which saves approximately 1 mile round trip. For directions from Wahclella, see the Alternate Trailhead note at the bottom.
 === Hike Description ===
+<b><font color=red>NOTICE: This route is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Please check the list of [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd574101.pdf  Columbia Gorge trail closures] before you plan for a hike.</font color></b>
-The hike up to Munra Point is one of the funnest in the [[Columbia River Gorge]].  It features a steep climb/scramble to arguably one of the best viewpoints in the Gorge!  The summit features a unique star-like formation.
+[[Munra Point]] is a fun, non-maintained scramble route to arguably one of the best viewpoints in the [[Columbia River Gorge]], where three open knifeblade ridges converge on an exposed summit pyramid with 360 degree views.
-There is one unmaintained trail to the summit, but there are two approaches to the start of that trail. The approach described here starts at the Yeon Trailhead, passes [[Elowah Falls]], a few talus slopes and crosses Moffet Creek.  The other one, described [[Munra Point from Wahclella Hike|here]], is shorter but is much less scenic..
+From the [[John B Yeon Trailhead]], you'll start eastward on the Elowah Falls Trail. You'll stay straight at a junction with [[Elowah Falls-Nesmith Point Trail Junction|Nesmith Point Trail #428]] and again at a [[Elowah Falls-Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail Junction|junction with the trail]] to [[Upper McCord Creek Falls]]. Soon the trail switchbacks down to beautiful [[Elowah Falls]]. Stop for a few picture taking opportunities, then continue across the footbridge.  As you leave the falls the trail becomes Gorge Trail #400, although no signs mark the fact. The trail parallels the noisy freeway for about a mile, though it passes some interesting rockslide areas before ending at the paved Gorge bike path. Turn right and walk the paved path around a little bend for a couple of hundred yards until you see a sign for Gorge Trail #400 continuing off to your right. Follow the trail until it intersects the pavement again at the Moffet Creek bridge overpass. (You can also stay on the paved bike path to get to the overpass, rather than returning to the 400 trail.) At the overpass, cross the pavement and descent to a [[Moffett Creek Bridge on Gorge Trail|bridge over Moffett Creek]]. The trail climbs steeply out of the gully and turns east to parallel the freeway once more. Just after this turn, an [[Gorge-Munra Point Trail Junction|unimproved trail]] departs uphill to the right, marked only by a "trail not maintained sign" (which is about 30 feet uptrail).
-From the [[John B Yeon Trailhead]], you'll start eastward on the Elowah Falls Trail. You'll stay straight at a junction with [[Elowah Falls-Nesmith Point Trail Junction|Nesmith Point Trail #428]] and again at a [[Elowah Falls-Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail Junction|junction with the trail]] to Upper McCord Creek Falls. Soon the trail switchbacks down to beautiful [[Elowah Falls]]. Stop for a few picture taking opportunities, then continue across the footbridge.  As you leave the falls the trail becomes Gorge Trail #400, although no signs mark the fact. The trail parallels the noisy freeway for about a mile, though it passes some interesting rockslide areas.  Near a freeway underpass, the trail works steeply down to a [[Trail 400 Moffett Creek Bridge|bridge over Moffett Creek]]. The trail climbs steeply out of the gully and turns east to parallel the freeway once more. Just after this turn, an unimproved trail departs uphill to the right, marked only by a "trail not maintained sign" (which is about 30 feet uptrail).
+The unofficial Munra Point Trail climbs through a young forest of oaks and Douglas firs until it meets the other spur approach coming from the east side. Stay right at this junction and continue uphill. The trail has multiple braids as you climb up onto the ridge. Generally, staying to the right will ascend an easier switchback, while there is another option that will climb directly up the hill. '''In order to reduce erosion caused by hikers, please refrain from cutting any of the switchbacks or creating any new trails in this area.'''
-The unofficial Munra Point Trail starts out easy but soon starts one of the steepest climbs in the Gorge.  You will welcome the quiet as you start south away from the freeway and begin winding through the young forest of oaks and Douglas firs.  After about a  1/4 mile you begin to think "this isn't so bad", but the steepest climbing is still ahead of you!
+After the steep switchbacks, the trail curves around a small hill and you gain the ridge. There is a short spur off to your left that takes you to an exposed viewpoint with a great view of the western Gorge. Continue to the right and follow the trail steeply up the ridge, scrambling over some rocky obstacles en route. '''Note: the original Munra use trail ascended directly up the ridge. Please do not cut around the climbing obstacles, as this creates new trails and further erodes the hillside.'''
-Soon you pass by a rock-wall of sorts and the steep climbing begins.  There are switchbacks through this next section, but there are other spots were straight up is the only option!  If you see a what looks like a trail junction what you're really seeing is a rock-slide area.  Although climbing up the rockslide looks fun, take the "low road" each time as it will switchback shortly.  There will be plenty of time for climbing shortly!! If you are here are a wet, rainy day, you may find this section quite slippy and downright difficult in places .
+The trail exits the forest onto an open slope leading up to the final summit ridges. The views of [[Beacon Rock]], [[Hamilton Mountain]] and [[Table Mountain]] on the Washington side are nice enough that those who do not want to make the technical climb to the summit can be content to stop here and head back down. Dog owners are also encouraged to stop here, as the final section of the hike requires steep scrambling and there are dropoffs that may be dangerous for dogs.
-After a few switchbacks and some good climbing you approach a nice viewpoint as the trail ascends out of the forest for the first time.  There's a nice perspective of the valley formed by Moffett Creek and points west.  In fact, you overlook your entire hike to this point!  Take care as you walk the 15 foot section of trail here, there is a bit of a vertical meadow here that will be vertigo-inducing for some!
+'''Note: the summit area of Munra is exposed and a fall would result in severe injury.'''
-From this point, the hike becomes one of the funnest in the Gorge - and one of the steepest!  It's a mix of tight switchbacks like those seen on the Starvation Ridge Trail, rock scrambles and ridges, like those seen on the Ruckle Ridge trail, and at least one ten-foot section that borders on rock-climbing!
+To reach the summit, climb up an easy but steep chimney that leads to the summit ridge. From here, walk the exposed summit ridge to the summit pyramid. There is a well defined path along the ridge and up to the top, where you will be rewarded with magnificent 360 degree views.
-You soon pass along the front of the mountain and begin to get your first views to the North and of the Columbia River.  You'll see [[Beacon Rock]], [[Hamilton Mountain]] and [[Table Mountain]] on the Washington side.  The viewpoints are nice enough along the way that those wanting to bow out of the hike, having reached beyond their comfort zone, can be content to enjoy the view and head back down.
+From this vantage you get a great view of the Columbia River to the north spanning from [[Archer Mountain]] to the west all the way to [[Dog Mountain]]. Just below you to the northeast is the [[Bonneville Dam]] and the [[Bridge of the Gods]], and Tanner Creek runs through the canyon off the east side of the summit. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Adams over the NE horizon.
-Soon you are hiking a pretty defined rocky, ridgeline.  A few false summits provide motivation (but ultimately frustration!)  For an unmaintained trail, is never too hard to follow - although it is a bit indefinite in places -- as previous hikes have chosen different tactics to traverse various obstacles.
+Descend from the summit the way you came up. Use caution while down climbing the chimney, as climbing down is more difficult and dangerous than climbing up.
-The final approach to the true summit is completely exposed, and a bit dizzying for those scared of heights!  While it never ''dangerous'' per se, you do want to stay on the trail and take it slow.  Dog owners are strongly cautioned.
+''Note: there is a faint side trail heading down the ridge fin shown in the photo below that runs NE from the summit towards Bonneville Dam. This trail is '''not''' an alternative descent from the summit, as it only leads to exposed drop offs. There is no other way off the summit of Munra except back down the chimney and along the ridge you came up.''
-Finally, you reach the summit at the convergence of three well-defined ridgelines.  Your first views to the east give you just enough motivation to make that final push to the top.  The "true summit" is a knob of sorts at the vertex of the three spines.  Some may feel compelled to scoot up this to make the summit "official".  It's not recommended, however...as your punishment for error is about a 500 foot tumble into the Tanner Creek valley.
-From this vantage you get a great view of the Columbia River to the north spanning from [[Archer Mountain]] to the west all the way to [[Dog Mountain]] to the east.  That large valley just to the east of you is the aforementioned Tanner Creek valley.  Just below you to the northeast is the [[Bonneville Dam]] and the [[Bridge of the Gods]].
+====Alternate trailhead====
-After taking a much deserved break and enjoying one of the nicest viewpoints in the Gorge, start heading back down.  Take it slow in places, as the down is often more unsafe than the up!  Even taking it slow you'll find yourself beating your climb time by about a 1/3!  You will really value your trekking poles in places!  It may take you as little as 45 minutes to get back down to the trail junction with #400.
+Starting at the [[Wahclella Falls Trailhead]], backtrack toward the freeway and turn left on the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. Cross [[Tanner Creek Bridge|Tanner Creek]] on the old highway bridge and look to your left for a sign for Gorge Trail #400 and a dirt path leading up the hill. Follow Trail #400 as it climbs up a small hill and then traverses west, parallel to the highway. Part of the trail follows an old roadbed, and the trail can be very overgrown with blackberries and other brush in summer - long pants are advised.
+Just before the freeway bridge over Moffett Creek, the trail drops steeply for about 25 feet. At the base of this drop, you'll find an [[Gorge-Munra Point Trail Junction|unmaintained trail]] heading up to the south. About 50 feet up the trail is a sign reading "Trail not maintained". If you start down to the trail bridge over [[Moffett Creek Bridge on Gorge Trail|Moffett Creek]], you've gone a bit too far.
 === Maps ===
@@ Line 57: / Line 72: @@
 === Fees, Regulations, etc. ===
-* None
+* NW Forest Pass
-{{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}
+{{TripReports|Munra Point}}
-* (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)
-{{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}
+{{RelatedDiscussions|Munra Point}}
-* (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)
-* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/15119.aspx Gorge Trail #400 from Wahclella Falls Trailhead to Upper McCord Creek Falls and back 3/4/07] ''(Gorge trail section that passes the Munra Point trail)''
 === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
@@ Line 79: / Line 91: @@
 * [http://www.iinet.com/~englishriver/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/Places/moffett_creek.html Moffett Creek - Lewis and Clark's Columbia River]
 * [http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=2559cef1-5dfe-4be1-b9cc-caa70425190a Geocache's on Munra Point]
+* [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Munra_Point  Munra Point (Northwest Wildflowers)]
-=== Contributors ===
+=== Revised ===
-* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)
+April 2015

Difference between revisions of "Munra Point from Yeon Trailhead Hike"