Difference between revisions of "Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike"
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| − | [[ | + | {{Closed Trail}} |
| + | [[Category:Northwest Oregon]] | ||
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]] | [[Category:Columbia River Gorge]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Difficult Hikes]] | [[Category:Difficult Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Creek Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Hikes]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Trail -401.jpg|thumb|400px|Trail 401 steadily climbs above the powerline to Wauna Point trail junction]] |
| + | [[Image:Tanner Ridge meadows.jpg|thumb|250px|Flower meadows along Tanner Ridge]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Cedars at Big Cedar Springs.jpg|thumb|250px|Ancient cedars at Big Cedar Springs. There are 2-3 campsites and a reliable stream here]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Eagle Creek Crossing.jpg|thumb|250px|Eagle Creek crossing is easy in low water, but may be an issue after heavy rains or early in the summer]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Tunnel Falls.jpg|thumb|250px|Tunnel Falls on Eagle Creek]] | ||
| − | + | {{Start point|Tooth Rock Trailhead}} | |
* End point: [[Eagle Creek Trailhead]] | * End point: [[Eagle Creek Trailhead]] | ||
* Trail Log: [[Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike/Log|Trail Log]] | * Trail Log: [[Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike/Log|Trail Log]] | ||
* Hike Type: Traverse (Car Shuttle) | * Hike Type: Traverse (Car Shuttle) | ||
| − | + | {{Distance|23.6 miles}} one-way | |
| − | + | {{Elevation gain|4500 feet}} | |
| − | + | {{Difficulty|Difficult}} | |
* Seasons: Apr-Nov | * Seasons: Apr-Nov | ||
* Family Friendly: Too long | * Family Friendly: Too long | ||
* Backpackable: Yes | * Backpackable: Yes | ||
| − | * Crowded: | + | * Crowded: only the last 7 miles near Eagle Creek |
| + | {{Hazards|f=y}} | ||
== Hike Description == | == Hike Description == | ||
| − | [ | + | <b><font color=red>NOTICE: This trail 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> |
| − | + | ||
| − | This hike | + | This hike is almost certainly a backpack (see a note in the end), although a few people have done it as a day hike. |
| − | + | This hike starts in the [[Tooth Rock Trailhead]]. Start by walking east on the closed paved road that soon goes near the freeway. In about 1/2 to 3/4 mile you'll see a trail going steeply to the right; it may be unofficial but is pretty good (it's where you can see a brown information sign for "exit 40 1/2(or 1?) mile ahead" on a freeway near you). Hike the trail up to a closed gravel Tanner Creek Road #777. Walk uphill (west) for about two miles to the [[Tanner Road-Tanner Butte Trail Junction|old Tanner Butte Trail #401 Trailhead]], just before the road crosses a small creek. | |
| − | + | Take Trail 401 up and start climbing. The trail passes four unnamed waterfalls and crosses a creek couple of times. There aren't a lot of views as payback for your effort, but you'll cross a power line twice, offering a a bit of open air. Above the power line look for orchids blooming in June, mostly varieties of coralroot. 2.2 miles from road #777, you'll come to a junction with the unmaintained [[Tanner Butte-Wauna Point Trail Junction|Wauna Point Trail #401D]]. There's a campsite here, as well, and a couple of small creeks just before a campsite that may dry in the end of summer. | |
| − | + | Continuing on, the climb moderates somewhat, but it continues up into rhododendron territory. You'll cross the wilderness boundary and 2 miles farther you'll pass a junction with [[Tanner Butte-Tanner Cutoff Trail Junction|Tanner Cutoff Trail #448]]. This partly overgrown trail leads steeply right (west) down the mountain to the [[Tanner Butte-Tanner Cutoff Trail Junction|Tanner Creek Trail]]. 150 yards further is a junction with [[Tanner Butte-Dublin Lake Trail Junction|Dublin Lake Trail #401B]] that leads steeply downhill the other way to [[Dublin Lake]]. Dublin Lake provides the best overnight spot for backpackers, and it's the only reliable source of water until Big Cedar Springs, which are 5.5 miles from here. In another half mile from this junction, the trail picks up an old road and follows it the rest of the way to [[Tanner Butte]]. Continuing south the views open up into meadows of bear grass and huckleberries. | |
| − | + | At trail mile 7.8 (from road #777), there's a side path that heads up to the top of Tanner Butte. Look for a sign saying "Please find scramble route to the summit". Once known as Tanner View Trail #401C, the trail is rocky and steep and it receives no maintenance. At the top the views are incredible, including Mts [[Mount Hood|Hood]], [[Mount Saint Helens|St Helens]], [[Mount Adams|Adams]] and [[Mount Rainier|Rainier]], [[Chinidere Mountain]], [[Mount Defiance]], [[Sherrard Point|Larch Mountain]], [[Silver Star Mountain|Silver Star]], you name it. Take some time and soak it in. | |
| − | + | Returning to the main trail, turn left and continue south. In a mile you'll come to a side trail to [[Tanner Springs]] on your right, which often runs dry toward the end of summer, and kind of difficult to locate in dense brush. A quarter mile farther comes the junction with [[Tanner Butte-Eagle Tanner Trail Junction|Eagle-Tanner Trail #433]] (the road gets barricaded just beyond this junction, so you'll not miss it). Turn left on this rough trail, crest the divide and wander downhill past [[Thrush Pond]] to [[Big Cedar Springs]], where there's a couple of good campsites. If you end up on the rocky slope just above [[Big Cedar Springs]] backtrack and find the trail. There's an impenetrable thicket at the bottom of that rocky slope. After Big Cedar Springs the trail improves dramatically. In another couple miles, there's a ford of the [[Eagle Creek Ford|West Fork of Eagle Creek]], with another campsite just after the creek. A mile farther brings you to [[Eagle Creek-Eagle Tanner Trail Junction|Eagle Creek Trail #440]]. | |
| + | Here, you're right at the top of all the famous action. Turn left, and travel through [[Twister Falls]], [[Tunnel Falls]], [[High Bridge]] and all of those famous ledges. This territory is better documented [[Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike|here]]. In about 7.5 miles, you'll reach the [[Eagle Creek Trailhead]]. If you've done a car shuttle, you can relax on the drive home. If you haven't, there's a loop alternative. Walk down the road about 1/4 mile to the [[Eagle Creek Suspension Bridge]]. Cross the bridge and walk Gorge Trail #400 three miles back to the [[Tooth Rock Trailhead]]. | ||
| − | == Maps == | + | {{ToothRockCommon}} |
| + | === Maps === | ||
[[Image:Map.jpg|thumb|Map, GPS track in jpeg format]] | [[Image:Map.jpg|thumb|Map, GPS track in jpeg format]] | ||
| − | == Fees, Regulations, etc. == | + | === Fees, Regulations, etc. === |
| − | * Northwest Forest Pass required at trailhead | + | * Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at trailhead |
| − | + | {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}} | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}} | |
| − | + | ||
| − | == Guidebooks that cover this hike == | + | === Guidebooks that cover this hike === |
* ''Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver'', by Douglas Lorain | * ''Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver'', by Douglas Lorain | ||
* ''35 Hiking Trails, Columbia River Gorge'', by Don & Roberta Lowe | * ''35 Hiking Trails, Columbia River Gorge'', by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
| Line 53: | Line 64: | ||
* ''100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon'' - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan | * ''100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon'' - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan | ||
| − | == More Links == | + | === More Links === |
| − | + | ||
| − | == Contributors == | + | === Contributors === |
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator) | * [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator) | ||
Revision as of 21:48, 9 October 2019
| 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. |
- Start point: Tooth Rock Trailhead
- End point: Eagle Creek Trailhead
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Traverse (Car Shuttle)
- Distance: 23.6 miles one-way
- Elevation gain: 4500 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Seasons: Apr-Nov
- Family Friendly: Too long
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: only the last 7 miles near Eagle Creek
|
Contents |
Hike Description
NOTICE: This trail 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.
This hike is almost certainly a backpack (see a note in the end), although a few people have done it as a day hike.
This hike starts in the Tooth Rock Trailhead. Start by walking east on the closed paved road that soon goes near the freeway. In about 1/2 to 3/4 mile you'll see a trail going steeply to the right; it may be unofficial but is pretty good (it's where you can see a brown information sign for "exit 40 1/2(or 1?) mile ahead" on a freeway near you). Hike the trail up to a closed gravel Tanner Creek Road #777. Walk uphill (west) for about two miles to the old Tanner Butte Trail #401 Trailhead, just before the road crosses a small creek.
Take Trail 401 up and start climbing. The trail passes four unnamed waterfalls and crosses a creek couple of times. There aren't a lot of views as payback for your effort, but you'll cross a power line twice, offering a a bit of open air. Above the power line look for orchids blooming in June, mostly varieties of coralroot. 2.2 miles from road #777, you'll come to a junction with the unmaintained Wauna Point Trail #401D. There's a campsite here, as well, and a couple of small creeks just before a campsite that may dry in the end of summer.
Continuing on, the climb moderates somewhat, but it continues up into rhododendron territory. You'll cross the wilderness boundary and 2 miles farther you'll pass a junction with Tanner Cutoff Trail #448. This partly overgrown trail leads steeply right (west) down the mountain to the Tanner Creek Trail. 150 yards further is a junction with Dublin Lake Trail #401B that leads steeply downhill the other way to Dublin Lake. Dublin Lake provides the best overnight spot for backpackers, and it's the only reliable source of water until Big Cedar Springs, which are 5.5 miles from here. In another half mile from this junction, the trail picks up an old road and follows it the rest of the way to Tanner Butte. Continuing south the views open up into meadows of bear grass and huckleberries.
At trail mile 7.8 (from road #777), there's a side path that heads up to the top of Tanner Butte. Look for a sign saying "Please find scramble route to the summit". Once known as Tanner View Trail #401C, the trail is rocky and steep and it receives no maintenance. At the top the views are incredible, including Mts Hood, St Helens, Adams and Rainier, Chinidere Mountain, Mount Defiance, Larch Mountain, Silver Star, you name it. Take some time and soak it in.
Returning to the main trail, turn left and continue south. In a mile you'll come to a side trail to Tanner Springs on your right, which often runs dry toward the end of summer, and kind of difficult to locate in dense brush. A quarter mile farther comes the junction with Eagle-Tanner Trail #433 (the road gets barricaded just beyond this junction, so you'll not miss it). Turn left on this rough trail, crest the divide and wander downhill past Thrush Pond to Big Cedar Springs, where there's a couple of good campsites. If you end up on the rocky slope just above Big Cedar Springs backtrack and find the trail. There's an impenetrable thicket at the bottom of that rocky slope. After Big Cedar Springs the trail improves dramatically. In another couple miles, there's a ford of the West Fork of Eagle Creek, with another campsite just after the creek. A mile farther brings you to Eagle Creek Trail #440.
Here, you're right at the top of all the famous action. Turn left, and travel through Twister Falls, Tunnel Falls, High Bridge and all of those famous ledges. This territory is better documented here. In about 7.5 miles, you'll reach the Eagle Creek Trailhead. If you've done a car shuttle, you can relax on the drive home. If you haven't, there's a loop alternative. Walk down the road about 1/4 mile to the Eagle Creek Suspension Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk Gorge Trail #400 three miles back to the Tooth Rock Trailhead.
The Tooth Rock Trailhead creates the easiest and shortest version of this hike, but overnight parking is not allowed. Also, Tooth Rock Trailhead has a higher incidence of car prowling than other nearby trailheads. You can access this hike from the Wahclella Falls Trailhead by hiking about 1.5 mile of Trail 400 from there to Mile 1.1 on Road 777. From the Eagle Creek Trailhead, you can hike west on Trail 400 for about 1.2 miles to Mile 0.7 on Road 777. From the first Eagle Creek parking lot, you can walk along the road going west along the highway to the Eagle Creek Staircase. At the top, to your left, is a hidden junction with the old Portage Road. Hike up the Portage Road to its crest, where you'll find a short use path heading up the hill. This leads about 100 yards to Road 777 at mile 0.7.
These alternatives are explored (with maps) in the Many Ways to the Tanner Butte Trailhead.
Maps
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at trailhead
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 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
More Links
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)