Columbia River Gorge Region
- Angel's Rest
- Ruckle Creek
- Eagle Creek (To Tunnel Falls)
- Starvation Ridge (To Warren Lake)
- North Lake (via Wyeth Trail)
- Hamilton Mountain (Direct Route)
- Dog Mountain
- Table Mountain (via Bonneville Trailhead)
- Backpack to Dublin Lake, Tanner Butte, and Tanner Spring
Angel's Rest
Length (RT): 4.4 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 1500 ft Season: all year
This a great, short hike that provides some exercise and a nice viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge. The trailhead is located across the Scenic Highway from the large gravel parking area. Initially, the trail switchbacks through nice forest with abundant fern cover. A rocky area is traversed and 100-foot Coopey Falls is a short bit beyond (look for a spur trail on your left leading down to a viewpoint). The stream is crossed, via a bridge, and the way switchbacks up a ridge as green forest shifts into charred forest (result of a 1991 wildfire; 18.3 KB). Finally, around 2 miles, the well-graded path makes a final switchback in brush and a narrow, rocky bench is reached. Just a bit beyond is the unsigned junction (on your left) to Angel's Rest. The brushy, rocky trail (watch out for Poison Oak) leads a short way onto a the ridgetop of Angel's Rest (37.8 KB) with great views of the Gorge and interesting rock formations (30.2 KB).
How to get there:
Eastbound, take I-84 to Exit 28 (Bridal Veil) and park in the large gravel area between the exit road and the Scenic Highway. Westbound, take Exit 35 and follow the Scenic Highway for 7.3 miles to the junction of Exit 28 and the large parking area between the roads.
Hike List
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Ruckle Creek
Length (RT): 9.6 mi Diff. Level: strenuous Elev. Gain: 3700 ft Season: April-November
This was my first Columbia River Gorge hike. It is an interesting trail that goes through a variety of country. Ok, the trailhead is kind of tricky to find. First, as described in the directions below, drive to Eagle Creek Park and park by the restrooms. Walk up to where the road forks. Take the one that goes up through the camping/picnic area. If you were to go straight, you would hit the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Where the road meets another road, turn right and in a few yards, you will see the sign for the Gorge Trail on your right. Take this trail. The trail winds its way to a bluff above the freeway and then turns right and parallels a fence to the end of the campground. Here the trail forks. The right goes to Buck Point and Ruckle Ridge. You could take this route and return via Ruckle Creek Trail. I don't recommend doing this without a good map and compass. I talked to a couple of veteran Gorge hikers and they told me its not entirely straight forward to find Ruckle Creek Trail from the ridge trail. Take the left fork which will lead down into a clearing and remnants of the old highway. Cross Ruckle Creek and just on the east side of the bridge is the actual trail.
The way goes along the creek for a few yards then the switchbacks begin. After passing through a powerline, you enter a lichen-covered rocky bowl. Look for thousand-year old Indian pits which were probably used for vision quest rites by young Indian men. Resume traversing in woods and then start switchbacking steeply to the crest of a narrow ridge with views of the Gorge and Bonneville Dam (38.4 KB). I met a couple here who had just ran into a bear as they completed a bend in the trail. It ran downhill away from them. Lucky! The way then generally levels for 1.5 miles, passing through grassy meadows with good views (30.4 KB) and flowers such as Indian Paintbrush.
Woods are entered again and you climb very steeply to the Benson Plateau-straight up with few switchbacks. It just amazed me just how flat the plateau was after climbing nearly 4000 ft! Soon a fork branching off to the left is reached. This is the Rudolf Spur Trail which leads to the Gorge Trail. This trail was quite faint and not signed! A bit beyond is the supposed spur to Ruckle Ridge Trail, but I didn't notice it. Anyway, if you stay on the main trail it will swing along the creek and goes through a camp. This is a good spot for lunch and turn-around for day hikers.
How to get there:
Eastbound, take Exit 41(Eagle Creek) off I-84 and turn right and park by the restrooms at Eagle Creek Park. If you are westbound, you will have to take Exit 40 (Bonneville Dam) and get back on I-84 eastbound for one mile to the Eagle Creek exit.
Eagle Creek (to Tunnel Falls)
Length (RT): 12.0 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 1200 ft Season: all year
This is a great hike with lots of waterfalls and interesting formations. The grade is relatively easy with some moderate sections. The trailhead is located at the end of the road. Note that there is a trail crossing Eagle Creek, but that is not the one you want. Just keep paralleling the stream. Initially, the trail goes along the stream then climbing moderately above it, traversing a cliff. In 1.8 miles, the Punch Bowl Trail junction is reached. I didn't take this spur but it is short and leads to a 15-foot falls and upstream a bit is the famed Punch Bowl Falls. Ok, from the junction, the trail soon reaches a good viewpoint of the Punch Bowl below, and in about 3 miles, goes along a narrow gorge (30.3 KB) to the High Bridge which crosses it. In about a half mile, you reach the Tenas Campground (right side of trail) and Skooknichuck Falls. Short bit later, another bridge crossing and the trail enters woods and passes another small campsite.
In 5 miles, the Eagle-Benson Trail junction is reached. You could take this route and return via Ruckle Creek Trail. At 6 miles, Tunnel falls (10 KB) appears. The trail actually goes behind the falls via a man-made tunnel. Really neat! I went ahead and hiked 1.6 more miles to the Eagle-Tanner Trail junction (route to Tanner Butte). It's not really worth going that far unless going to Wahtum Lake or Tanner Butte. If you go just a few hundred yards past Tunnel Falls, the trail passes a large, unnamed falls and enters a nice valley just a bit beyond with great lunch spots along the creek. There are some nice swimming holes. Check it out!
How to get there:
Eastbound, take Exit 41(Eagle Creek) off I-84 and turn right and park at the end of the road at Eagle Creek Park. If you are westbound, you will have to take Exit 40 (Bonneville Dam) and get back on I-84 eastbound for one mile to the Eagle Creek exit.
Starvation Ridge (To Warren Lake)
Length (RT): 12.0 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 4,050 ft Season: June-October
Are you in the mood for a really steep, never-ending climb? Try this one. Warren Lake is nice but you can get there via old logging roads and other routes. What I really like about this particular hike was the super-steep 3+ mile ridge climb portion of this hike. Along with sweat, you will get nice views along the way. The steepest climbing is in trees so it won't be too hot.
The trail (Mt. Defiance) is located at the west end of the Starvation Creek Rest Area. Initially, it goes along the highway, passing the Starvation Cutoff Trail and Cabin Creek Falls. Then it veers away from the highway and enters a clearing, crossing Warren Creek just below Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. At about a mile from the trailhead is a fork in the trail. Take the left as it is the Starvation Ridge Trail. The other is the route to Mt. Defiance (a 4800 ft climb). You could go up Defiance and return back to the trailhead via Warren Lake and Starvation Ridge Trail. The trail drops down into Warren Creek and then climbs back up to grassy slopes with views. It drops into Cabin Creek and rises up to the Cutoff trail mentioned earlier. This is a good way to return to your car after the hike and is only a half of a mile or so long.
The trail then switchbacks up a hillside with oak trees up to the top of a ridge with a power line tower (about 2 miles from TH). This the beginning of the Starvation Ridge climb. Take a break and enjoy views of the Gorge (7 KB) and your car far below you. Ready for a challenge? The trail goes literally straight up for 3+ miles up the forested ridge, passing good viewpoints on your right. Finally, the way levels and there is a view of Mt. Defiance and Warren Lake's bowl. Soon the trail ends at a "T" with the Mitchell Point Trail. Take a right and in just a flat half mile, you reach Warren Lake (53.8 KB). The left goes a few yards to an old logging road. There is a nice campsite at the other end of the lake. There are some nice, secluded lakeshore lunch spots via spur trails.
How to get there:
Eastbound, take the Starvation Creek Rest Area Exit (about 55 miles from Portland) off I-84 and park in the circular parking area. Westbound, you will have to go to Exit 51 (Wyeth) and turn around and head back east on I-84 for about 3 miles to the Starvation Creek Rest Area Exit. After the hike, westbound traffic will have to go east to the Viento Park interchange (0.8 miles).
North Lake (via Wyeth Trail)
Length (RT): 11.0 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 4,100 ft Season: late May-November
The trailhead is located at the end of the Wyeth Campground road. Walk the old road bed to the signed end of the Gorge Trail-on your right. Take the trail on your left-The Wyeth trail. It traverses back towards the trailhead but then curves around, passing a spur trail leading back to the campground, and enters an open area with power lines. Soon, Harphan Creek is crossed. Note, when I did this hike there was no bridge. The stream was small and easy to ford without getting wet. But during high water, that could be different. The trail then curves around again and then climbs to the side of a steep mountain. First of the super-steep switchbacks begin here (1 mile from TH). As I was starting to climb up, I saw 3 blacktail does bound their way downhill from me.
The first few switchbacks are long and steep to super-steep! Look for good views as you switchback at the edge of the canyon holding Harphan Creek. At about 2.5 miles, is a stream crossing. The way goes along the creek for a bit and then climbs a super-steep, narrow rocky crest and switchbacks up onto a small open area with good views. It than re-enters woods and eventually passes through a talus slope. About 3.3 miles, the last 8 switchbacks begin, passing the Columbia Wilderness boundary sign. The last few had blowdowns across them (1996) but no problem.
Finally, the trail levels out to an easy grade in open woods and at 4.2 miles, the signed Green Point Ridge Trail junction is reached. Keep left and go down into a talus slope area. Look to your left and note the tallest mountain in the Gorge-Mt. Defiance. Around 5 miles, a small stream is crossed and you will pass a brushy area on your left as you begin to climb up. From here on, the trail is not very obvious. There are lots of blowdowns which hamper following the faint trail. Soon, you will ford two tiny creeks and in just a few yards, will reach a signed junction. Turn to your right, and head uphill a bit to the earth dam of North Lake (50.0 KB). Bring your fishing pole. I noted some nice trout swimming in the lake.
How to get there:
Eastbound, take I-84 to Wyeth Exit 51. Turn right and come to a "T" and turn right again and turn left (0.2 miles) into the Wyeth Campground. Stay on this particular road all the way to the end which is the trailhead parking area. Westbound, take the exit and turn left and go under the freeway. Reach a "T" and turn right and follow directions above.
Hamilton Mountain (Direct Route)
Length (RT): 7.0 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 2,100 ft Season: March-November
The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking area just behind the restrooms. At 0.5 miles from the TH, reach a junction with a 0.6 mile spur trail that came from the campground. Keep straight and eventually, pass by a spur trail, on your right, that drops a bit to a view of Hardy Creek. A bit further down, keep straight on a short spur to a view of the Pool of the Winds. The main trail switchbacks down to a bridge crossing at base of Rodney Falls and Pool of the Winds (38.1 KB). Up to this point, this would make an excellent family hike for all ages. From here on the way gets steeper. Pass by another short spur trail that drops to top of Hardy Falls. After a few switchbacks, the trail splits (1.6 miles). Here you have a choice: take the left fork which is an easier grade but longer hike (1.5 miles longer) or the right fork which is quite scenic and is a steeper grade. You could take the left and return via the right trail.
The right fork begins in a series of short switchbacks leading to an open area known as Little Hamilton Mountain. Take a moment to explore some good views here. It was in this area that I noticed a good view of Bonneville Dam (23.0 KB). The way then heads east, skirting cliffs. In about 2.5 miles, the trail levels before beginning a series of short switchbacks up the rocky, south face of Hamilton Mountain. Back at that "level" spot look for a short spur trail on your right. It goes out on a spectacular ridge that juts out into a great view of the Gorge. Have your lunch here! In fact, I found this more satisfying than the summit itself. To get out to the end of that ridge follow the spur trail into brush/small trees and climb back up to the ridge crest.
As you make those switchbacks, look back for a spectacular view of the ridge mentioned above and Beacon Rock (28.9 KB). The trail then enters forest and traverses the west side of Hamilton and switchbacks to an open, brushy area. Note the signed fork on your left. It was the "left" fork that you could have taken. The actual summit of Hamilton is just a few yards past the junction. Good views of Adams, St. Helens, and Bonneville Dam.
Update: I finally did the whole loop (8.3 miles RT) earlier this year. Let's begin at the junction and take a left rather than the right described above. Basically, you'll traverse through woods and reach an impressive sediment trap built for protecting chum salmon runs. Go into an open area and enter woods again. At one mile from the junction, you'll reach an old service road. Head right uphill to another fork. Take the right fork 0.8 miles to the crest of a ridge. Impressive views abound! You can see Table, Dog, Wind, Mt. Hood, and surrounding country. Note the interesting rock formations in the region. This is a nice lunch spot. Head south on the ridge and take an obvious trail on the right side of the ridge where a small butte is approached. The next 0.9 miles is basically a ridge walk with some switchbacking. Look for short spur trails leading to viewpoints. Eventually, after a final switchback, reach a junction. This is the right option mentioned earlier. Turn left just a short bit to the actual summit of Hamilton. Complete the loop by keeping straight at the junction.How to get there:
Take Washington 14 to Beacon Rock (about 35 miles from Vancouver) and take a left on the road just across from the monolith. In 0.6 miles turn right into a large parking area. The trailhead is by the restrooms on the north side. If coming from Oregon, you can cross the Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks Exit 44 off I-84) and turn right on 14 and follow directions above.
Dog Mountain
Length (RT): 6.8 mi Diff. Level: strenuous Elev. Gain: 2,900 ft Season: March-December
This a great one for flowers-especially in late spring/early summer.There are now two different trailheads for this hike. The new one starts in the middle of the large parking area. I understand it is an easier grade than the old one but I have not done it. The old TH is located at the east of the parking area. Before, I go any further, be warned that rattlesnakes are in the area and there is a lot of Poison Oak (53.2 KB). Here's another variety of poison oak (37.1 KB). Key thing to note is the the leaves are in clusters of three and are shiny from the poisonous oil.
Initially, head east towards an outhouse and then take 9 switchbacks up to a flat, grassy area. Here the trail forks (0.6 miles). The right fork is more scenic and is of an easier grade than the left one. I took the left one. The trail goes through the grassy area and enters forest. From here on, the way gets super-steep with few switchbacks. Eventually, about 2 miles from the TH, the trail ends at a junction with the other fork. Take a left and resume climbing in forest. After a few switchbacks, the trail enters glorious flower country. The way traverses up the south side of Dog up to a nice viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge (5 KB) and Starvation Ridge across the river. At this point, the trail loops. If you take the right, it will take you into woods on the east side of Dog and wind up to the summit (3.0 miles) via the northwest side. From the summit, you would drop down the west side (8 KB) and than traverse down the south side back to the viewpoint. I personally prefer to skip the right and just take the left and return via that also. Just before you reach the summit look for a trail junction on the west side of Dog. It is where you would reach Dog Mountain from the new trailhead mentioned earlier.
In heading back to the TH, you have a choice of going back via the right or left fork. I took the left since I took the steep, wooded option on my way up. I found this portion of the the trail very scenic and quite a bit easier than the other. The terrain was a mixture of forest and open areas with excellent views. Turn left at the end and switchback down to the trailhead.
Update: I finally tried the newer route to Dog. Initially, you'll traverse uphill west and eventually swing north. Along the way, excellent views of Wind Mountain, Grant Lake (little lake right by the highway), and valley below you. Like the other option, you need to watch out for Poison Oak and rattlers. You'll complete a rocky traverse and enter woods. About 2.8 miles from the TH,a junction is reached. Straight ahead is the way for Mt. Augspurger (about 14 miles RT). Turn right onto the 1.5-mile connector trail that will take you to the old Dog trail just below the summit. This leg is steeper at times, but you'll pass by some great viewpoints. At the end, turn left onto Dog Mt. trail and the summit is just a bit ahead. The overall round trip is about 9 miles versus the 6.8 miles via old loop if you return via the same way. Here's what I'd do though, take the new route to Dog and return to trailhead via old trail. Keep left on the old trail so you'll experience the best views and the grade is easier.
How to get there:
Take Washington 14 about 41 miles east from Vancouver to a large gravel parking area on your left-signed Dog Mountain Trail. If from Oregon, take Exit 44 (Bridge of the Gods) and turn right on 14 for about 13 miles to parking area.
Table Mountain (via Bonneville Trailhead)
Length (RT): 14.8 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 3500 ft Season: June-October
How about a grueling hike to a spectacular, precarious viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge? Table Mountain's summit, surrounded by cliffs, is your ticket. Initially, take 0.6-mile Tamanous Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail and turn left. Shortly, a small lake is passed by.
The next 1.9 miles is rather easy. You will cross through a logged area and old road and then enter woods again. Then a "freeway" of a logging road is crossed just before you drop down to Gillete Lake (2.5 miles). There are spur trails leading to the lake. There is an especially nice picnic spot at mouth of the inlet. After passing Gillete Lake, the Crest Trail crosses the outlet via a log bridge and winds up a bit before crossing a service road. Before long, encounter the edge of a new clearcut and pass another tiny lake. Then you will drop down to cross Greenleaf Creek via a well-constructed bridge. After this, you will start climbing moderately and level off at Greenleaf Overlook. Good views here. This is apparently the site of an 700-year old landslide that sheared Table Mountain and dammed the Columbia River, forming the Indian legend about the Bridge of the Gods.
After the Greenleaf Overlook, you'll enter forest again and start climbing again. The way levels through a brushy area with lots of stinging nettles. By now, you have left the poison oak behind. Begin switchbacking in earnest. Upon gaining the crest of a ridge, the Crest Trail follows it. Note a large creek far below. Eventually, you will be noticing an old road below you. Finally, about 2 miles past the Greenleaf Overlook, you will reach the Table Mountain junction. It's signed 1 mile, but I think it's more like 1.5 miles listed in a hiking guide. You still have 1800 feet to climb! This is the Heartbreak Trail. Climb straight up, and then drop down to a fork. The right goes just a bit to a viewpoint of Table Mountain (43.4 KB). The left is the actual trail. After negotiating brush, climb straight up open terrain. It's a dangerous climb here due to loose rock. Finally, the way levels as it reaches the ridge crest and the summit of Table! (55.7 KB) Next time, we plan on taking the west trail route to the summit (go up Crest Trail 0.5 miles past the Heartbreak junction). The pictures were taken by old friend, Jason Lindseth.
How to get there:
From Vancouver, drive Highway 14 to the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center. Turn left into the Bonneville Trailhead parking area. Alternatively, you could drive Interstate 84 to Exit 44 (Cascade Locks) and cross the toll bridge, Bridge of the Gods (75 cents). Turn left on Highway 14 and go west 2 miles to the Bonneville Trailhead parking area.
Backpack to Dublin Lake, Tanner Butte, and Tanner Spring
Length (RT): about 22 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 3650 ft Season: June-November
This was my first backpack in the Columbia River Gorge. We did this in late July '99 and the flowers were out full force, including pink flowered rododrendons! Anyway, let's get started. Follow the little creek uphill and then cross it. Traverse uphill and eventually head south into nice woods. Before long, you'll reach an open area with power lines. Cross an old service road and resume hiking up the trail. Switchback, at a fairly easy grade, to a junction with the Wauna Point trail (2.3 miles). Turn right on the Tanner Butte Trail. Go 1.8 more miles, heading generally south, to another junction. The faint trail, on your right, is the Tanner Cutoff Trail which I'll describe later on. In another 0.1 mile, reach the Dublin Lake spur trail. It's a 250-foot drop and 0.4 miles to the lake. This is where we set camp. You might want to bring extra water because Dublin Lake water tastes swampy!
About nine o'clock next morning, Jason and I headed on to Tanner Butte and beyond. The route past the Dublin junction proved to be very pleasant and easy ridge walk through beautiful alpine fir, beargrass, rododrendrons, etc. Here's a shot of Jason by a gorgeous rododrendron bush (48.4 KB), and another one of him in an area full of beargrass (42.3 KB). About 2.8 miles from the Dublin junction, you'll curve around a small peak. Be sure to take the time to scramble up to the summit for a good view of Tanner Butte ahead. Jason created this photo of me up on the small hill(25.3 KB). Back on the main trail, soon you'll reach the saddle between Tanner Butte and the small peak and in another half mile or so, look for a faint, but signed trail (401C) heading uphill on your left. This climbs steeply 0.5 miles to the rocky summit of Tanner Butte (4500 ft). Incredible views of the region up here! Jason took a timed photo of the two of us up there (19.6 KB). We probably stayed up here an hour, soaking up the sunshine and the views.
Since Dublin Lake water tasted awful, we decided to hike on to Tanner Spring. Hike 1.1 miles past Trail 401C to another junction. Turn right on Trail 401E and go about a quarter of a mile to the spring. The tread is lost towards the end so you'll need to cut through brush just a bit, but let me say it's well worth it! In my life, I have never tasted water so sweet and pure!!! Needless to say, we hauled some of that water back to camp.
Next morning, we broke camp about nine, and returned to the main Tanner Butte Trail. We decided to take the 3-mile Tanner Cutoff trail which is just a tenth of a mile north of the Dublin junction. The way is flat for a bit and then the fun begins! You'll be descending 2400 feet down a narrow, steep ridge. Most of the way is a series of switchbacks. Warning: be on the alert for Poison Oak when you reach the top of a rocky slope. Soon after leaving the talus area behind, a creek is crossed and before long, the trail ends at a junction. Turn right on Tanner Creek Trail, and after crossing a tiny stream, the trail reaches Road 777. Turn right up the road and follow it 2.9 long miles back to the trailhead.
How to get there:
TakeI-84 to the Bonneville Dam Exit 40. If coming from the east, turn left off the highway and go under it. In a short bit, you'll reach a junction. If coming from west, turn right and soon, reach the junction mentioned above. Now, turn right and go 2.3 miles up rough, rocky Road 777. Passenger cars can make it to the trailhead, but about 1.5 miles in or so, the road was partially washed out. This is a short, but very rough and rocky section!!! Many have chosen to park at this point. I don't blame them! I drive a Chevy S-10 truck and thought it was best to park at that point...not worth busting oil pan or something else. High ground clearance 4x4s won't have any problem at all. There is very little parking at the trailhead anyway so carpool in a 4x4 if you can.
Please contact evergreenhiker17@yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments.
This page was last updated on 8/9/2004.
© John J. Maher IV