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Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of the Scenic Area. We hope you enjoy our spectacular scenery, as it is one of the unique resources that we work hard to protect! Visit our Hood River office or our maps page to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please help us protect natural resources by staying on the trail. Cutting shortcuts (or switchbacks) can damage plants and lead to erosion. 

Trail Updates

Some trails in Eagle Creek Area are still closed due to hazard trees and rockslides caused by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Check alerts and weather & road conditions before heading out. Please be prepared to encounter unexpected obstacles (logs, trail washouts, overgrown sections) on your hike.

To report downed trees on the trail, call (541) 308-1700 with the trail name, approximate location on the trail, and if possible the number of trees and approximate tree diameter. (Tip: can you wrap your arms around it or is it bigger?)

Backpacking

Many trails in the Gorge offer opportunities for backpacking, and some of these trails connect to the Mount Hood or Gifford Pinchot National Forests, such as the Pacific Crest Trail. Plan your route carefully and cross-check your plans against any current closures or alerts. We do not recommend camping overnight in severely burned areas, due to the risks of dead trees falling with little to no warning signs. 

Day Hikes

From short waterfront forays to steep ascents, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers breathtaking views, many of which are perfect for short day hikes. 

Search for Hiking Opportunities

Showing: 31 - 40 of 87 results

Gorge Trail #400

Hiking Biking
The Gorge 400 Trail traverses a number of sites and other trails on the west end of the Gorge in Oregon, from Angel's Rest Trailhead on the Historic Columbia River Highway to Wyeth Trail (#411) near…

Gorton Creek Trail (#408)

Hiking
This trail offers great views on a one or two-day backpack climb up around Nick Eaton Ridge. The trail begins at mile 1.4 of Herman Creek #406 and ends at Rainy Whatum Trail #409 near Rainy Lake on…

HCRH State Trail - Cascade Locks to John Yeon

Biking Hiking
This car-free, paved segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail runs from Bridge of the Gods Trailhead in Cascade Locks on its eastern end to John Yeon State Scenic Corridor on the…

HCRH State Trail - Twin Tunnels Segment

Hiking Biking
Pass through two climate zones and two tunnels along this paved, car-free 4.5-mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway with spectacular geology, wildflowers, scenic overlooks. Head west…

HCRH State Trail - Wyeth to Viento

Biking Hiking
On this newest paved section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, cyclists and hikers can travel from Wyeth State Trailhead, or Forest Service Wyeth Campground, west for about 6 miles…

Herman Bridge Trail (#406E)

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The trail begins at mile 0.6 of Herman Creek Trail #406 and ends at Pacific Crest Trail #2000. The trail connects Herman Creek Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail, creating Pacific Crest Trail access…

Herman Creek Trail (#406)

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Herman Creek Trail explores the largest surviving forest of old growth fir, cedar, and hemlock left in the Columbia Gorge. Spring-fed groves of ancient cedar tower above the Big Cedar Swamp Shelter…

Herman Creek Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Herman Creek Trailhead is the access point for a number of trails including Herman Creek Trail #406 (elevation gain 3,835'), and Gorge Trail #400. Herman Creek Trail provides loop opportunities…

Horsetail Creek Trail (#425)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
This 5.6 mile trail runs from Oneonta Trail #424, at a junction 3 miles from the Oneonta Trailhead, to Nesmith Point Road 222. A portion of this trail is in Mark O Hatfield Wilderness.CAUTION:…

Horsetail Falls & Trail (#438)

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
This trail begins at day use area for Horsetail Falls Trail #438, a short but steep hike that passes behind the base of Upper Horsetail Falls (also called Ponytail Falls) and through a basalt…

Last updated April 1, 2025