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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: 41 - 50 of 87 results

Horsetail Falls Trailhead & Day Use

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
This day use area is a trailhead 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 overhang…

Klickitat Trail

Biking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
This Rails-to-Trails conversion follows an old railroad grade through the spectacular Klickitat Canyon along the Klickitat River. The trail is a wide (12 feet in most places) pathway ideal for…

Labyrinth Trail (#4423)

Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Runs through Coyote Wall Recreation Site, and connects to Desert Parsley, which continues on to the adjacent Catherine Creek Recreation Site.

Larch Mountain Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking Biking Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Larch Mountain Picnic area is a wonderful day trip destination and a gateway to several long hikes via Larch Mountain Trail #441. From Larch Mountain Trailhead, hike downhill all the way to…

Larch Mountain Trail (#441)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Connecting Multnomah Falls Recreation Area to Larch Mountain Day Use Area, this 6.8 mile trail winds through old-growth forest and offers views of spectacular waterfalls including Multnomah,…

Little Maui Trail (#4425)

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Biking
This popular mountain biking trail in the Coyote Wall area rewards bikers with spectacular Gorge views.Please respect signs and closures as trail rehabilitation is ongoing here, with several side…

Little Moab Trail (#4425)

Biking Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
This popular hiking and mountain biking trail follows the top of the Coyote Wall geologic formation in the eastern Gorge and is easily reached from Coyote Wall Trailhead.This trail was previously…

Lower Punchbowl Trail (#440B)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
This short 0.2 mile spur trail starts 1.8 miles into Eagle Creek Trail #440 and leads down to Eagle Creek. At one time there was a pebble beach and easy access to the exquisite amphitheater at the…

Lyle Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Biking
Newly developed at the mouth of the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River, the Lyle Trailhead provides access to the Klickitat Trail (a Rails to Trails project) that runs along the scenic…

Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness: Columbia Gorge

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness areas and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness covers…

Last updated April 1, 2025