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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: 61 - 70 of 87 results

Pacific Crest Trail #2000 - Oregon

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The Oregon section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail climbs gently through vine maple and scattered fir to dense stands of old-growth forest. The hike passes the rugged canyons of Eagle and…

Pacific Crest Trail #2000 - Washington

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from the Mexican to the Canadian border for 2,600 miles, originally reached the Columbia River Gorge in 1935. Private property rights and trail guidelines…

Raptor Trail (#4421)

Biking Hiking
This short trail (less than half a mile) connects bikers and hikers from Desert Parsley Trail in the Coyote Wall area to Old Highway 8. It was formerly known as "Ca1" during the planning process and…

Return Trail (#442)

Hiking
This short trail links Wahkeena Trail #420 to Multnomah Falls Recreation Area parking area. The trail parallels the Historic Highway and provides access to loop opportunities.

Ridge Cutoff Trail (#437)

Hiking
Climb 2.9 miles up Nick Eaton Ridge Trail #447 from the Herman Creek Trail/Nick Eaton Trail junction to meet the short Ridge Cuttoff Trail #437. From here Trail #437 heads northeast for about 0.8…

River Front Trail (#4406)

Hiking Other Biking
This beautiful paved and accessible Riverfront Trail is part of Wasco County Parks & Recreation. The Riverfront Trail at The Dalles winds along the southern bank of the Columbia River for ten miles…

Ruckel Creek Trail (#405)

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED DUE TO THE EFFECTS OF THE EAGLE CREEK FIRE. Restoration efforts are ongoing; we hope to have the trail open by October 2026.Steep and demanding, this 5.8 mile trail rewards with…

Sams Walker Day Use Area & Trail (#4402)

Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
A secluded pastoral setting with a short barrier-free gravel loop trail providing interpretive signs about the site's history and ecology. Very lightly used, this is a great family picnic site. This…

Sandy River Delta

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Biking Horse Riding and Camping Other Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
This 1,500-acre natural area is a gateway from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that offers horseback riding, hiking, biking (but e-bikes are not allowed), wading, and…

Shady Glen Trail (#402A)

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
This trail offers the most accessible examples of old-growth in the Columbia Gorge. Trail starts immediately on the left after crossing the bridge near the Eagle Creek Day Use Area.

Last updated April 1, 2025