Herman Creek Trail (#406)
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 while equally large Noble fir, Douglas-fir and Western hemlock fill a fire-preserved basin of the East Fork Herman Creek. The trail offers a variety of scenery including small waterfalls, moss carpeted creeks, a sub-alpine lake, and ridge top vistas.
Herman Creek Trail starts at the west end of the Herman Creek Campground in the Columbia Gorge. Near the beginning of the trail, keep left at an unmarked fork. Follow the switchbacks across a power line access road, then climb another 0.4 mile to a well-signed fork. Take the left fork (east). The path soon joins an old dirt road. Proceed uphill 0.6 miles to Herman Camp primitive campsite. Continue straight past Herman Camp. The road soon becomes a trail again. You'll cross several side creeks, one with a 100’ waterfall. 2.6 miles past Herman Camp, you'll reach a junction with Casey Creek Trail #476 on left (east). Continue right on Herman Creek Trail another 6 miles to junction with Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Turn left (east) on the Pacific Crest Trail and proceed 1.6 mile to south shore of Wahtum Lake.
This trail offers loop opportunities with the Pacific Crest Trail, Gorton Creek Trail, and Nick Eaton Ridge Trail.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Type
General Information
Herman Creek Trail is a total of 11.2 miles long, including sections that extend into Mark O Hatfield Wilderness and the Mt. Hood National Forest. It goes through some of the best old-growth stands in the Gorge. The trail enters the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness from the junction with Gorton Creek Trail (#408).
Year round, snow dependent
A valid Recreation Pass is required at Herman Creek trailhead.
Wilderness Permits are required when entering Mark O Hatfield Wilderness. Free permits are self-issued at the Wilderness boundary.
- Wilderness restrictions apply within Mark O Hatfield Wilderness
- Motor vehicles and bikes are prohibited.
- Fires not allowed within 200 feet of trail.
Address: 902 Wasco Ave Suite 200 Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: (541) 308-1700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.r6crgnsawfb@usda.gov
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Directions
From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to Cascade Locks, exit # 44. Drive under the interstate and through town, 1.8 miles to the eastbound entrance ramp. At the stop sign, cross the road and drive east 1.6 miles toward Oxbow Fish Hatchery, then on to Herman Creek Campground. The trailhead is at west end of the campground.
From Hood River, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 to Herman Creek, exit # 47. Drive 0.6 mile west on Forest Lane to Herman Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the west end of the campground.
Additional Information
Operated By
Forest Service
