Recreation Region: Eagle Creek Recreation Area

Ruckel Creek Trail (#405)

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 scenic views, wildflower displays, lichen covered rocks and Indian pits as it climbs up one of the southern faces of the Columbia Gorge. The trail forks after the forested Benson Plateau. The trail on the right side (past a “Trail Not Maintained” sign) provides a lunch spot and turnaround point next to Ruckel Creek.

This trail enters Mark O Hatfield Wilderness and ends at its junction with Pacific Crest Trail #2000 on the east edge of the Benson Plateau heading into Mt Hood National Forest.

Alert! Ruckel Ridge is NOT a system trail, so it is not maintained or marked. Eagle-Benson Trail #434 is not maintained so it is very difficult to follow and not a recommended connection between Ruckel and Eagle Creek #440.

Current Conditions

Closed due to unstable landscape from a 2017 wildfire. Trail cannot be located. Violators can be cited and fined.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

A valid Recreation Pass is required at Eagle Creek trailhead.

Motor vehicles and bikes are prohibited.
Fires not allowed within 200 feet of trail.

Getting There

Directions

Eagle Creek Trailhead

From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to Eagle Creek exit # 41. Turn right, drive past the fish hatchery and park in the day use area.

Hike 0.1 mile (0.2 km) up the road toward Eagle Creek Campground. Take Gorge Trail #400 for 0.5 mile (0.8 km) to the junction of Trail #405, which starts alongside an abandoned Historic Columbia River Highway bridge on the east side of Ruckel Creek.