Eagle-Benson Loop Hike

Overview

Be careful with dogs or small children on the Eagle Creek trail. There is a steep cliff to one side of the trail. Maybe this isn't the best trail for dogs or small children. NOTICE: The Ruckel Creek and Ruckel Ridge trails are still closed. The Eagle-Benson Trail is technically open, but it was severely damaged by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire along its entire length and has not been maintained for years. Only strong, experienced off-trail hikers should attempt the trail at this time. A much longer, alternate loop would involve the PCT and the Gorge Trail #400 back to Eagle Creek. This hike is a demanding loop, showing off all the Gorge has to offer. You encounter everything from cliffside trails and waterfalls to incredible vistas and quiet sub-alpine forests. Trails vary from extremely well maintained to occasional maintenance by volunteers. Some sections are easy and well graded, while others offer rugged climbs and knee pounding descents. There is limited seasonal water availability on this route, so bring enough for the entire trek. Potential water sites are Ruckel Creek near the top of the Ruckel Ridge route, a small spring .1 miles below Camp Smokey on the Eagle-Benson Trail, and a few spots on Eagle Creek where creek access is feasible. The Eagle Creek Trail can be crowded, while most of the rest of the hike offers relative solitude. There are several variations to this hike. You can start out easy (Eagle Creek) and finish hard (Ruckel Creek or Ridge), or get the hard stuff out of the way first and cruise to a finish. I recommend the latter for several reasons: 1) You will get the toughest climb out of the way first while you're fresh. 2) You start out enjoying solitude rather than the throngs of people hiking Eagle Creek. 3) It is easier to descend the Eagle-Benson Trail due to the overgrown tread and the extensive blow-down. 4) You finish with a leisurely stroll down the Eagle Creek Trail in the late afternoon or early evening when it is less crowded. When starting the hike, you must first decide o

Trail Stats

Photos

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