EasyCLIMB Loop Hike

Overview

The EasyCLIMB loop is squeezed into a wooded verge between Herman Creek Cove and Government Cove at the east end of Cascade Locks. In the years before the creation of a trail system here, this had been primarily an illegal dumping site, and before that it was the site of a sawmill. The trails are built for mountain bikes (CLIMB = Cascade Locks International Mountain Bike) and wind tortuously through mixed forest along the shores of Government Cove to some lovely oak meadows blooming with camas, chocolate lilies, and buttercups on cliffs above the river. Snappy mountain biker labels, such as Ivy league, Itchy Vista, and Enchanted Forest, designate each section of trail. There are great views across to the Bonneville Landslide and also back to the face of the Benson Plateau. EasyCLIMB is for beginner mountain bikers, but hikers are also welcome: spring and fall are the best times for walking here. A disc golf course that overlaps the trails also attracts weekend recreationists. Hikers may be interested to know, however, that EasyCLIMB is but a precursor to a planned 25-mile network of biking trails between Cascade Locks and Wyeth: this course will intersect with the many hiking trails in the area. Begin at the information kiosk by taking a trail into the Scots broom about ten yards and turning right at a four-way intersection. Skirt the parking area to begin the Humpy Bumpy section. Cross a vehicle track, and pass through a thicket of common tansy, blackberry, cottonwood, willow, and young maple. Go left at the Ivy League section, and drop down a slope. Pass through a thicket of blackberry and Scots broom, and enter the disc golf course area. Keep right and then left at a three-way junction. You’re now in more natural woods of maple and snowberry which transition to oak. The trail loops in on itself rather elaborately here in the Goldi Locks section. Don’t cut corners as you head along a slope and pass a cutoff to the left before you enter the Deaf Jam section near the freeway. Circle around under Douglas-firs,

Trail Stats

Photos

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