3.0 hr
Overview
Herman Creek is one of those lengthy but low-level Gorge hikes that allows for a day-long outing, or perhaps an overnight backpack, even during the dark, wet winter months - barring a big snow of course. It's an excellent rainy day hike, as there are few chances for broad views anyway. The seasonal waterfalls on the many stream crossings provide a picturesque respite. You won't see much of Herman Creek itself, but a worthy goal for a day hike is the point where the trail reaches the East Fork of Herman Creek near Cedar Swamp Camp. Large old-growth Douglas-firs and western red-cedars, especially in the upper reaches, are another feature of this hike, and the trail offers an impressive variety of wildflower blooms in the spring and summer. The area was severely impacted by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, and for the first five and a half miles, until just before Whisky Creek, you'll be experiencing the aftermath of the blaze. There were only a few small areas of crown fire along the trail, but most of the ground cover was burned and is now regenerating from its roots. The creek is named after James H. Herman, an early settler near Cascade Locks. The original plans for the Herman Creek Trail, dated 1913, are still in the care of the Mt. Hood National Forest. The trail was constructed around 1915 as one of the few primary trails (less than 12% grade) of the time. There are several destinations along the Herman Creek Trail where you can turn around if you don't want to hike all the way to the East Fork of Herman Creek: The path drops from the trailhead, but then switchbacks up twice before traversing. There are two more switchbacks in shady big-leaf maple, hemlock, Douglas-fir woods. Reach the powerline corridor and cross it, heading up to the right to reenter the woods. Here, you'll begin to see the effects of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, with the understory burned away but slowly recovering and the conifer canopy mostly intact. The path winds through an area of large, moss-covered boulders, and then passes an old f
Trail Stats
0.0 km
905 m
891 m
0 m
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Photos
400px-HermanCreekMap
400px-HermanCreekMap
160px-CedarSwamp1
160px-CedarSwamp1
160px-CaseyCreekLoop1
160px-CaseyCreekLoop1
250px-Looking_back_to_Mullinix_Creek%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-Looking_back_to_Mullinix_Creek%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-Rosy_plectritis%2C_Herman_Creek
250px-Rosy_plectritis%2C_Herman_Creek
250px-Poison_oak%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-Poison_oak%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-Scorched_gully%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-Scorched_gully%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
400px-Whisky_Creek_on_the_Herman_Creek_Trail
400px-Whisky_Creek_on_the_Herman_Creek_Trail