Rock of Ages Loop Hike

Overview

NOTICE: This route is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Please check the list of Columbia Gorge trail closures before you plan for a hike. Rock of Ages and Saint Peter's Dome are two large rock formations standing like Roman soldiers guarding Yeon Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge. While there is no well-worn trail down to either of the formations themselves, the Rock of Ages hike offers some unique perspectives these basaltic domes, while taking you to three lesser-known but worthwhile viewpoints in the Gorge. This is a primitive, but well-worn trail along a steep, non-maintained path. Parts of the hike are scrambles with some exposure and hikers should be cautioned in less than optimum weather conditions. At about a 1000ft/mile the first stretch of this hike rivals any in the Gorge in terms of difficulty. The hike begins at Horsetail Falls Trailhead. Start up Horsetail Falls Trail #438, which gains about 300 feet in five switchbacks. Soon the trail levels out with some great viewpoints then veers south (left) sharply as it wraps around a corner and heads into the gorge at the top of Horsetail Falls. Just after this bend, and before hitting Ponytail Falls, watch for a large tree on your left that looks to have been hurdled by a thousand root-clinging children. This is the Rock of Ages Trail Junction and the start of the primitive Rock of Ages trail. About 50 feet uptrail watch for a cryptic "Trail Not Maintained" sign. Since the Rock of Ages Trail is not maintained, prepare for blowdowns and loose rock on this very steep trail. Make no mistake, this puppy is steep. It can also be really slick if it's wet. You'll be climbing hand over foot in places, so watch that you don't grab any of the poison oak common to this area. Within the first 1/10 mile you'll see an overgrown side-path to the right. The side path is a worthwhile diversion, descending steeply for 50 yards or so to the top of Ponytail Falls. It's a bit of extra work, but since you're here, it's wor

Trail Stats

Photos

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