Chetwoot Loop Hike

Overview

NOTICE: As per Oregon State Parks: "The I-84 Exit 58 offramp that leads to Mitchell Point Overlook and Mitchell Point Trailhead will be closed until 2023 while ODOT rebuilds the historic Mitchell Point Tunnel." WARNING: As of 2012, the Chetwood Loop Hike should be considered an off-trail adventure, difficult to follow, in fact, as much of the tread has been obscured due to slides and vegetation regrowth. The "long footbridge" over Perham Creek on the Wygant Trail has also been washed away. There are two serious slides, one above the east bank of Perham Creek and the other near the hanging meadows on the west side. There are also numerous downed trees and dense brush with its fair share of poison oak. The trip begins at the Mitchell Point Trailhead, located at exit 58 on Interstate-84 eastbound. Park at the south end of the large parking area, where a paved path heads into the trees. Take the entry drive downhill until you see a Wygant Trail sign on the left at a gate guarding an abandoned section of the Historic Columbia River Highway. The trail follows the old highway for a quarter mile before a short segment veers off the highway grade to the left, crossing Mitchell Creek on logs. It then curves back to follow another abandoned highway stretch. After nearly a half-mile along this second piece of historic road, the trail leaves the road grade for good, turning left into a dramatic, cliff-lined draw. Poison oak is common here - so take your time, and watch for those "leaves of three". After climbing up the draw and exiting by way of a couple of switchbacks, the trail travels through open Douglas fir forest briefly, then arrives at the east junction with the Chetwoot Loop Trail and a few feet beyond, the edge of Perham Creek canyon. Continue on the Wygant Trail, following a sign that points to Perham Creek, and descend through a grove of gnarled Oregon white oak. Soon, you will enter the shady, green oasis formed by the creek - a sharp contrast to the dry oak savanna on the east canyon wall. Fill your water

Trail Stats

Photos

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300px-Perhamcreek

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300px-WygantTrail03

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