2.2 hr
Overview
Work began in the mid 1970s to link up low level existing or abandoned trails in the western Columbia River Gorge between Multnomah Falls and Wyeth. However, the planners decided that the Angels Rest Trail was a worthy western section, given its outstanding features, and that trail now doubles as part of the Gorge Trail #400. In fact, much of the route already existed, with a few new connector sections added, the longest being between Herman Creek and Wyeth. This was also the last section to be completed, in the early 1990s. One part of the Gorge Trail has also disappeared since construction: the first mile of the route leading out of Dodson to join the Nesmith Point Trail was swept away in massive debris washouts during the February 1996 pineapple express weather event, thus leaving 2 1/4 miles of road between trail sections. By far the greatest elevation gain is experienced in the very first section, the 1,400-foot rise to Angels Rest. This first section is also the farthest from the freeway, which can be a constant companion along some sections. Other sections that are a little more distant from civilization include the Pacific Crest Trail section (Cascade Locks to Herman Creek) and the Herman Creek to Wyeth section, where the trail also forms the northern boundary of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The trail offers views from a few vantage points (again, the best are at the beginning), and you do get to visit several of the Gorge's famous waterfalls, stare up at imposing basalt ramparts, and cross numerous burbling creeks. Bear in mind that since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, the affected areas of the Columbia River Gorge have been prone to winter slides and washouts. In addition, the fire burned intensely along many parts of the Gorge Trail #400, and without a canopy providing shade, some less hiked sections have become extremely brushy. Very few people have been tempted to hike the Gorge Trail as an overnight backpack, but it could be done in one day by practiced distance hikers or runners. There's a cam
Trail Stats
0.0 km
662 m
565 m
0 m
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Photos
600px-GorgeTrailTannerCreekWyethMap
600px-GorgeTrailTannerCreekWyethMap
600px-GorgeTrailAngelsRestTannerCreekMap
600px-GorgeTrailAngelsRestTannerCreekMap
250px-HermanWyeth2
250px-HermanWyeth2
250px-Herman_Creek_Camp%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-Herman_Creek_Camp%2C_Herman_Creek_Trail
250px-The_Herman_Creek_Bridge%2C_Herman_Bridge_Trail
250px-The_Herman_Creek_Bridge%2C_Herman_Bridge_Trail
250px-DryCreek03
250px-DryCreek03
250px-Dry_Creek%2C_Dry_Creek_Road
250px-Dry_Creek%2C_Dry_Creek_Road
250px-Vine_maple_flowers%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Vine_maple_flowers%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Ruckel_Creek_Falls%2C_Ruckel_Creek
250px-Ruckel_Creek_Falls%2C_Ruckel_Creek
250px-Bonneville_Dam%2C_Table_and_Greenleaf%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Bonneville_Dam%2C_Table_and_Greenleaf%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Coho%2C_Eagle_Creek
250px-Coho%2C_Eagle_Creek
160px-ElowahFalls1
160px-ElowahFalls1
250px-Sign_at_west_junction%2C_Ainsworth_Loop
250px-Sign_at_west_junction%2C_Ainsworth_Loop
250px-Behind_Ponytail_Falls%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Behind_Ponytail_Falls%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-View_to_Hamilton_Mountain%2C_Oneonta_Bluff
250px-View_to_Hamilton_Mountain%2C_Oneonta_Bluff
250px-Oneonta_Bridge_at_Middle_Oneonta_Falls%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Oneonta_Bridge_at_Middle_Oneonta_Falls%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Indian_plums%2C_Oneonta_Gorge%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Indian_plums%2C_Oneonta_Gorge%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Archer_Mountain_from_the_Gorge_Trail
250px-Archer_Mountain_from_the_Gorge_Trail
250px-Orange_honeysuckle%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Orange_honeysuckle%2C_Gorge_Trail
250px-Looking_west_from_Angels_Rest
250px-Looking_west_from_Angels_Rest
250px-Descending_the_Angels_Rest_Trail
250px-Descending_the_Angels_Rest_Trail
250px-Coopey_Creek%2C_Angels_Rest_Trail
250px-Coopey_Creek%2C_Angels_Rest_Trail
400px-Ecola1
400px-Ecola1
TKO put tools to trail here.png
TKO put tools to trail here.png