Hike down the slope to pay your respects at the grave of visionary builder and eccentric Sam Hill without whom you wouldnt be standing there, contemplating the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge. Elevation Gain: 1,060. : No Dogs Allowed? Whether youre fishing for salmon in the Columbia River, trout on the White Salmon, sturgeon near the Bonneville Dam or steelhead at Wind River, youre bound to find a good spot on the Washington side of the gorge, home of lakes, rivers and fish-friendly parks all over. The 25 Best Hikes in Washington State (Helpful Guide + Map) Listed at 213 feet high, Elowah Falls is considered one of the tallest waterfalls in the Gorge, reason alone to visit. Turn left and drive 3.4 miles to the ranch house. The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. Oregon & Washington Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge Just across state Highway 14 is the diverse Hamilton Mountain Trail, known for cool waterfalls, beautiful vistas and challenging ups-and-downs that link with further trail networks. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act, Multnomah Falls to Larch Mountain via Oneonta Trail, Steigerwald Floodplain Restoration Project. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Columbia River Gorge has some of the most incredible and breathtaking hiking trails in the world. Explore Gorge washington side - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Share them in the comments section below. With towering granite peaks, forests, meadows, wildflowers, and of course the beautiful mountain lake surrounded by granite that reaches for the sky, this short hike is easily a classic and should be on your must-hike list. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Some would say its not worth going, but the five-mile out-and-back along a historic wagon road features carpets of wildflowers below huge sculptural oaks, Tkach said. The hike starts at the Starvation Creek Trailhead, youll pass some pretty waterfalls (Cabin Creek, Lancaster) and alternate between shady, thick forests, open glades and burned stands. The scenery: The upper mountain is known for spectacular wildflower blooms in mid to late May (so if you miss the ones at Dalles Mountain, you can still see these). The governor balked at the gift, so the same offer went to Oregon, which was eager to accept. I spent most of my high school and college years exploring the area on the weekends. PDF Summits in the Gorge - Washington Trails Association Youll also see Lake Celilo, backed up behind the Dalles Dam, and out to the smooth, rolling ranks of the Columbia Hills. And the views from the top will take your breath away more than the climb. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. East of Lyle, a gravel parking lot gets you into the Lyle Cherry Orchard. The work: Nine miles round trip from S.R. > Plan your visit to Blue Lake using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- Mount Baker AreaLength: 7.5 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 2,200 feetHighest Point: 5,450 feetBest Season: Late summer - fall. The area is semi-arid and offers pronounced features such as naked rock outcroppings. Me too! By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our. Washington Gorge Hikes | List | AllTrails Five hikes on Washington side of Columbia gorge - oregonlive Dress warmly in spring. One of the many reasons this is one of the best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Henry Biddle bought Beacon Rock in 1915 for $1 and spent three years installing those stairs. > Plan your visit to Mount Misery using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Selkirk RangeLength:44 miles, one-wayElevation Gain:8,000 feetHighest Point: 7,140feetBest Season:June - October. Kat Dierickx | 04.03.2015. The Goat Rocks Wilderness is a beauty, and this less-traveled access point is a great way to explore the area for yourself. All this to say, I know the area like the back of my hand and can easily rattle off a list of the best Columbia Gorge hiking trails because Ive hiked most of firsthand. 31.6 miles from The Gorge Amphitheatre. > Plan your visit to Lyle Cherry Orchard using WTA's Hiking Guide. Continue until you reach the summer where you can park yourself at the various viewpoints. You can expect one (short) email per month. Were seeing all that pressure cross the river and cause more than just congestion issues, but real safety issues at trailheads, said Renee Tkach, a project manager with Friends of the Columbia Gorge. Try Tuesday through Thursday rather than Saturday or Sunday. The miners who originally constructed it had little time for switchback or nicely graded trails. Many maps are incomplete; many parking areas and trailheads are easy to miss. Day hike it or backpack here in late summer or fall, when it really shows off the best of autumn foliage. Then, leave the Gorge behind and head north about 25 miles, through Goldendale, to Brooks Memorial State Park. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The tiered cliffs of Cape Horn, the riverfront basalt wall forming the southeastern foot of Mount Zion, serves as an unforgettable gateway to the western reach of the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side. Turn left into the park and drive 0.3 mile north to the trailhead. The defining vibe of the Columbia Gorge is sprawling grandeur, with the huge river muscling between soaring (and often mist-scrawled) cliffs. Skamania County is running weekend shuttles there. This was their first hike in the Columbia River Gorge as well. Full list of hikes [ show] Snoqualmie Region Snoqualmie is the region just Southeast of downtown Seattle. Popular Hikes - Columbia River Gorge Photo by dbaile16. > Plan your visit to Hoh Rainforest using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Olympic Peninsula PacificCoastLength: 4 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: minimalBest Season: Year-round. Let us help you find the best Columbia Gorge hike for your next adventure. This list was prepared by Friends' Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Renee Tkach, a seasoned hiker and Gorge resident. Washington side of gorge | List | AllTrails The huge basaltic alcove Elowah Falls commands (which practically glowing green with lichen! Columbia Hills State Park is both beautiful and historically significant, with relics of ancient tribal petroglyphs and old West wagon trains, not to mention 12.4 miles of beautiful hiking trails through the hills of the eastern gorge. Indeed, every inch of the trail treats hikers to the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, which is why this is consider one of the best hikes in the Columbia Gorge. The Cape Horn Loop is a 7-mile trek offering sweeping views of the western edge of the gorge, and it's stunning in any season. The work: 7.5-mile loop; 2,000 foot gain. Please contact me if you find them! This easy 2-mile Columbia Gorge hiking loop is perched above a clifftop plateau, offering striking views of the sculptural masterpiece that is the Columbia River Gorge. How did we choose these twenty out of the hundreds of incredible trails? The Hamilton Mountain trail in the Columbia Gorge has it all. This long, arduous hikeone of the most challenging Columbia Gorge hikes, mind youattains the 3,417-foot summit from the Bonneville Trailhead. This popular Columbia Gorge hiking trail was originally built by Henry Biddle, who purchased Beacon Rock a few years before to save it from quarrying and development. Whether you've just moved to Washington state or you just want to show off Washington's stellar hiking trails to your out-of-state visitors, this list of hikes shows off some of Washington's best trail diversity. Latourell Falls is the closest Columbia Gorge waterfall to Portland, which makes it one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge. But remember that the Columbia River marks the boundary between Washington and Oregon in this area and Vancouver is just a five-minute drive across the bridge from Portland, Oregon. The Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 damaged most of the Oregon trails in the Columbia River Gorge, says a statement from Washington State Parks. There is a Washington side to the gorge, as well as an Oregon side. This easy-to-miss area is a gem of historic interest. Enter dates to see prices. On the west side of the Klickitat River is the short, universal-access Balfour-Klickitat Loop, a great place to watch birds. If you're ready to bundle up for a Gorge trek but wish to avoid crowded trailheads and overly cozy trail experiences, check out these less famous hikes that offer plenty of scenery and austere appeal during the winter months. Its quiet and the price is excellent and affordable. The Cascade Mountains run from Canada, then south through Washington and into Oregon. Columbia River Gorge - The Seven Wonders of Washington State Mt. It's also home to the first full-service state park on the drive east down State Route 14. Besides that showstopping plummet of Multnomah Creek (down an amazing stack of basalt layers), youll also get to to experience lesser-visited (but still lovely) waterfalls. This is always a great place to stay it's very clean no smoking and never any problems in the staff is great. This challenging yet rewarding hike is known for the brilliant gold colors of western larches. Extend your visit by hopping east to pick up a brochure and stroll the self-guided tour around the vanished town of Cascades and the Fort Cascades site. The parking lot is small; the flat, gravel trail crosses wetlands offers great wildlife viewing and birding and interpretive panels and art. Naturally, hikers and bikers have been creating informal trails. The fullloop provides fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge, an intimate look at the Cape Horn Falls and a challenging workout as it climbs and descends the rocky slopes of Cape Horn. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. A four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. That makes 2018 the trails 100th anniversary. It's the most convenient area to hike from Seattle and therefore home to some of the busiest hikes in Seattle. Two hikes are on the Washington side, and the other two are easily accessible on the shadier, cooler Oregon side. Beacon Rock, an 848-foot-tall basalt monolith, is the aptly-named beacon of the Washington side of the gorge. We're incredibly lucky to share this area with Oregon, and in fact, some of the gorge's best hikes can be found on the Washington side. Alas, unless you arrive here early, youll find it one of the most overrun spots in the Gorge. The name is historical and you wont find many cherry trees here but you will find a beautiful scrub-oak savannah. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Dog Mountain Dog Mountain Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA 45.6993, -121.7066 Map & Directions Length 6.0 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain 2,800 feet Highest Point 2,948 feet Calculated Difficulty Hard The views from Puppy Lookout on Dog Mountain trail are incredible. Brooks also offers tent camping, cabins and an education center. Hike an iconic section of the PCT north of Snoqualmie Pass. The scenery: Beacon Rock State Park, 4,650 acres, is named after the famous riverside monolith noted as the head of tidewater by the Lewis and Clark expedition. Here are four trails that offer great late-autumn hikes before the snow comesor even in spring, after it melts off. > Plan your visit to Naches Peak using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Mount Rainier Area NE - Sunrise/White RiverLength:9.0 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,500 feetHighest Point:7,828 feetBest Season:Mid-July - October. > Plan your visit to Harry's Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: South Cascades Mount Adams AreaLength:10.25 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,875 feetHighest Point: 5,230 feetBest Season:July - October. Flat-topped Table Mountain (which can appear more pyramidal depending on the angle) stands among the most commanding peaks of all the trails on the Washington side of the Columbia River. The trail: From the parking lot, take either the high or low paved paths. You wont be graced with thick forests and soft ferns, but what this trail lacks in greenery it makes up for in cool rock formations. The divide is so stark, its easy to forget that there are two sides of the river. Given the Eagle Creek fire, officials have gotten serious about limiting access. From cascading waterfalls to steep cliff sides and dense forests, the natural wonders of this hike span the gamut. So yeah, Table Mountain is one of the most challenging hikes in the Columbia Gorge, but damn those views are worth the effort. #1. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. > Plan your visit to Steamboat Rock using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location:Central Washington -- Tri-CitiesLength:variesElevation Gain:variesHighest Point:900 feetBest Season:spring and fall. Pity hikers who live in Seattle and Spokane. Columbia River Gorge Washington: Road Trip on the Less-Traveled Side 327 reviews. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. 138 reviews. Five best hikes on Washington side of Columbia River Gorge This is a trail to save until August or September. July 23, 2023 Hiking. Washington Hikes Near the Gorge | List | AllTrails The trail: Walk the paved road back to State Route 14, then go west on the abandoned road above the highway. Sitting at the riverbank and offering unparalleled panoramic views from the top, if youre up for a hearty challenge, hike to the summit. For whatever reason, Multnomah Falls is sometimes credited as the second-tallest waterfall in the country (which isnt true, Hawaii takes the cake in that department). Photo by Kahrin. Representing a very different character: tucked-away, shadowy, and intimate theres a mystical vibe to this trail few can resist. (For a longer walking option, check out the Klickitat River Trail on the opposite bank of the river; you'll need to cross the State Route 14 bridge. There are plenty of trails to choose from across the park. To get there, turn into the hamlet of North Bonneville and take West Cascade Drive to Portage Drive. The Columbian files, This excellent, recently updated site has everything you need, including maps, detailed hike descriptions and links to transit information. And since this part of the state tends to show the first signs of spring, we thought wed suggest a few hikes you can enjoy as early as April. "The staff are nice and the rooms are clean and presentable, the beds are newer. The trail: There's no way to sugarcoat this muscle burner, especially for out-of-shape spring hikers. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A little east of there you can walk around, or climb up and through, a basalt castle called Horsethief Butte. Best Easy Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge 1. Also try. Suggestive rock outcroppings, access to nude beaches and now this (naked rocks?!). For some reason maybe lots of waterfalls, maybe Multnomah Lodge, maybe groovy towns such as Hood River the Oregon side has always been more popular with hungry adventurers than our side. If curious, Punch Bowl Falls gets its name from the shape of the massive pool formation the falls plunge into. The Columbia Gorge Vista House opened in 1918 as a glamorous rest stop and observatory. It's near impossible to choose just one or two essential Mount Rainier hikes, but make this hike is so well-rounded, it makes the cut. Explore Washington side of gorge - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. For more info go to Cape Horn Conservancy's webpage at http://www.capehorntrail.org/, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Pennsylvania. This is also one of many utterly remarkable waterfall hikes in the Gorge: The tight-walled, magical defile leads to the beautiful, hundred-foot streamer of Oneonta Fallsa heck of a turnaround point. 15 EPIC Hikes in the Columbia Gorge (For All Skill Levels) The trail kicks off with a moderate climb that meanders past a thick forest of Douglas Firs before spitting you out at some power lines (told you this Columbia Gorge hike had it all). While it may look like an easy trek from the moderate elevation gain and length -- it is anything but. The scenery: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has created a short trail through an old homestead overlooking the Columbia and Klickitat rivers just west of Lyle, Wash. Known for its stunning wildflower display come spring and the tough hike up to the top Dog Mountain is one of the most popular spots in the gorge for good reason. A strenuous challenge, even for seasoned mountain bikers, the Syncline is an 11-mile network of dirt roads and steep, single-track trail, with great views of the gorge along narrow passages. In addition, the lower section of the Wyeth Trail is closed because of fire damage. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The roughly 90 mile long canyon cuts . Against a backdrop of blue autumn sky and the magnificent peaks of the Cascades, they are a dazzling sightand, There is something incredibly magical about the, . While the larches here turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, we recommend visiting this trail in the summer to avoid full parking lots and congestion. A great gateway eminence on the western side of the Columbia Gorge, Angels Rest offers a stunning bare-rock promontory some 1,500 feet above river level. While this trail makes for an excellent thru-hike, it can also be be easily split into smaller chunks for a day hike or overnight. Its true, to find them sometimes you already have to know about them, Lipman said. Register in advance by phone at 509-439-9032 or 509-773-3145. Regardless of the stats, this is one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia Gorge. Most of the Columbia River Gorge's waterfalls are located on the Oregon side, but not this beauty. The high-traffic Multnomah Falls Recreation Area is currently in a limited reopening due to the social distancing measures enacted by local and state health officials. . The Little Moab and Little Maui trails in the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side, also popular among mountain bikers, provide an up-close look at a remarkable the east-side most notable landmark. All the links are from previous reports by me, except for the "more info" section at the end. More info for all: Washington State Parks, 360-902-8844, parks.wa.gov; Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, 541-308-1700, fs.usda.gov/crgnsa. Photo by trip reporter ZhuckYu. Augspurger Mountain, WA Expert: 12.5 miles | 4400 ft. Balfour-Klickitat Loop, WA Easy: 0.75 miles | 150 ft. Beacon Rock, WA Easy: 1.8 miles | 680 ft. Benson Plateau Loop, OR Expert: 16.2 miles | 4080 ft. Washington has fewer waterfalls than the Oregon side, but this trail passes the spectacular Pool of the Winds. Any time of year is a good time for Dog Mountain, just make sure you get there early in the day to find parking. Klickitat River: Join this long-distance trail, converted from a rail line, at the Lyle trailhead, on the south side of S.R. So if youre looking to shake things up after visiting the most forested hiking trails in the Columbia Gorge, I suggest trying your hand (hiking boots?) River to Rock: The Washington sides most famous site must be Beacon Rock, with its safe-but-vertiginous 848-foot, 52-switchback clamber up fenced-off stairs. This hunk of rock in Banks Lake is a distinct example of massive Ice Age floods 15,000 years ago. The start of the show the Rowena Plateau immerses you in almost dreamlike beauty, especially in the spring months. Unless youre very careful, she said, you risk getting towed or worse. One of the most stunning peaks in the gorge, Table Mountain is as treacherous as it is lovely, rising more than 3,400 feet high with steep drop-offs and nerve-wracking climbs. > Plan your visit to Gothic Basin using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Snoqualmie Region Snoqualmie PassLength: 12.0miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,600 feetHighest Point: 5,400 feetBest Season:Late July - September. : 7.5 miles, roundtrip: 2,400 feet. Phlox, penstemon, lupine, bistort, larkspur and more greet hikers here. For a whole different exploration experience, wander its delightfully odd collection of modern art and other treasures; enjoy lunch, local wine and staggering Gorge views from the outdoor patio. Explore one of 4 easy hiking trails in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that are great for the whole family. The trail is ideal for a short hike, or for those with mobility issues. Shamed by the prospect of an Oregon park on the Washington side, Biddles gift was finally accepted by this state. The 1,049-acre refuge was first established in 1987, but didn't get trails until 2009. The trail uses portions of the Tamanous, Pacific Crest, and West Table Mountain trails. The Plateau Trail is part of the Tom McCall Preserve (a 230-acre area open to the public from March 1st through October 31st). Faded petroglyphs mark some of Horsethief Buttes rocks, testament to the longtime indigenous use of this eastern portal of the Gorge. It is a popular rest stop along the Crown Point State Scenic Corridor. Multnomah Falls is certainly beautiful and shouldn't be overlooked when visiting the Columbia River Gorge for the first time - butgiven the recent wildfire activity on the Oregon side of the Gorge, these go-to falls (and many more) will be inaccessible for the indefinite future. 15 EPIC Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge - EMBRACE SOMEPLACE Photo by trip reporter Mountain_Vagabond. But taking this semi-rigorous five-mile loop, which includes stretches of trails on Larch Mountain, Wahkeena Falls, and Return trails, allows you to ditch at least some of the crowds. Portland and Seattle on the Washington side in 1908. > Plan your visit to Kettle Crest using WTA's Hiking Guide, Washington Trails Association This easy Columbia Gorge hike lives up to to the hype, even with the charred tattoo of the teenager-caused Eagle Creek Fire of 2017. To make sure of that, leave early and finish up early. Distance: This loop is 6.9 miles. Crowds are all but guaranteed during the spring months, but damn those wildflowers are something else. Yes. James United States of America. Do you have a favorite spring trail in Washington? Without further ado, allow me to share my personal list of the best hikes in the Columbia Gorge for all skill levels. This little-known gem of a hike on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge offers spectacular views of the Columbia River, amazing spring wildflowers and an old garry oak forest of gnarled old trees. While most tourists stop off at Beacon Rock, those seeking more adventure can drive up to the nearby Hamilton Mountain Trailhead instead, where a 7.5-mile hike will lead you along a breathtaking trail with great views of the Oregon side of the gorge to the south, the Bonneville Dam east and the Cascade Range once you make it to the top. During those months you can do an out-and-back walk instead of a loop. I don't accept sponsorships to ensure that the information we share is unbiased and honest. Located in Harker Heights,TX, the Best Western Harker Heights is sure to provide a peaceful and comforting home away from home for any traveler. State parks says the trail is open for public use.). Each Best Western hotel provides free internet access, giving guests the opportunity to check emails and surf the web, all from the comforts of their room or the business center. The beautiful resort and spa is nestled into the woods outside North Bonneville, built at a hot springs used by local tribes for thousands of years before settlers established a series of hotels and spas at the site. Shamed by the prospect of an Oregon park on the Washington side, Biddles gift was finally accepted by this state. And since this part of the state tends to show the first signs of spring, we thought we'd suggest a few hikes you can enjoy as early as April. > Plan your visit to Horseshoe Basin using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20Length:4.4 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:1,050 feetHighest Point: 6,254 feetBest Season:July - September. They eventually join and loop to an oak-shaded picnic spot over the Klickitat River. Photo by trip reporter mytho-man. This Columbia Gorge hiking trail takes you down a scenic tour of the Columbia River. Blue Lake Location: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 Length: 4.4 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet Highest Point: 6,254 feet Best Season: July - September Blue Lake. At this point you may be wondering about this cheeky gorge of ours. Also try www.columbiagorgecarfree.com, Washington State Parks:parks.state.wa.us, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (U.S. Forest Service):www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/crgnsa. . 21 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge We've broken down the hikes into three categories: Easy, Moderate, and Difficult. . Take this trail 1.1 mile to rejoin the main trail near Rodney Falls. The views stretch past Columbia Gorge ramparts such as Shellrock, Wind, Dog, and Table mountains beyond to the great snow-capped peaks of Mounts Hood, St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams. When Biddle learned that the Army Corps of Engineers wanted to seize and destroy the rock for gravel, he offered it to the state as a park. AllTrails has 68 great trails for hiking, birding, and walking and more. Locals Tip: Rowena Plateauis one of the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge. Rest your legs and enjoy the views before continuing the ascent up. Location: Hudson Mileage: 1.4-mile loop trail Difficulty: Moderate FYI: Popular hiking and running area, expect crowds. Explore the most popular trails in my list Washington Gorge Hikes with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Rugged hikers and rock . Multnomah Falls is certainly beautiful and shouldn't be overlooked when visiting the Columbia River Gorge for the first time - but given the recent wildfire activity on the Oregon side of the Gorge, these go-to falls (and many more) will be inaccessible for the indefinite future.