Crazy views up and down the gorge, thick forest, open meadow, and rockslides. This hike is a doozy!
You can do this hike in two parts (upper and lower) or one big loop - although the lower portion is closed Feb- July (for nesting peregrine falcons!)
The upper half starts with some amazing views out into the Washington forest, with wild blackberries growing alongside the path and critters in the brush (we saw three snakes!)
Then the trail veers toward the gorge, leading to two outcroppings with jaw-dropping views across and down the river. Pioneer Point looks East...
...and Fallen Tree Viewpoint looks West!
After heading back into the forest for a while you'll come to a road and a wide clearing. Cross the road and walk through the clearing and you'll arrive at Nancy Russel Viewpoint, a large stone amphitheater overlooking the Columbia. This is a good spot to rest or turn back if the lower portion is closed.
If you go onto the lower portion you'll catch some more great views, a waterfall, and a rockslide - just make sure you leave enough time to get back before dark!
We made the mistake of setting out too late, so we were essentially running along the narrow path in the dark, with glimpses of the rushing water jutting down from the cliff every dozen or so feet. Flippin' scary!
The very last part of the lower portion is along a road, which may not be too exciting but it's still nice to look out at the country houses and grazing livestock.
(And it definitely beats falling down the cliff in the dark.)
Distance from Portland: 45 minutes / 31 miles
Length: 6.3 mile loop (or 5.2 mile upper section, 4 mile lower section)
Difficulty: Medium
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